Event Description
Cycle through portions of four states-Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee in seven days! Mostly flat routes along the Mississippi River floodplain feature enough moderate hills to keep things interesting! Start off the event with a hot air balloon festival. Learn about the history of the great New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812 and what the chances are for a repeat performance in the near future! Visit the homestead where Ernest Hemingway wrote his novel "A Farewelll to Arms". Pedal through wildlife refuges and see bald eagles nesting. Experience Civil War history, small town charm and hospitality.
Event details and schedule
Check in at the YMCA in Sikeston, Missouri 11 AM-4 PM Saturday June 22. Arrive early and you can "warm-up" with short route around the area. On Sunday, ride to our namesake community of New Madrid, MO and visit the earthquake museum, antebellum mansion, and Mississippi River observation deck. Sign up for the popular riverfront winery trip and meal Sunday evening. The tour will visit Arkansas, Kentucky & Tennessee midweek and conclude on Friday June 28. Read the Rider's Guide page on the website from start to finish to answer just about any question you might have about how the tour will operate, what to bring and what to leave at home. You will be required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival before you can participate. You can review this waiver in advance by downloading a copy from the Registration page on the website. Please bring a copy of your registration confirmation with you.
Also, please be sure to bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications with you! Should you need any medical care while on the tour, you are responsible for payment so be certain to bring your insurance card with you and have it available at all times. Remember to bring a helmet, 2 spare tubes, sunscreen, insect repellent, 2 water bottles, raingear, spare contacts or glasses, cell phone charger/cable.
Vehicle parking will be provided at each of the three overnight sites and is included in your registration fee. Be sure to lock your vehicle and leave nothing visible inside. RTFL and the overnight sites are not responsible for losses to your vehicle or contents.
RTFL and Midwest Cyclotouring, LLC reserve the unconditional right to modify the tour route or itinerary without prior notice due to changes in weather, river, road, or other conditions that could prevent the safe and/or efficient operation of the tour.
