Started by Tom Yarbrough in 1996, the Bicycle Fun Club is now one of the most active bicycle event programs of its type in the nation, serving up to 10,000 recreational bicyclists annually. These rides are held on low traffic, scenic rural roads in Missouri and Illinois, and feature mileage choices. Many rides tied to food and local festivals – part of the FUN is socializing and eating after the ride!
- Equipment: Any kind of safe, working bike and any kind of rider is welcome. Trailers and trail-a-bikes for kids are welcome, but please no training wheels!
- Helmets: Strongly recommended by BFC and required by law in some communities.
- Maps: Route maps are provided to all riders. “Route choices” detail each route including towns and rest stops.
- Road Markings: Pink pavement markings show you which direction to go. At a crossroad, look for a pink dot, 4-6 inches across, and a connected arrow pointing in the correct direction. On the other side of the crossroad look for another pink dot so you know you are going the right way.
- Routes: Mileage for each route is listed. The longer routes branch out from the short route, adding additional miles. The longest route is designed for experienced riders and often has more hills and faster traffic. Trailnet rides provide excellent training for riders building strength for charity and long distance rides.
- Terrain: Flat – small hills usually less than 10 feet. Rolling – frequent hills but only 10-20 feet. Moderate – a mix of hills many 50-150 feet. Very Hilly – many hills over 150 feet.
- Start: This is where the ride starts and finishes. Tickets for the ride will NOT be sold prior to the registration start time. There is no mass start; you can start at your leisure. SAG support is offered until 3 pm. You are welcome to ride later, but after 3 pm you are on your own.
- Ride Fees: Unless noted otherwise the standard one-day ride fees are: $8 for Trailnet Member, $13 for Non-member Adult, $3 for Child under 10 years with an adult.
- Discount Coupons: Visit the ride sponsor for a FREE coupon good for $3 OFF the ride fee. Coupons are limited and available one month prior to the ride.
Download the 2012 ride calendar here.
April 15, 2012 – Dog Prairie Bicycle Ride
Bike Shop Sponsor:
Registration: 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
Start: Holt High School
600 Campus Dr.
Wentzville, MO 63385
Route: 29, 37 or 45 miles
Terrain: Moderately hilly, with a few big hills
Features: Enjoy quiet country roads to St. Paul and a refreshment stop at the Dog Prairie Tavern. Cyclists have been riding here for years for the “down home” atmosphere..
Directions: Take I-70 west toward Wentzville. Take exit 208, Wentzville Parkway/W. Pearce, and go right. Turn right onto W. Pearce Blvd., then left on Campus Dr. and park at the high school.
Fees: $8 Member, $13 Non-member, $3 Child
Download the ride flyer here.
The 2012 Trailnet Bicycle Fun Club season is presented by Solutia.
April 29, 2012 – Spring Chicken Bicycle Ride
Bike Shop Sponsor:
Registration: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
Start: St. Libory City Park
Sparta St. & 1st N St.
St. Libory, IL 62282
Route: 23, 35, or 44 miles
Terrain: Flat to gently rolling, no big hills
Features: It’s an easy pedal on country roads past the freshly planted corn and soybean fields of southwestern Illinois to the quaint communities of Lively Grove and Venedy. The long route visits Addieville and Okawville. After the ride, cyclists can buy a hearty meal at Chicken’s Restaurant.
Directions: From I-64 and IL-4 (exit 23), go south 12 miles to IL-15, turn left and go five miles to St. Libory. Turn left on Lincoln (across from Chicken’s) and right onto 1st N St.
Fees: $8 Member, $13 Non-member, $3 Child
The 2012 Trailnet Bicycle Fun Club season is presented by Solutia.
May 5, 2012 – The Vino Fondo Missouri's Grand Fondo
Presented By:
Registration: Riders will start in the order of registration. Access to the start zone beginning at 8:00 a.m. All riders have to be staged by 8:20 a.m. Late arrivals will be staged in back.
