Hundreds of riders are heading down to central Missouri this weekend for the 11th annual BikeMO ride. The ride has seen great success over the past 11 years, especially since the move to the Columbia area four years ago.
BikeMO is an annual fundraiser for the Missouri Bicycle Federation and the Missouri Bicycle Foundation. Proceeds from the event are used to help us in our activities of promoting bicycling and advocating for better bicycling conditions in Missouri.
The ride starts and ends at Les Bourgeois Winery and Vineyards in Rocheport, Missouri. Rocheport is centrally located with easy access from all areas of the state. The winery is only minutes away from Columbia, a vibrant city which will provide participants with more lodging, restaurant, and entertainment choices for a great weekend trip.
The road route will pass through several historic towns along the way including Rocheport, Boonville, Blackwater, and Arrow Rock. There is also an additional ride option along the Katy Trail for those riders who would prefer a trail ride. The route offers varying ride lengths through the beautiful rural countryside of the Missouri River Valley.
Riders can also take part in the region’s first Strava based KOM competition. 5 climbs along the route are included in the competition. The male and female riders with the lowest accumulated times on all 5 climbs win some great prizes including:
-A limited edition BikeMO KOM t-shirt
-A refund of your 2015 BikeMO ride registration (not including t-shirt or lunch payments)
-A free 2016 Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation family membership
-2 free ride passes for any 2015 or 2016 Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation sponsored ride
-Free ride registration for BikeMO 2016
The unique after-party at the winery offers some of the best views in the region. Held at the Les Bourgeois Winery A-frame, riders will take in the view of the Missouri River as it slowly meanders through the valley hundreds of feet below. Live music, drink specials, and an amazing sunset await riders after they finish their ride. Those staying in the host hotel will be able to take a shuttle between the hotel and the after-party to avoid having to drive that afternoon and evening.
It isn’t too late to register, if you want to take part in this year’s BikeMO you can REGISTER through the website.
