Embark on a thrilling adventure in the Bottleneck Bridge Ride, proudly brought to you by Trailnet, the Festus Tourism Commission, the City of Festus, and the Jefferson County Growth Association. Affectionately known as “One Hill of a Ride,” this event promises a memorable journey through the heart of Jefferson County.
Begin your adventure amidst the lively atmosphere of Festus Main Street, where anticipation fills the air. With route options ranging from 17 to 67 miles, cyclists of all levels can explore the charming town centers and tranquil country roads that define the region. Along the way, discover rest stops at local wineries, restaurants, and historical landmarks like the Sandy Creek Covered Bridge.
For the younger riders, there are exciting Strider races, courtesy of Living Life on 2 Wheels, adding an extra dash of fun to the day. And after the ride, linger awhile to enjoy live music, delicious dining options, and unique shopping experiences.
Join us for a day of cycling, community, and celebration at the Bottleneck Bridge Ride—an event that promises unforgettable moments and the simple joy of exploring the great outdoors.
Registration includes:
Exclusive Bottleneck Bridge 2024 T-shirt
Complimentary Beer and Fitz’s Beverages
Well-stocked rest stations
Kaldi Coffee for morning fuel
SAG support
Post-ride street party with live entertainment
Vendor stations with giveaways and engagement
Entry to win a fun Festus raffle basket
Schedule
6:30 am – Registration opens
7:30 am – Staging for all routes begins
7:45 am – Registration closes
8 am – rolling group start led by a police escort. Once riders have been escorted into Crystal City, they may ride at their own pace. The group start is not optional and is required by the Cities of Festus and Crystal City.
11 am – live music starts and food vendors open up
12 pm – Kid’s race begins under the Trailnet arch at the start/finish line
Join us for a captivating journey through time as we pedal along a 10-mile segment of the historic 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair marathon route. Led by the esteemed Amanda Clark of the Missouri Historical Society, this Trailnet Community Ride promises to be an unforgettable experience.
As we embark on our two-wheeled adventure, we’ll trace the footsteps of athletes from over a century ago, reliving the bizarre and controversial event that once filled the streets of St. Louis during the World’s Fair.
Along the way, Amanda will regale us with fascinating stories and insights into the significance of the 1904 World’s Fair and its impact on St. Louis. From architectural marvels to cultural exhibitions, we’ll uncover the legacy of this iconic event while pedaling through streets steeped in history.
Whether you’re a history buff, a cycling enthusiast, or simply curious about the rich tapestry of St. Louis’s past, this ride offers something for everyone. So saddle up, join us on this unique journey through time, and let’s explore the World’s Fair marathon route like never before.
The starting location and route are TBD. You will receive an email confirming updates closer to the event.
About Trailnet Community Rides
Trailnet Community Rides, presented by the Missouri Historical Society, are guided, slow-paced, group bike rides that explore the history and culture of the St. Louis Community.
Community Rides generally last around 3 hours. There are no staffed rest stops on these rides, and we cannot guarantee access to restrooms or water. Please plan accordingly.
Community Rides registration is capped at 75 participants. A smaller group allows us to manage riders on open city streets safely; ensures our docents/guides can effectively deliver information; and guarantees that local stops (museums, churches, businesses, etc…) won’t be overwhelmed when we roll up.
This Juneteenth, celebrate St. Louis’s Black artists, musicians, and history with a bike ride featuring live music. Join Trailnet & 4 The Ville with support from the Missouri Historical Society, and Regional Arts Commission, on Saturday, June 15th, for a group bicycle ride with performances from area musicians and storytellers sharing the city’s history.
This year’s Juneteenth celebration features post-event activities and live music.
1:30 pm – rough estimation on ride returning to Tandy Recreation Center
Start Location: Tandy Recreation Center (4206 Kennerly Ave, St. Louis, MO 63113)
Routes Length (in miles): roughly 11 miles (leisurely riding broken up by four stops)
Terrain: Paved city streets
About Trailnet Community Rides
Trailnet Community Rides are guided, slow-paced, group bike rides that explore the history and culture of the St. Louis Community. Community Rides generally last around 3 hours. There are no staffed rest stops on these rides, and we cannot guarantee access to restrooms or water. Please plan accordingly.
We are thrilled to offer you a wild bike journey through the lush landscapes of Wildwood, MO!
With carefully planned routes catering to various skill levels, participants can expect an adventure filled with ups and downs, traversing some of the region’s most stunning parks and wildlife areas.
For those seeking a less demanding ride, shorter distances are available, ensuring energy reserves for the lively post-ride celebration. Meanwhile, participants looking for a challenge can tackle longer courses featuring Category 3 climbs with gradients exceeding 10%.
Regardless of the chosen route, cyclists can anticipate a well-deserved post-ride party to celebrate their accomplishments. This event is a fantastic opportunity for biking enthusiasts to experience the beauty of Wildwood, MO, while pushing their limits and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow riders.
Schedule
6:30 am – Registration opens
7:30 am – Staging for all routes begins
7:45 am – Registration closes
8 am – Rolling group start led by a police escort. The group start is not optional and is required by the City of Wildwood.
The Chain of Rocks Bridge is turning another year older, and what better way to celebrate than with a Birthday Bash Bike Ride!
That’s right, the BBB Classic is back for 2024 and better than ever! Come out on Saturday, May 18th, to commemorate the 95th Birthday of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge and enjoy a part of St. Louis history. We have routes planned for folks of all comfort levels, fun festivities with food and libations, and, of course, there will be cake!
The Bridge Birthday Bash is your chance to enjoy unique routes on relaxed back roads, greenways, and the Madison County Trails. This ride is perfect if you’re new to biking or just got back into it. We have everything from a three-mile family fun roll to a 55-miler for those who want to pay it forward and earn themselves an extra slice of cake.