Start/Finish: Mount Pleasant Winery
5634 High St.
Augusta, MO 63332
Route: 26, 52, 87 or 128 miles
Mini Fondo: 26 miles with 2,600 feet of climbing
Midi Fondo: 87 miles from Augusta past Daniel Boone’s home with 5,000+ feet of climbing
Mondo Fondo: 128 miles from Augusta to Hermann and back with 10,000+ feet of climbing. Riders must arrive at Hermann by 2:00 p.m. or be at the base of Schluersburg by 6:00 p.m. or they must abandon the Mondo and be sagged to the finish.
Features: This is a traditional pairing of challenging riding and a tour of some of Missouri’s best and oldest vineyards. It is a fully supported, chip-timed event. All riders will receive overall ride time and their climbing time.
Directions: From I-64 and S. Hwy 94 in Weldon Springs, go southwest on Hwy 94 towards Augusta for 16.5 miles. Turn left on Jackson St. in Augusta, then right onto High St. The parking lot is on the right.
Fees: $85 for individuals and $150 for tandems in advance; day of registration will be $95/$165. There are no refunds, however ride bibs are transferable. Participants must be over 13 years of age. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Trailnet. For more information or to register, visit bigshark.com.
The 2012 Trailnet Bicycle Fun Club season is presented by Solutia.
May 12, 2012 – Tour de Grove Bicycle Ride
Bike Shop Sponsor:
Registration: 8:30 – 10:00 AM.
Start: Commerce Bank (use the lot on the north side)
4070 Papin St.
St. Louis, MO 63110
Route: 18, 33 or 40 miles
Features: Ride some of the most popular cycling routes to and from west St. Louis County on this fun but somewhat challenging ride recommended for experienced cyclists. After the ride, watch the pros compete in the Tour de Grove, part of the Missouri Professional Cycling Series.
Directions: Heading east on I-64/40 toward downtown St. Louis, exit onto Vandeventer (exit 36C). Go right at the stoplight and take an IMMEDIATE right onto Papin St. The Commerce Bank lot will be on your left..
Fees: $8 Member, $13 Non-member, $3 Child
The 2012 Trailnet Bicycle Fun Club season is presented by Solutia.
May 20, 2012 – Berry Bicycle Ride & Strawberry Festival
Bike Shop Sponsor:
Registration: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
Start: Township Park
239 W. Main
St. Jacob, IL 62281
Route: 10, 19, 27, 42 or 54 miles
Terrain: Flat to gently rolling, no big hills
Features: You can have your strawberry shortcake and eat it too on this ride that returns to the annual St. Jacob Strawberry Festival. Enjoy a pleasant pedal through the countryside with several route options for families. The four longer routes visit Highland with a rest stop at the town park.
Directions: From I-55/70 take exit 17 and go east on I-40 for 8 miles to St. Jacob. Turn right on Marine Rd. (Douglas St.) and at the second stop sign turn right on Main. The park is on the left.
Fees: $8 Member, $13 Non-member, $3 Child
Fee includes a serving of strawberry shortcake!
In Partnership With: Schnucks-Driscoll’s
In memory of Glenn Hoffmeister
The 2012 Trailnet Bicycle Fun Club season is presented by Solutia.
May 28, 2012 – The Great Pizza Bicycle Ride
Bike Shop Sponsor:
Registration: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
Start: Millstadt City Park
300 W. Parkview
Millstadt, IL 62260
Route: 18, 36 or 53 miles
Terrain: Flat to rolling, with some big hills
Features: This is a classic Memorial Day ride on quiet country roads across the Illinois prairie. After the ride, visit Breadeaux Pizza for all-you-can-eat pizza and drinks for an additional charge.
Directions: At IL-158 (Washington Ave.) and IL-163 (Jefferson St.) in Millstadt, go north on IL-163 for two blocks. The park is on the left.
Fees: $8 Member, $13 Non-member, $3 Child
The 2012 Trailnet Bicycle Fun Club season is presented by Solutia.
