STLRC – Upcoming Rides and Events

Participation in STLRC Rides & Hikes is at your own risk. STLRC assumes no liability.

All rides are free for St. Louis Recreational Cyclists members. Non-members must join by their second ride.

Weather Update – Latest weather report indicates that the overnight rain will be ending very close to our 7:30AM starting time.  We are still riding so plan even if we have to wait 30 minutes or so to begin.  Please plan on coming. There will be a nice southerly wind for our return from Chester.

Wear your STLRC jerseys today for some photo-ops!!!!!!

Starting Location: Old Valmeyer Borsch Park – Margraphics Drive

Time of Departure:   7:30AM     We may have to wait a few minutes for the rain to blow away.  Plan on starting at 7:30AM.

Description: This is a Century ride to Chester, Illinois to visit the Popeye statue.  We try to maintain a 14-15 mph average.  I’d like to stay in a large group.  Perhaps if there are riders wanting to ride at a slower pace, they can group together. We’ll talk at the start. Prepare to spend at least 8 hours on this activity, 6.5 hours in the saddle. The ride will start from Old Valmeyer Borsch Park off of Bluff Road and Margraphics Drive. A few extra miles have been added on before we get to Prairie du Rocher to insure we end up with 100 miles at the end. Don’t take any shortcuts or you won’t make the 100 mile mark. There will be a lot of flat riding but there is also a climbing component when we return from Chester. Bring $$$ for lunch. We will be eating lunch at the St. Nicholas Landmark Restaurant. Restaurant opens at 11AM. The food is moderately priced.

Directions: Old Valmeyer Borsch Park

• I-270/255 E across the JB Bridge.
• Exit Columbia /Hwy 3 South passing the Marketplace.
• Right on Valmeyer Road to Bluff Road.
• Left on Bluff Road into Old Valmeyer.
• Left on Margraphics Drive into City Park.

Or

• Take Hwy 3 South to Hwy 156 in Waterloo
• Right on Hwy 156 to Old Valmeyer
• Go right on Park St.
• Left on Margraphics Drive
• Park on right

Cue Sheet: Tour de Popeye Century Ride  

Print cue sheet on both sides on one sheet of paper.

Navigation .Fit File:   Popeye100.fit

 Smartphone RidewithGPS file Tour de Popeye 100

Experience Level:  6Bc   100 miles (14 – 15 mph Average Century pace)

Rest Stops:  Regroup & hydration stops periodically.

#1 Rest Stop – Approx. 14 miles -Bluff Rd just south of Maeystown Rd. – No facilities but there are woods.

#2 Rest stop at 25.7 miles Fort parking lot – pit toilets

#3  30.2 miles at Prairie Du Rocher City Park restrooms

#4  at 42.4 miles Ellis Grove – Water only -No facilities

#5  at  53 miles  Chester, IL – Lunch – St. Nicholas Landmark Restaurant – outdoor dining/indoor rest rooms

Rest Rooms at Popeye Statue also. The opportunities to get Gatorade or Powerade are limited where we’ll be in Chester. Might be a good idea to put some extra Gatorade or powder in the SAG cooler.

And we reverse the rest stops on the way back.  All on cue sheet.  The SAG vehicle will carry extra Gatorade and water.  Be sure to bring anything along (snack & drink wise) in the van you think you may need. You will get the SAG driver’s number if you need assistance or a drink. The SAG Van will stay with us the whole way.

Unofficial Rest Stops – As needed.  Good idea to pack some toilet paper in your kit for those long stretches without any toilet facilities. We’ll have a roll in the van also.

Road Hazards: Pothole here and there. Might be some chip seal here and there. Watch out at the railroad crossings.

Bikes: Please make sure your bicycle and tires are in excellent condition for this ride. Bring a couple of extra tubes and rain gear, if forecasted, to put in the van.  Might need a light cycling jacket, arm warmers, etc. Hydrate the day before. Bring 2 bottles or a Camelbak of electrolyte drinks and snacks along on the ride.

Weather Considerations: The ride will be canceled and rescheduled if it’s raining or a high percentage of rain or high winds are forecasted. Watch the weather forecasts and radar. Check the website for any corrections or cancellations before you leave home. Contact ride leader with questions.

RSVP – Please call or text Nick or Joe at the numbers below if you intend to ride with us. The restaurant wants to know how many to expect.

Ride Leaders:  Joe Kruchowski  314-766-0646

Sharon Kruchowski 314-229-0705

Nick Giovanetti  618-610-2667