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Bicycle Fun Club Rides

Tags: Active Living, Healthy Living Activities, Active Community, Safe Routes to School, Bike Rides in Missouri

May 20 2013 11:23 AM

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 short, medium, and long route choices. Many rides occur in conjunction with local festivals – part of the FUN is socializing and eating after the ride!

  • Hydrate and prepare: Being hydrated prior to all Trailnet events is essential. Please bring water to the ride and have the appropriate water bottle and hardware on your bicycle.
  • Equipment: No special equipment is necessary; the only requirements are that your bike be in safe, working order.  Trailers and trail-a-bikes for kids are welcome, but please, no training wheels.
  • Helmets:  Properly fit helmets are strongly recommended by BFC and required by law in some communities.
  • Start: This is where the ride starts and finishes. There is no mass start. As soon as you register and receive your map, you can start at your leisure. SAG support is offered until 3:00 p.m. For more information about SAG support, see SAG, below. If you are a new or inexperienced rider, or if you prefer to ride with a group, see “Group Rides” below. 
  • SAG: Trailnet Support and Gear vans cruise the routes until 3:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. You are welcome to ride later, but after 3:00 p.m. you are on your own. Vans are equipped with basic first aid, hydration, nutrition, and tools for minor repairs. Phone 314.913.BIKE (2453) if you need assistance. 
  • Maps: Route maps are provided at ride registration. Each route is detailed and includes including towns, attractions, and rest stops along the way.
  • 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 Distances: Extra short = 5 to 10 miles. Short = 10 to 25 miles. Medium = 25 to 40 miles. Long = 40 to 55 miles. Extra long = 55+ miles. Most rides start on the short route and branch out from there. The longest route is designed for experienced riders and may have more hills and more heavily trafficked roads. Trailnet rides provide excellent training for riders, building strength for charity rides and other long distance rides.
  • Group Rides: Before most BFC rides we will plan and lead a no drop group ride for the short route that departs at 8:00 a.m. These rides are great for new or inexperienced riders or those who prefer to ride with a group. 
  • Terrain: Rides include various hill elevations including: 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.
  • Registration:Online preregistration for each ride is available on each ride page below, or you can register at the starting location on the day of the ride. Online registration closes the Friday prior to each ride at 10:00 a.m. Advance registration for the Ride the Rivers Century is recommended. There is no mass start at our rides. As soon as you register and receive your map, you can start at your leisure. If you are a new or inexperienced rider, or if you prefer to ride with a group, see “Group Rides” below. 
  • Group Rides: Before most BFC rides we will plan and lead a no drop group ride for the short route that departs at 8:00 a.m. These rides are great for new or inexperienced riders or those who prefer to ride with a group. 
  • Ride Fees: Unless noted otherwise the standard ride fees are: Online – $8 member, $13 non-member, $3 child. Day of ride – $10 member, $15 non-member, $3 child.
  • 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.

Click here to view a list of Trailnet's 2013 bike shop sponsors

Click here to download the 2013 ride calendar

Member perk!

New for 2013: we are offering a five BFC ride discount.

Trailnet members have the opportunity to purchase a five-ride package that can be used to pay for any of five BFC rides for the special price of $35.00 - that's a $5.00 savings off the cost of five rides at the already-discounted member rate.
 
Click here to view the deal.

If you’d like to become a member to take advantage of this exclusive, members only deal, click here.

Thank you Mississippi Mud

Thanks to Shane and Chris from Mississippi Mud Coffee Roasting for providing your most excellent coffee at the start of our City Tour and Great Pizza rides. We look forward to having your best brew at our future rides too!

Click on a ride to see the details.