June 3, 2012 – Tour of the Little Hills Bicycle Ride
Sponsored By:
Registration: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
Start: Foundry Art Centre
520 N. Main St.
St. Charles, MO 63301
Route: 22, 47 or 62 miles
Terrain: Moderately hilly with a few big hills
Features: This urban ride celebrating National Trails Day is recommended for experienced cyclists and climbs the “little hills” of St. Charles. After the ride, visit the fine arts gallery in the Foundry Art Centre.
Directions: From I-70 in St. Charles, take the 5th St. exit. Go north on 5th St. for 1.2 miles to Clark St. (MO-94). Turn right and go four blocks to Riverside Dr. The Foundry Art Centre will be on your left.
Fees: $8 Member, $13 Non-member, $3 Child
The 2012 Trailnet Bicycle Fun Club season is presented by Solutia.
June 9, 2012 – Route 66 Bicycle Ride
Bike Shop Sponsor:
Registration: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
Start: Cassens Transport Company
145 N. Kansas St.
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Route: 9, 26, 40 or 70 miles
Terrain: Flat to rolling with no big hills
Features: Get your kicks on this pleasant ride that takes cyclists to some of the most scenic parts of Route 66. After the ride, enjoy the Route 66 Festival in City Park.
Directions: Take I-55/70 in IL to I-255 North, then 6 miles to I-270 East. Go north on IL-157 into Edwardsville. Turn left on Kansas St. and park in the lot on the left.
Fees: $8 Member, $13 Non-member, $3 Child
The 2012 Trailnet Bicycle Fun Club season is presented by Solutia.
June 24, 2012 – Bridge Birthday Bash and Bicycle Ride
Bike Shop Sponsor:
Registration: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
Start: Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
10950 Riverview Drive
St. Louis, MO 63137
Route: 23, 30, 49 or 62 miles
Terrain: Flat to rolling, no big hills
Features: Celebrate the 83rd birthday of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge with a scenic ride in Madison County, IL. Return to the bridge for the Birthday Bash featuring brews, blues, cake and ice cream too (while supplies last)!
Directions: Exit I-270 at Riverview Dr. and go south 100 yards. The bridge entrance is on your left.
Fees: $8 Member, $13 Non-member, $3 Child
Sponsored By: The Confluence Partnership
In Partnership With: St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU, The Saint Louis Brewery and Schlafly Beer
The 2012 Trailnet Bicycle Fun Club season is presented by Solutia.
July 1, 2012 – Bike St. Louis City Tour
Bike Shop Sponsor:
Registration: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
Start: Anheuser-Busch InBev
One Busch Place
St. Louis, MO 63118
Route: 23, 29 or 36 miles
Terrain: Flat to rolling with some moderate hills
Features: Pedal the Bike St. Louis route, a Great Rivers Greenway project, on this urban ride that features some of St. Louis’s most distinctive neighborhoods and destinations including Soulard, Lafayette Park, Tower Grove Park, and the Central West End. The route also includes a stop at the Velodrome — take a spin if you dare! This urban ride is recommended for experienced cyclists.
Directions: From downtown St. Louis take I-55 South, exit at Arsenal St. (exit 206C) and go left. At S. Broadway turn left, and then left on Lynch St. The parking lot is on your left.
Fees: $8 Member, $13 Non-member, $3 Child
Sponsored By: Great Rivers Greenway
The 2012 Trailnet Bicycle Fun Club season is presented by Solutia.
July 15, 2012 – Lewis & Clark "Departure Days" Bicycle Ride
Bike Shop Sponsor:
Registration: 7:30 – 9:00 AM
Start: Riverfront Park
#1 Riverfront Dr.
Alton, IL 62002
Route: 18, 38 or 52 miles
Terrain: Flat to rolling with some moderate hills on longer routes
Features: Pedal alongside the river route taken by Lewis and Clark. Stop by the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower (and take a trip to the top for an additional $3 charge). The routes are on a combination of roads and trails..
