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:
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.
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:
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.
Season Pass
New for 2015: Season Pass for Trailnet members only!
Enjoy all of our BFC Rides* and Cultural Tours for one low price – only $220 for the season. No waiting in line, no need to register for individual events. For a supplement of $35 you can also be eligible for recognition as a Century Club Member.
Not a Trailnet Member? Click here to join so that you can take advantage of this great deal.
Register for the season pass here. Following checkout you will be automatically preregistered in all of the BFC Rides* and Cultural Tours. When you arrive at an event, just proceed to the Preregistered table to receive your map and wristband.**
Included BFC Rides
Included Cultural Tours
Bottom Out Bicycle Ride
Tweed Ride
Poker Flats Campfire (ride only)
The Art of Riding
Strawberry Festival and Berry Bike Ride
Tour de Museum
Great Pizza Bicycle Ride
People, Public Space and Progress
Route 66 Bicycle Ride
Jazz History Bike Tour
Cottleville Classic
Bicrobrews
Bridge Birthday Bash
Prohibition in St. Louis Bicycle Tour
Big Bottle Bicycle Ride
LGBTQ* History Tour
I Scream for Ice Cream
Open Studios Tour
Farrhadtour und Augustfest
Bike St. Louis City Tour
Fat Tire Campfire at Klondike
Giro della Montagna
Ride the Rivers Century
*Lucky’s Ride and the camping portion of Poker Flats are not included.
