Archive for the “Rides” Category

Saturday Morning East Side Road Ride

Apr 03, 2015

Dates: April 11 through October 10

Time: 7:00 a.m.

Features: A great ride for novice to advanced riders. Riders interested in the longer route can split from the group and pick up speed. Helmets are required. Go to Cyclery FB Page for current status.

Routes: 36, 18 miles

Terrain: Flat, some rolling hills

Start location, bike shop sponsor and ride leader:

The Cyclery and Fitness Center 618.692.0070

2472 Troy Rd., Edwardsville, IL 62025

Wednesday Night Mid-County Road Ride

Apr 03, 2015

Dates: April 1 through September 9

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Features: These mid-county “drop rides” for adults are on low traffic streets and finish before dark. Routes are marked, maps will be provided.

Routes: 31, 27, 14 miles

Terrain: Moderately hilly, some bigger hills

Start location: Kol Rinah (formerly Shaare Zedek Synagogue)

829 N. Hanley Rd., University City, MO 63130

Bike shop sponsor and ride leader:

Recycled Cycles 314.862.4041

7375 Shaftesbury Ave., University City, MO 63130

Wednesday Night O’Fallon Road Ride

Apr 03, 2015

Dates: April 8 through September 30

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Features: A relaxed, no-drop group ride perfect for meeting new friends.

Route: 12 and 24 miles

Terrain: 12 miles is flat. 24 miles is moderately hilly

Start location, bike shop sponsor and ride leader:

Alpine Shop 618.726.6110

1855 W. US Highway 50 O’Fallon, IL 62269

Tuesday Night Kirkwood Beginners Ride

Apr 03, 2015

Dates: April 7 through September 22

Time: 6:15 p.m.

Features: A slow-paced, out-and-back ride for beginning cyclists.

Route: 10 miles

Terrain: Flat

Start location: Grant’s Trail Western Trailhead (intersection of Holmes and Leffingwell)

Bike shop sponsor and ride leader:

Alpine Shop 314.962.7715

440 N Kirkwood Rd, St. Louis, MO 63122

Tuesday Night Kirkwood Road Ride

Apr 03, 2015

Dates: April 7 through September 22

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Features: A lively group ride with several pace groups.

Route: 28 miles

Terrain: Moderately hilly

Start location, bike shop sponsor, and ride leader:

Alpine Shop 314.962.7715

440 N Kirkwood Rd, St. Louis, MO 63122

Tuesday Night Edwardsville Recreational Ride

Apr 03, 2015

Dates: April 7 through September 22

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Features: This is a strictly recreational “no drop” ride with no pace-line. All routes take place on the Madison County Transit Trails system and are all very flat, mostly shaded, and well maintained. Go to The Bike Factory FB Page for updates.

Routes: 30, 20, 10 miles

Terrain: Paved trails and a few roads

Start location, bike shop sponsor, and ride leader:

The Bike Factory 618.659.8706

1530 Troy Rd., Edwardsville, IL 62025

Wednesday Night Mountain Bike Ride

Apr 03, 2015

Dates: Year-round

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Features: The difficulty levels for this weather-dependent ride vary based on the ride leader. Check with the Bike Surgeon FB page for ride information. Mountain bikes are ideal but cross bikes will work.

Routes: 3 to 12 miles

Terrain: Mostly flat windy single track

Start: SIUE Cross-Country Course

N University Dr, Edwardsville, IL 62025

Bike shop sponsor and ride leader:

Bike Surgeon 618.622.1693

3348 Green Mount Crossing Dr., Shiloh IL 62269

Tuesday Night Shiloh, IL Road Ride

Apr 03, 2015

Dates: March 10 through October 27

Time: 5:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Features: Three separate pace groups meet up for this ride: group A rides at 20+ mph, group B rides at 15-17 mph, group C rides at around 12 mph. A road bike is recommended. See Bike Surgeon FB page for announcements and updates.

Routes: 12 to 25 miles, depending on daylight

Terrain: Flat to rolling, some hills

Start location, bike shop sponsor, and ride leader:

Bike Surgeon 618.622.1693

3348 Green Mount Crossing Dr., Shiloh IL 62269

Saturday Morning O’Fallon Road Ride

Apr 03, 2015

Dates: April 18 through September 26

Time: 8:00 a.m.

Features: Beginner to intermediate level ride. Weather dependent. Go to Momentum FB Page for updates.

Routes: 22-26 miles; average pace 13-16 mph

Terrain: Moderately hilly; road bike necessary

Start location, bike shop sponsor, and ride leader:

Momentum Cycles 636.240.9232

8640 Mexico Rd., O’Fallon, MO

BFC FAQs

Tags: Bicycle Safety

Mar 25, 2015

WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I HAVE FOR A BFC RIDE?

Properly fitted helmets are strongly recommended and are required by law in some of the communities in which we ride.
Bring at least one full water bottle or hydration pack.
Be sure that your bike is in safe working order. Trailers and trail-a-bikes for kids are welcome, but please, no training wheels.
Additional items that are helpful and easily stowed in a jersey pocket or seat bag are a spare tube, a set of tire levers, and a small pump or CO2 cartridge. Tire changing tools and a multi-tool that fits your bike come in handy and can get you back on the ride without waiting for a support vehicle.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Special clothing is not required but can make the ride experience more pleasant.
Padded shorts will alleviate pain in the rear and wicking garments will prevent overheating.
Wear or bring sunscreen.

WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO RIDERS?

Most BFC rides include a “no-drop” Group Ride on the short route that starts at 8:30 a.m. The Group Ride is for new riders or riders who would like to have an experienced leader.
Trailnet SAG (Support and Gear) vans cruise the routes until 3:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Vans are equipped with basic first aid, hydration, nutrition, and tools for minor repairs.
Phone 314.913.BIKE (2453) if you need assistance.

HOW DO I KNOW THE ROUTE FOR THE RIDE?

Route maps are not available until the day of the ride. Map preparation is time-intensive and our maps are created for an event experience.
Maps are available at ride registration and show route options, towns, attractions, and rest stops
In addition to the route map, pink arrows and dots on the pavement will direct you.

WHAT ARE THE ROUTES LIKE?

BFC rides are predominantly on roads; prepare to share with motorized traffic.
Most rides start on the short route and the longer routes branch out from there.
The longest route is designed for experienced riders and may have more hills or be routed on more heavily trafficked roads.
Terrain
- Flat – very few small hills
- Rolling – frequent small hills
- Moderate – a mix of hills, with some steep climbs
- Big – some hills over 150 feet
- Very hilly – many hills over 150 feet

HOW DO I REGISTER FOR A BFC RIDE?

Preregistration is available online at trailnet.org or you can register at the start location on the day of most BFC rides (exceptions are noted on the website). Online registration closes two days prior to the ride. Preregistration for the Ride the Rivers Century Ride is recommended.
Many rides have a “happy hour” at the sponsoring bike shop the week before the ride. This is an opportunity to preregister and learn about the ride. Check the website for listings.
Wrist bands will be distributed to all registered riders and will be checked throughout the ride at rest stops and by SAG drivers (riders without wristbands using the rest stop or seeking assistance during the ride will be charged $20).
Preregistered riders need to check in at the ride start to get their map and wrist band.

HOW MUCH DO BFC RIDES COST?

Online registration price for most rides is $8 for Trailnet members and $13 for nonmembers.
Day of ride price for most rides is $10 for Trailnet members and $15 for nonmembers.
Children under 10 riding with an adult are $3.