STLRC – Upcoming Rides and Events

Participation in STLRC Rides 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:  Miner Park in Glen Carbon, IL

Assemble: 7:40 am

Time of Departure:  8:00 am

Description:  Riding through the Collinsville Seven Gates of Hell (Urban legend). Join us at Miner Park start in Glen Carbon for a safe ride through the gates. About 20 miles are on the MCT trail system.

Restrooms at the start: Available at Miner Park.

Ride Leader’s Expectations:  Final Speed: 1st Flight 14 – 15 mph average and 2nd Flight 14-15 mph Average.  Distance – 44.8 or 47.6 miles.  Ride leader is leaning towards the longer route, which is simply a longer loop on the MCT trails. Climbing Elevation:  Approx. 1150′ of climbing.  Riding time: Approx. 3.5+ hours, time on course 4.5 hours.  

2nd Flight:  If anyone wants to lead a 2nd Flight at either a faster or a slightly reduced pace, let me know so I can post it.

Directions:

• From the Poplar St Bridge:
  • East on I-64 crossing the Mississippi River on the Poplar St. Bridge where I-55, I-44 and I-70 converge entering Illinois
  • After 3 miles, keep left to continue on I-55 for 6.6 miles
  • Use right 2 lanes to take exit toward I-255N/I-270 continue for 4.5 miles
  • Right on exit 29 for IL-162 toward Glen Carbon for 2 miles
  • Turn left onto IL-157 for 0.1 mile
  • Turn right onto W. Main St. for 1 mile
  • Turn left on Collinsville Rd continue for 0.2 miles to Miner Park

  OR:  Taking the JB Bridge on I-255:

  • At the JB Bridge, head east on I-255 over the JB Bridge.
  • Stay on I-255 to right on exit 29 toward Glen Carbon/Granite City.
  • Turn right on Hwy 162 east.
  • Turn left on Hwy Hwy 157.
  • Turn right on Main Street.
  • Turn left on Collinsville.
  • Follow the road past the library to Miner Park.

Cue Sheet:    Seven Gates Ride – Miner Park Start

For USB wire transfer – Navigation .Fit files:    44.8 mile route.fit               47.6 mile route.fit

For Smartphone Transfer to Cycling GPS devices:

RidewithGPS Smartphone file for 44.8 mile route

RidewithGPS Smartphone file for 47.6 mile route

Stops:  Re-Group stops as necessary.  Rest/Food at Kelly’s Deli & BP Convenience Store at Hwy 40 & Main St. in Troy.

Road Hazards: The Gates are one-lane underpasses, 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 pavement, as you go through the first several gates, is rough, with unfilled potholes hard to see with or without sunglasses on. Slow down before entering and use extreme caution for your own and fellow riders’ safety. Hang on to your handlebars. In addition, use the same caution in the underpass tunnels that the routes go use on the MCT trails sections; most are dark, have rippled surfaces and on-coming riders. Slow down and keep to the right.

Weather Considerations:  Ride will be canceled if raining at start time, too windy, too hot or cold, or the forecast looks sketchy. Please watch the weather forecasts and radar.

Ride Leaders:   Granville White 314 581-2458