The information below is from the 2009 Pedal the Parkland Ride.  As soon as we have a date and route information for the 2010 ride we will post it out here. Until then please feel free to leave us comments on what you liked and disliked from the 2009 or 2008 Pedal the Parkland rides.

Five distinctive rides will be offered on our 2nd Annual Pedal the Parkland ride.  Pedal with us on country roads through some of Missouri’s most beautiful  State Parks painted in fall colors.

Come join us on a 100 mile ride to the Top of Missouri at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, 62 mile endurance ride, a 32 mile challenge, a 12  mile mosey, or a 15 mile off-road mountain bike scramble in the beautiful St. Francois Hills in southeast Missouri.  All rides begin with an 8 am. mass start at Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Missouri and return.  A BBQ lunch will be served for all ride participants.  SAG support on all routes.

Proceeds to benefit the

Alzheimer’s Association

and the Park Hills-Leadington Chamber of Commerce

Pedal the Parkland Routes:

The 12 mile mosey starts at the College parking lot, enters HWY 32 until the exit at Missouri Mines State Historic Park where you will then enter St. Joe State Park bicycle trail. There will be a waterin’ hole in the park with refreshments.  This route then returns to the college.

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The 32 mile challenge follows the 12 mile mosey along HWY 32 but continues to County Road B with pastoral landscapes and colorful fall foliage. After a climb up Loughborough hill enjoy a  waterin’ hole at The Cowgirl Cafe.  Then return via a different route to St. Joe State Park for another waterin’ hole with refreshments and return to the college.

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The 62 mile route follows the 32 mile challenge to the Cowgirl Cafe Waterin’ Hole them contines on into Iron County to Elephant Rocks State Park for another waterin’ hole.  The route then returns to St. Joe State Park to the bicycle trail and back to the college.

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The Top of Missouri ride will be 100 miles to the highest point in Missouri, Taum Sauk Mountain. The ride starts at the college parking lot and follows HWY 32 for a short distance, turns onto County Road B with pastoral landscapes, Missouri hills, and small towns.  After a waterin’ hole rest at The Cowgirl Cafe, the route continues into Iron County to Elephant Rocks State Park then travels  14 miles on HWY 21 to Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.  The ride then returns to St. Joe State Park for refreshments and back to the college with a loop around the bike trail.

note: There are 1.2 miles of gravel/dirt road on Taum Sauk Mountain.  We have mountain bikes available to ride to the highest point.  There will be SAG support, but be aware that roadbike tires are not recommended.

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Canceled Due To Trail Conditions

The 15 mile off-road mountain bike scramble will follow the 12 mile mosey into St. Joe State Park by way of the Missouri Mines State Historic Park but will then exit the paved trail into the mine area. This route will have challenging hills, single track, creek crossings, rock gardens, sand traps and historical mine artifacts.  There will be SAG support but be aware that support is difficult on off-road routes.  Being self-supported is good common sense.  There will be a waterin’ hole with refreshments.

Additional Information:

* Early packet pick-up will be Friday, October 9 at St. Francois Vineyards from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.  www.stfrancoiswinery.com
* Packets can be picked up the day of the ride beginning at 7am at Mineral Area College.

* Helmets must be worn by all participants.
* This is a ride,not a race.  Plan on riding at a rate approximate to your training.

* SAG support will be available until 6pm

* BBQ lunch will be served at Mineral Area College from 10am-2pm.  Additional lunches may be purchased for $7 on the day of the ride

* Showers will be available, Please bring a towel.

St. Joe State Park

HOTELS:

Days Inn

Super 8 Motel

BICYCLE SHOPS:

Crystal City Cyclery: (636) 937-6201

Cycle Werx: (573)-334-4474

Cape Bicycle: (573) 335-2453