STLRC – Upcoming Rides and Events

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

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

Starting Location: Old Valmeyer Borsch Park – Margraphics Drive

Time of Departure:  For Century riders 8:00AM     Tentatively scheduled for Thursday, October 10th, however, this ride may be moved to Friday, Oct. 11th to try to catch a good southerly wind for our return.

2nd Flight Notice:  We will not have a 2nd Flight on this ride.  Karen Parham will not be leading a 2nd Flight on this ride.  She was involved in a minor crash Sunday and may have broken her hand.

Lunch Notice:  The St. Nicholas Landmark Restaurant previously selected as our lunch location is temporarily closed due to staffing issues.  Riders should plan on bringing a sandwich for your lunch which can be carried in the SAG van cooler. We will have chips and cookies to go along with that but if you want anything else, pack it in the SAG van.  We will be carrying some extra Gatorade and water but plan on bringing a supply for yourself.  There is water and drinks available at the store in Prairie du Rocher. Always good to have your own  supply though.

Description: This is a Century ride to Chester, Illinois to visit the Popeye statue.  We try to maintain a 14 – 15 mph average going down to the Popeye Statue.  We will not slow the main group down to the slowest rider’s speed. But you will not be abandoned, just be trailing behind the main group and have the SAG driver’s cell number if you have difficulties. Speeds will increase on the return route.  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 9% climb when we return from Chester.

Be advised that if you aren’t sticking to this route, you will be on your own. Ride Leaders aren’t taking responsibilities for those doing their own thing.

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  (No St. Nicks Restaurant)

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

USB wire transfer Navigation .fit file:  Popeye100.fit

For Smartphone RidewithGPS Transfer: 

Smartphone RidewithGPS file Tour de Popeye 100 (No St. Nicks Restaurant)

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 – Popeye Rest Stop – Bring a sandwich.  Chips will be available.

SAG Van – We will have a SAG van but please plan on riding the ride you select.  If you have doubts about if you can ride the                          Century ride, please consider the Mini-Popeye which is half the distance and Mini Ride Leader Steve Leach is enjoyable to be with.  The   SAG van is for emergencies. We will be taking donations for the SAG driver for spending her time with us all day. Give what you want.

Ride Notes: 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 about also. Watch out at the rough 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 send an RSVP to Joe Kruchowski 314-766-0646 or Sharon Kruchowski 314-229-0705 if you plan on riding.  We                      need to know if you plan on doing the Century or the Mini-Popeye ride so we know who is coming.

Ride Leaders:  Joe Kruchowski  314-766-0646

Sharon Kruchowski 314-229-0705

Nick Giovannetti  618-610-2667