Ride with the Tour of Missouri

The second running of the Tour of Missouri professional bicycle race takes place September 8th through the 14th, starting in St. Joseph and ending in St. Louis.

As part of the festivities leading up to the race itself, many of the communities along the route are holding pre-ride festivities and recreational bike rides:

• St. Joseph (Stage #1 start city) is hosting a Bikes & Blues Festival September 5-8, a family festival of cycling events and blues entertainment. Events include a night ride on the 5th, Team Time Trials on the 6th, the Tour of St. Joseph Road Race and a Fun Ride for Kids on the 7th, and guided tours of St. Joseph’s mountain bike trails on both Saturday and Sunday.

• In Kansas City (Stage #1 finish city), the Tour of Champions Charity Ride takes place on Sunday, September 7th. Ride the route of the Tour of Missouri, starting and ending on the Plaza, with three mileage options (14, 36, and 70 miles). Proceeds for the ride will benefit Women’s Intersport Network and the Dream Factory.

• Clinton (Stage #2 start city) will host the Tour of Clinton on September 6th, starting at 9am at City Hall.

• In Springfield (Stage #2 finish city), the Tour of Springfield Community Bike Ride on September 8th.

• Branson (Stage #3 Time Trial) hosts the Ozark Mountain High Ride on September 10th, as well as community events including a Bicycle Safety Rodeo, Block Party, and Wacky Trike Race.

• Lebanon (Stage #4 start city) will put on a Block Party on September 10th and the “Spirit of Laclede County” concert on the 11th.

• Rolla (Stage #4 finish city) offers a Health and Wellness Expo on September 11th prior to the arrival of the racers.

• St. James (Stage #5 start city) features a number of activities on September 12th, including a National Guard Obstacle Course, a Community Street Market, and Entertainment on the Community Stage.

• Jefferson City (Stage #5 finish city) events include a Beer Garden and a Local Celebrity Bike Race on September 11th, and the Capital City Twilight Criterium and the Tour de Jeff City moonlight bike ride on September 12th.

• Hermann (Stage #6 start city) offers events including a Street Fair on September 12th and a Youth Bike Rodeo and Races on September 13th.

• St. Charles (Stage #6 finish city) features a number of activities on September 13th, including a Life Is Good Festival, a Health & Wellness Expo, the Big Wheel Classic race for pre-schoolers, and the Mayoral Tandem Challenge.

• St. Louis (Stage 7 Circuit Race) hosts the Trailnet Racecourse Ramble on September 13th, which lets participants follow the same course the pros will ride during the race. Festivities on September 14th, the last day of the tour, include a Family Fun Village, award ceremonies, and numerous post-ride parties and celebrations.

Learn more about how to participate at the official Tour of Missouri web site.