Saturday’s Schedule:
Check-in and late registration begins at 7:30 am. Look for the blue Trailnet tents.
The ride will have an open start window from 7:30 am to 8:30 am. Be sure to have the latest route updates downloaded for directions.
8:45 am: Staging for family (3.7 mile) route.
9 am: Family Route begins, led by Trailnet Staff
10 am: Post-ride festivities begin.
Family yard games, beverages, and cake will be available and included in the registration cost. Food trucks will be on-site with additional meal options available for purchase.
Special Engagement!
As part of our May National Bike Month programming, we are proud to offer you a chance to see a screening of Bike Vessel; a moving documentary about a filmmaker and his father’s incredible journey to health. Tickets are free and will be offered as an add-on during registration.
Embark on a beloved Trailnet Community Ride tour led by Dana Gray, an art consultant. Explore the rich art history of St. Louis as you visit various sites and delve into their stories. Join us for an enlightening journey through the city’s vibrant artistic heritage!
Check back soon for ride starting location, route, and program.
The ride will depart at 10 a.m. Check-in begins at 9 a.m.
Approximate End Time: 12 pm
About Trailnet Community Rides
Trailnet Community Rides are guided, slow-paced, group bike rides that explore the history and culture of the St. Louis Community.
Community Rides generally last around 3 hours. There are no staffed rest stops on these rides, and we cannot guarantee access to restrooms or water. Please plan accordingly.
Community Rides registration is capped at 75 participants. A smaller group allows us to safely manage riders on open city streets, ensures our docents/guides can effectively deliver information, and guarantees that local stops (museums, churches, businesses, etc.…) won’t be overwhelmed when we roll up.
We are excited to celebrate the grand opening of the new Chain of Rocks Bridge Park! On April 14th, 2024, we will celebrate the opening with an five-mile family-friendly bike ride that begins at Chouteau Island Trailhead and ends at the grand opening celebration in the beautiful new grounds on the MO side of the Chain of Rocks Bridge. There, you will enjoy a wonderful celebration of the progress that Great Rivers Greenway and its partners are bringing to the region.
For more information and to register, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/GraniteCity/ChainofRocksParkGrandOpeningCelebrationRide
Public Art Community Ride: Trailnet’s favorite tour guide and art consultant Dana Gray (Tower Grove Neighborhoods Community Development Corp.) is back to show us more of St. Louis’ artistic marvels! This year’s ride will highlight public art and places to gather, featuring the St. Louis Art Museum, The Kemper Art Museum, and Bill Christman’s sculpture garden in the Skinker DeBaliviere neighborhood. (with the man himself present to answer questions) Pedal with us from sculptures to paintings to public exhibits on this, our final ride of 2023!
Celebrate the Mississippi Greenway Ride on October 14! Join us at the historic Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing for a memorable bike adventure. After the ride, immerse yourself in the rich history of Reverend John Berry Meachum and Mary Meachum at the 21st Annual Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing Celebration. Experience their courageous fight for freedom and their impactful contributions to education and emancipation. Connect with the spirit of resilience and honor their enduring legacy.
Trailnet’s 2023 Ride the Rivers Presented by SSM Health is the most unique 100-mile ride in the Midwest. Challenge yourself on Trailnet’s flagship ride while experiencing some of the most amazing landscapes the area has to offer.
The route is the experience. Starting in the early hours of the morning, your adventure will take you all over the region. You’ll ride river ferries, rolling hills, and urban trails past orchards, prairies, small towns, and larger cityscapes. At your journey’s end, arrive at a block party at The Streets of St. Charles, featuring food, drinks, and a well-earned rest. This supported ride gives you a unique chance to crush 100 miles!
Want to join in on the century fun with fewer miles? The 100km Metric Century comes in at 64 miles! You’ll ride through many of the same landscapes as the 100-mile Century while enjoying the same benefits and support. The Metric Century isn’t lacking in beauty or difficulty.
What is included with my registration?
2023 limited edition Ride the Rivers socks
Chip timing
Professional photos
Rest stops and SAG support
Ferry rides
Goody bag with Trailnet stickers, local merchant coupons, and other fine swag
Post-event celebration including live music, award-winning food trucks, Urban Chestnut beer, and post-ride chiropractic adjustments by Logan University
Take advantage of early registration now, as prices will increase on August 1st.
Schedule
Check-in begins at 5:30 a.m.
Ride start time: 7:00 a.m. for full century | 7:15 for metric century
Start location: The Streets of St. Charles | 1520 S 5th St, St Charles, MO 63303
Routes Lengths: 104 miles, 65 miles (route may change slightly due to construction at the time of marking)
Terrain: flat, rolling hills | mixed pavement
A HUGE thank you to this year’s sponsors:
SSM Health, Streets of St. Charles, Logan University, Urban Chestnut Brewing Co., Pickle Juice Co., Kaldi Coffee
There is still time to join us as a sponsor! Click here to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Don’t wait to sign up! The best pricing is early in registration. The cost will increase the closer we get to Sept. 30th.
Trailnet Members
Trailnet members receive a $15 discount on registration.* Members must claim their account in the Trailnet Members Club on Run Sign Up to receive the discount. Instructions here. Peloton Society members can register for 50% off. Check your email for a coupon code, or email memebrship@trailnet.org for assistance. Please note that free ride membership vouchers are not valid for the Century.
Thank you. We look forward to seeing you on Sept. 30th!
*Thank you for being a Trailnet member! Trailnet is a non-profit charity, so we rely on your generosity to give back to our community. Your membership comes with free ride vouchers, which can be used for any regularly-priced Trailnet Classics ride. Ride the Rivers is our premium fundraising ride, priced to provide a higher quality ride experience than our other Classics AND to generate critical funding for our mission.