Directions: From St. Louis take I-70 east to IL-159, go south .9 miles. Turn right onto Camelot Dr. and the school is on the left. Parking is also available at the elementary school next to it.
Fees: $8 Member, $13 Non-member, $3 Child
The 2012 Trailnet Bicycle Fun Club season is presented by Solutia.
July 22, 2012 – Belle Bottom Bicycle Ride
Bike Shop Sponsor:
Registration: 7:30 – 9:00 AM
Start: Veterans Memorial Park
2577 Redman Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63136
Route:Directions:From I-270 in north county take exit 30 at New Halls Ferry Rd. The ramp becomes Pershall Rd. Continue on Pershall Rd. to Old Halls Ferry Rd. and go left. Take a right on Redman Ave. and go one mile. Take a left on Jerries Ln.
Fees: $8 Member, $13 Non-member, $3 Child
Sponsored By: Great Rivers Greenway
In Partnership With: Missouri Department of Conservation, St. Louis County Parks
The 2012 Trailnet Bicycle Fun Club season is presented by Solutia.
July 29, 2012 – Peach Pedal Bicycle Ride
Bike Shop Sponsor:
Registration: 7:30 – 9:00 AM
Start: Mills Apple Farm
11477 Pocahontas Rd.
Marine, IL 62061
Route: 22, 32, 38 or 53 miles
Terrain: Flat to gently rolling, no big hills
Features: Take this pleasant pedal along orchard rows and through the countryside. Then return to the farm where you can purchase orchard fresh fruit, pies fresh from the oven and other baked treats.
Directions: From IL-4 and IL-143 go east on IL-143 to Marine. Go left on N. Duncan St. then right onto Pocahontas Rd. and follow to Mills Apple Farm.
Fees: $8 Member, $13 Non-member, $3 Child
The 2012 Trailnet Bicycle Fun Club season is presented by Solutia.
August 5, 2012 – Fahrradtour Und Augustfest Bicycle Ride
Bike Shop Sponsor:
Registration: 7:30 – 9:00 AM
Start: Scheve Park
6th & Harnett Streets
Mascoutah, IL 62258
Route: 16, 29, 41 or 53 miles
Terrain: Flat with some small hills
Features: This is a pleasant pedal through the German-settled countryside. After the ride, enjoy the food, drinks, games and displays that are part of Mascoutah’s annual German Heritage Festival.
Directions: From I-64 and IL-4, go south on IL-4 for 4 miles to Harnett St. Turn right and follow one-half mile to the park. Follow the signs to the “Bike Rider Parking Area.”
Fees: $8 Member, $13 Non-member, $3 Child
The 2012 Trailnet Bicycle Fun Club season is presented by Solutia.
August 12, 2012 – Ice Scream for Ice Cream Bicycle Ride
Bike Shop Sponsor:
Registration: 7:30 – 9:00 AM
Start: The Cyclery and Fitness Center
2472 Troy Road (IL-159)
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Route: 22, 33 or 42 miles
Terrain: Flat to rolling, no big hills
Features: This is a beautiful ride through the country, with a stop at Annie’s Frozen Custard. The routes are on roads and portions of Madison County Transit Trails.
Directions: From I-55/70 take exit 15B and go north on IL-159 for 5.6 miles. Cross Goshen Rd. and The Cyclery is on the right.
Fees: $8 Member, $13 Non-member, $3 Child
The 2012 Trailnet Bicycle Fun Club season is presented by Solutia.
August 26, 2012 – Tour de Wildwood
Brought To You By:
Registration: 7:30 – 9:00 AM
Start: Lafayette High School
17050 Clayton Rd.
Wildwood, MO 63011
Route: 22, 36 or 45 miles
Terrain: Moderately hilly to very hilly, with big hills on all routes
Features: The tour includes a scenic pedal through hilly west St. Louis County. Helmets are required on this ride, which is recommended for experienced cyclists.
