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.

Starting Location:  Metro East Park and Recreation District Office.  104 United Drive. Collinsville, IL 62234

Time of Departure:  7:00 AM

Description:  Riding through the Collinsville Seven Gates of Hell (Urban legend)  and taking a tour to the Krome Family Cemetery (real) in Maryville.  Join us at the Collinsville MCT Trailhead start for a safe, morning ride through the gates & Cemetery.

Restrooms at the start: Available behind MEPRC Building.

Ride Leader’s Expectations:  Final Speed: 1st Flight – 15-17 mph Average.  If there is a 2nd Flight – Slightly reduced speed maybe 13 to 14 mph average. Sometimes we cruise between 16-20 mph.  Drafting – There will be drafting on this ride.   Distance – 43.7 or 47.3 miles.      Climbing Elevation:  1230′ or 1340′ of climbing depending on route.  Riding time: Approx. 3.5+ hours, time on course 4 hours.

2nd Flight:  If anyone else wants to lead a 2nd flight at a more moderate pace on this ride, please contact the ride leader if interested.

Directions:

From I-255 South:

• Cross the JB Bridge on I-255, head North approx. 22.5 miles
• Take the Horseshoe Lake Road exit (exit #26).
• Turn Left (East) on Horseshoe Lake Road for 0.6 miles.
• Turn right on Freedom Drive, and then turn left, at the tee, on United Dr. (unmarked) to the Metro East Park and Recreation parking lot, directly behind Culver’s restaurant.

From I-70 East:

• exit at IL Route 157 (exit #11- Collinsville).
• North on Rt. 157 for 0.5 miles.
• Left on United Drive (the road just before Culver’s)
• Right into the Metro East Park and Recreation parking lot.

Cue Sheet:  Seven Gates and Krome Family Cemetery Tour plus Long Route

Please print a copy on both sides if you want one.  Ride Leaders have minimal copies.  All participants are expected to bring either the cue sheet, a cycling computer with the ride’s  Navigation files and/or Smartphone with GPS link. Riders should be able to find their way back if an unforeseeable event happens during this ride.

USB wire transfer Navigation .fit files:  SevenGates43.7            SevenGates47.3      SevenGates51.4.fit

For Smartphone RidewithGPS Transfer:  

RidewithGPS Smartphone file for 43.7 mile route

RidewithGPS Smartphone file for 47.3 mile route

RidewithGPS Smartphone file for 51.4 mile route

Stops:  Re-group stops to keep the bunch together as needed. Restrooms at Drost Park if needed.  Rest/Food at Kelly’s Deli & BP Convenience Store at Hwy. 40 & Main St. in Troy.   Optional Rest Stop in Maryville at the Casey’s on Center & Main Streets before the cemetery tour.

Road Hazards: The Gates are one-lane trestles, built in the 1880s, so we have to be cautious for oncoming traffic. We will be on Troy O’Fallon Road shoulder for a short distance.   The chipsealers are out and about. Keep alert for loose gravel.

Weather Considerations:  Bring electrolyte drinks and snacks to eat along the way.  It is warm outside and you must prepare by hydrating the day before and be drinking while you ride. Ride will be canceled if raining at start time, too windy, too hot, or the forecast looks sketchy. Please watch the weather forecasts and radar.

Ride Leaders:   Joe Kruchowski 314-766-0646    Sharon Kruchowski  314-229-0705