Route Information

The map above is not the exact route. It is an approximation to give you an idea of where we will be riding.

The route this year is on paved surfaces the entire ride.

The information below is just some of the basic information about the route. The mileages for each day are not exact. More information about the route and the activities each day will be listed here as they become available.

This year's route will have more hills than we are used to. The first couple of days and last couple of days aren't too bad but the middle of the week will have some hills. Everyone has their own interpretation as to what "hilly" means. As the route details are finalized, we will try to put up more information about how hilly each day is.

Saturday, September 6
We start in Hartford, just south of Alton. Come early and enjoy the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site as well as other sites in the area. Camping will be available at the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site. There is no riding today. Feel free to come and enjoy the area and join us for a opening celebration this evening. If you can't make it on Saturday you can wait until Sunday to check-in. Check-in will be from Noon to 5:00PM.

Sunday, September 7
Check-in is from 6:00AM to 10:00AM today. There is no specific start time so feel free to leave at anytime this morning. It is a short riding day so you may want to enjoy some of the sights along the way. We leave the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site and travel to our first destination, Columbia. We will be camping at the Bolm-Schuhkraft Memorial City Park. Today is a short day of riding so enjoy the day. Mileage - 38 miles.

Monday, September 8
Today we travel to Fort de Chartres State Historic Site. Today is another short day so you should have plenty of time to tour the fort. Mileage - 39 miles.

Tuesday, September 9
We travel to Grand Tower today and camp at Devils Backbone Park. The park gets its name from an unusual rock ridge that runs along the Mississippi River. Enjoy a night camping along the river. Mileage - 61 miles.

Wednesday, September 10
Today we travel to Vienna, the southernmost point of our trip. We will camp at the Gambit Golf Club tonight. Mileage - 60 miles.

Thursday, September 11
We travel to Giant City State Park today. Today is the shortest day of the ride but it is also has the most hills. You also have the chance to ride on the beautiful Tunnel Hill State Trail today. It is a crushed limestone trail that was once a railroad line. The trail can add up to an extra 30 miles onto your day but it is not supported by our staff. Mileage - 30 miles.

Friday, September 12
Today we travel to Sparta and the World Shooting and Recreational Complex. Mileage - 67 miles.

Saturday, September 13
We travel back to our beginning point today, the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site. Join us for our closing night celebration. Mileage - 65 miles.