Bicyclists gearing up for Mother Road ride on Saturday, Oct. 12
The third annual Route 66 Mother Road Bicycle Tour is set for Saturday, Oct. 12, the day before the Mother Road Marathon.
Like the marathon, the bike tour is the only one that travels through three states along Route 66, which is known as the Mother Road.
Ride lengths of 12, 33, 66 and 100 miles will be offered. Maps will be available at the event.
The tour starts at the Joplin Athletic Complex, 3301 W. First St., and will follow Route 66 out and back as far as Afton, Okla., for the century ride (100 miles). Rest stops will be at historic sites along the route and provide refreshments and snacks for riders. SAG support will be provided. Helmets are required for each rider.
There also will be a post-ride meal served from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In previous years, more than 100 riders have participated in the annual event.
Funds received via registration and sponsorship will be used to pay for ongoing work on the Ruby Jack Trail, which runs from Carthage to the Missouri state line, to maintain that portion of the trail that is complete, and to maintain the 3.5-miles Frisco Greenway Trail.
Early packet pick-up will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, in the rear parking lot of Joplin City Hall, 602 S. Main St.
Event registration begins at 7 a.m. that Saturday at Shelter House No. 2 in Schifferdecker Park.
The ride begins at 8:30 a.m.
The cost is $40 if prepaid by Monday, Sept. 30. The price goes up to $50 afterward. Children under 10 ride for free with a paid adult and can get a T-shirt for $10. The post-ride meal is free for all registered riders and is available to non-riders for $6 per person.
Registration can be done online at joplintrailscoalition.org or by sending information and a check to: Joplin Trails Coalition, P.0. Box 2102 Joplin,