Flooding of Area Parks and Trails
A number of regional parks and trails are closed due to temporary weather conditions or damages. Check with the following lead agencies for the most up to date information:

Great Rivers Greenway District -
www.greatrivers.info OR 314/436-7009
Madison County Transit -
www.mcttrails.org/viewer.htm OR 618/874-7433
Missouri Department of Conservation -
mdc.mo.gov OR 636/441-4554
Missouri Department of Natural Resources - www.mostateparks.com/closings.htm OR 800/334-6946
St. Louis County Parks
www.co.st-louis.mo.us/parks OR 314/615-5000

Photo above left of Fort Bellefontaine County Park

Trailnet Receives National Award
In recognition of their efforts to preserve the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, Trailnet has been recognized by the Route 66 Preservation Foundation with the Cyrus Avery Award. The award is named after the Father of the Mother Road and recognizes the organizations efforts in restoring the historic structure. The Bridge is considered a national and international icon of Route 66.

The award was presented at the annual Will Rogers Awards event held in conjunction with the Route 66 Festival in Litchfield, IL. Joy Avery, granddaughter of Cyrus Avery, presented the award.

Once part of the beloved Route 66, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge had a rich history before it was closed in 1968. In 1997, Trailnet worked in partnership with the city of Madison, Illinois to renovate it into a bicycle/pedestrian bridge. In addition to its distinction as one of the world's longest bicycle and pedestrian bridges, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge was named in 2006 to the National Register of Historic Places and can now add the Avery Award to its prestigious honors.

Throughout the summer the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge will be the venue for special events including the bicycle rides, walks, runs, Route 66 Motor Tours and the St. Louis Route 66 Festival to be held on October 4, 2008.
Learn more about the festival on the Confluence website

New Old Chain of Rocks Bridge Hours
Effective 6/23/08: Due to funding limitations the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge will be open between 9 am and dusk until further notice. When the Bridge is closed, please use the McKinley Bridge to cross the Mississippi River. From the Missouri entrance to the Bridge, the McKinley Bridge can be accessed 7 miles south on the Riverfront Trail. From the Illinois entrance to the Bridge, the McKinley Bridge can be accessed by taking the MCT Confluence Trail south to bike-friendly IL Rt. 3 South (8 miles).

Puffin Pedal on Friday, July 11
Registration: 3:30 – 4:30 PM
Brought to you by: THF Realty
Start: Saint Louis Zoo, South Entrance, 1 Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110
Route: 5 miles
Features: Discover Forest Park’s diverse ecosystems and native landscapes while pedaling the paths outside the Saint Louis Zoo. After the ride, explore what’s new at America’s #1 Zoo (ranked by Zagat Guide/Parenting magazine). You can even see some real puffins at Penguin & Puffin Coast! The Zoo is open until 7 PM and families can enjoy Jungle Boogie, the Zoo’s Friday Night Concert Series, from 5 to 7 PM. Complete the route on your own; SAG support ends at 5:30 PM.
View Flier & Locater Map (PDF 144kb)
Fees: FREE
In Partnership with: The Saint Louis Zoo, REI and St. John’s Mercy Medical Center
Directions: Free parking in the Zoo’s South Lot near I-64/40. Meet near the Z-O-O pylon at the Zoo’s South Gate.
View Google Map
Volunteers ride free at the close of registration AND receive a free ride voucher for a regularly priced BFC ride of their choice!" Call 314/416-9930 x 114 or e-mail us

I Scream for Ice Cream Ride on Sunday, July 13
Registration: 7:30 – 9:00 AM
Start: The Cyclery and Fitness Center, 2472 Troy Road (IL-159), Edwardsville, IL 62025
Routes: 23, 35 or 44 miles
Terrain: Flat to rolling, no big hills
Features: Beautiful ride through the country with a stop at Annie’s Frozen Custard where riders receive a discount on their favorite frozen treats. The routes are on roads and portions of Madison County Transit Trails.
View Flier & Locater Map (PDF 96kb)
Fees: $8 Member, $12 Non-member, $3 Child
Bike Shop Sponsor: The Cyclery and Fitness Center. Stop in for $3 off coupon (while supplies last)
Directions: From I-55/70 go north on IL-159 (exit #15B) for 5.6 miles, cross Goshen Road and The Cyclery is on the right.
View Google Map
Volunteers ride free at the close of registration AND receive a free ride voucher for a regularly priced BFC ride of their choice!" Call 314/416-9930 x 114 or e-mail us