STE. GENEVIEVE — The Ste. Genevieve Department of Tourism and an organization called Trailnet are planning to launch the StG Gravel Classic.
This multi-route bike ride, Saturday April 9, 2022, will be the tourism department and Trailnet’s first gravel event.
The StG Gravel Classic offers riders a choice of three routes, 20, 45 and 78 miles on levee trails and hilly gravel roads, with less than 10 percent of each route on paved roads.
This ride is the first of the 2022 Trailnet Classics, a series of multi-distanced, supported bike rides across the region that help fund Trailnet’s work to improve safety for people walking and biking.
The StG Gravel Classic and all of the Trailnet Classics include rest stops with food and water, marked routes, turn-by-turn directions, and support vehicles to help riders in case of mechanical or first aid issues.
“We’re launching our first gravel event this year to introduce more people to the beautiful and challenging riding Ste. Genevieve has to offer. This is a chance to embrace the spirit of gravel in such a welcoming and historically significant community,” Matt Hartman, Trailnet’s Rides Director said.
“The Ste Genevieve Tourism Department is excited to welcome riders, their friends and families to explore and connect with everything we have to offer. With our long storied- history, the Missouri Dinosaur discovery, scenic nature, delicious dining, wineries, and unique shopping, we know all who visit will fall in love,” Jeff Wix, Ste. Genevieve’s Tourism Director, said.
Riders should explore visitstegen.com for a convenient guide to lodging, dining, local winners, shops, and attractions during the weekend of the ride and for their next trip to Ste. Genevieve.
“By partnering with Ste. Genevieve, we’re introducing more people to the community and helping share the benefits of biking for economic development as well as the health and connection in the community” Cindy Mense, Trailnet’s CEO said.
What is gravel riding?
Gravel biking is simply riding bikes on unpaved gravel or dirt roads. Combining elements of road riding and mountain biking, gravel riding has grown in popularity in recent years both in recreational riding and racing.
While any bike can be ridden on gravel roads, bikes with wider tires – 32 mm or 1.25 in or thicker – are encouraged for greater comfort and handling.
The StG Gravel Classic is designed to give people of different skill levels a unique, supported gravel experience.
Timing and Prizes
All riders will receive a timing chip that records their total time on the ride. Trailnet and sponsors will be providing prizes for the top five finishers in age and gender categories.
18 and Under ($10 registration)
Men’s Open – (age 19+)
Women’s Open – (age 19+)
Men’s Masters – (age 35+)
Women’s Masters – (age 35+)
Gravel riding is as competitive or non-competitive as individual riders want it to be. The Masters Category is the more-competitive category. The Open Category is meant for riders of all levels.
Registration & Pricing
Registration is open now at Trailnet.org/rides and is $45 for the public and $30 for Trailnet members.
This year Trailnet is introducing youth pricing for riders 18 years old and younger to encourage more young riders and families to participate. Registration for people 18 and younger is $10.
Trailnet is following local health rules for organizing events. As rules change, Trailnet staff will communicate details and expectations with riders.
Trailnet will announce its full 2022 ride season calendar on Wednesday, Feb. 9.
Sponsors
The StG Gravel Classic is sponsored by Ste. Genevieve Tourism Department. The prizes for the fastest riders of each category are sponsored by InMotion Bike Fit Studio. The timing for the ride is courtesy of Billy Goat Bicycle Company. Logan University will provide complementary post-ride massages.
Schlafly Beer is the 2022 beer and hard seltzer sponsor of the Trailnet Classics.
Details
DATE: Saturday, April 19, 2022
TIME: 8 a.m.
LOCATION: Downtown Ste. Genevieve and surrounding roads and levee trails
ROUTE DISTANCES: 20, 45, 78
PRICE: $45, $30 for Trailnet Members, $10 for riders 18 years old and younger
Registration Link: https://trailnet.redpodium.com/2022-stg-gravel-classic
Trailnet is the St. Louis region’s nonprofit walking, biking and public transit advocacy organization. For more than 33 years, Trailnet has been working within the St. Louis region and across the state to respond to the demand for improved walking and biking networks that attract and retain talent, strengthen our economy, and connect people to the places they love.