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:  Miner Park in Glen Carbon, IL

Time of Departure:  9:00 AM

Construction Notes:  1. Yes, there are “Road Closed – Local Traffic Only” signs up at Lebanon Road and Lockmann Road.  I drove through there on 10-16-24 and they have about an 80 yard section of roadway graveled but very passable.  The locals and trash trucks were driving through.  I don’t anticipate any difficulties riding through here.  The gravel is hard packed.  Now, they might be asphalt paving the day we actually do the ride but if so, we can detour down Lebanon Road to avoid it.

2.  There is still some road closed construction on Market Street in Troy, IL.  We can make a small route change and instead of crossing Market to get to Clay, we will make a right off of Hickory Street onto Center Street and then left on Dewey Street to avoid the mess.

Description:  Riding through the Collinsville Seven Gates of Hell (Urban legend) . Join us at Miner Park start in Glen Carbon for a safe (I hope), daylight ride through the gates.

Restrooms at the start: Available at Miner Park. Yes, confirmed! We actually used them.

Ride Leader’s Expectations:  Final Speed: 1st Flight 15 – 17 mph Average and 2nd Flight 14-15 mph Average.    Drafting – There will be drafting on this ride.   Distance – 44.8 or 47.6 miles.  Ride leaders are leaning towards the longer route. 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 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 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 pavement, as you go through the first several gates, is rough and hard to see with sunglasses on. Hang on to your handlebars.

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

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