Directions: From I-40/64 and MO-340/Clarkson Rd. (exit 19B), turn left onto Clarkson Rd./Olive Blvd./MO-340 West. Continue on Clarkson Rd./MO-340 West. Turn right onto Clayton Rd./MO-HH and proceed 3.2 miles to Lafayette High School on the left.
Fees: $5 Member, $10 Non-member
The 2012 Trailnet Bicycle Fun Club season is presented by Solutia.
September 2, 2012 – Giro Della Montagna
Bike Shop Sponsor:
Registration: 7:30 – 9:00 AM
Start: Shaw Visual and Performing Arts Community Education Center
5329 Columbia Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63139
Route: 18, 25 or 45 miles
Terrain: Enjoy a ride through the Italiansettled community on The Hill. After the ride, watch the Giro della Montagna races, part of the Gateway Cup.
Directions: From I-44 in St. Louis, take Kingshighway South (exit 287). Turn right onto Southwest, veer right on Columbia, then turn right on Edwards. The school parking lot will be on your left.
Fees: $8 Member, $13 Non-member, $3 Child
The 2012 Trailnet Bicycle Fun Club season is presented by Solutia.
September 16, 2012 – Diamond Mineral Springs Bicycle Ride
Registration: 7:30 – 9:00 AM
Start: Tri-Township Park
409 Collinsville Rd.
Troy, IL 62294
Route: 23, 41 or 49 miles
Terrain: Flat to rolling, no big hills
Features: This is a pleasant ride through the Illinois countryside to Grantfork and the Diamond Mineral Springs Restaurant, known for its generous family-style meals. The short route does not visit the restaurant.
Directions: From St. Louis, cross the Poplar Street Bridge and take I-70/55 North 18 miles to Hwy 162. Go east one mile to the stoplight and turn right on Riggin Rd. Follow to the park entrance.
Fees: $8 Member, $13 Non-member, $3 Child
The 2012 Trailnet Bicycle Fun Club season is presented by Solutia.
September 23, 2012 – Fall Festival Bicycle Tour
Bike Shop Sponsor:
Registration: 7:30 – 9:00 AM
Start: Saint Francis Borgia Regional High School
1000 Borgia Dr.
Washington MO, 63090
Route: 10, 34 or 54 miles
Terrain: Moderately hilly to very hilly, with big hills on longer routes
Features: Enjoy the scenic, quiet and challenging country roads around Washington. After the ride, go to the Strassenfest celebration featuring food, drinks and locally made handicrafts at the annual Fall Festival of the Arts & Crafts in downtown Washington.
Directions: From St. Louis take I-44 West toward Tulsa. Take exit 251, Missouri Highway 100, and go right toward Washington. Drive 11 miles, turn right onto High St. and follow the signs. The high school is on the left.
Fees: $8 Member, $13 Non-member, $3 Child
The 2012 Trailnet Bicycle Fun Club season is presented by Solutia.
September 30, 2012 – Regatta Bicycle Ride Featuring a Metric Century
Bike Shop Sponsor:
Registration: 7:30 – 9:00 AM
Start: Dam West Recreation Area
801 Lake Rd.
Carlyle, IL 62231
Route: 21, 33 or 62 miles (metric century)
Terrain: Mostly flat with a few rolling hills on the middle route
Features: Lake Carlyle is the largest manmade lake in Illinois and a premier destination for outdoor recreational activities. You can find lodging information at playandstaycarlyle.com/lodging/htm if you want to make this ride a part of a getaway. The metric century route will take you around the entire lake.
Directions: From St. Louis, go east on Hwy 64/40. Take exit 19B and follow US 50 to Carlyle. At Hwy 127 turn left (north), go .2 mile and turn right onto William Rd. Follow the signs to the parking area by the Visitors Center.
Fees: $8 Member, $13 Non-member, $3 Child
The 2012 Trailnet Bicycle Fun Club season is presented by Solutia.
October 14, 2012 – Ride the Rivers Century Ride
For more information and to register for the Ride the Rivers Century Ride, click here.
