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CHICAGO -- June 28, 2006. Hundreds of cyclists will travel along Rock, Illinois and Mississippi rivers during the second annual Illinois Great Rivers Ride, Sept. 10-16. The seven-day noncompetitive, 400-mile bike ride is sponsored by Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich’s Opportunity Returns economic development program, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois Bureau of Tourism, and the Western Illinois Tourism Development Office. The ride will begin in Northern Illinois in Rockford and conclude in Southwest Illinois in the city of Alton, highlighting the state’s rich natural beauty along the way. In 2005 the inaugural Illinois Great Rivers Ride hosted more than 200 cyclists from 23 states.
“The Illinois Great Rivers Ride gives travelers an opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of our magnificent state from a unique perspective,” said Jan Kostner, deputy director of the Illinois Bureau of Tourism. “We are thrilled that last year’s ride was such a tremendous success and look forward to presenting the event again this September.”
Each leg of the trip will average 57 miles along a hard-surface route. The ride will make stops in Rock Falls, the Quad Cities, Henderson County, Nauvoo, Quincy and Nebo before concluding in Alton. Each evening, cyclists will have the opportunity to visit various attractions and to enjoy activities and live entertainment.
Highlights include:
• A ride down the Mississippi River on the Channel Cat Water Taxi in Rock Island;
• Native American reenactments and a fish fry under the stars at Big River Forest Preserve in Henderson County;
• Tours of the state’s oldest vineyard, Baxter’s Vineyards in Nauvoo;
• A German fest offering authentic food and entertainment in historic Quincy; and
• A celebration at Harpole’s Heartland Lodge in Pleasant Hill with hayrides, bonfires and more.
The final day takes cyclists to the National Great Rivers Museum at Melvin Price Locks and Dam in Alton where they will enjoy dinner, dancing and fireworks along with a visit to the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site in Hartford.
The cost for the seven-day ride is $450 and registration is limited to the first 300 cyclists who sign up before Monday, Aug. 14 at 9:00 a.m. (CST). Individuals also have the option to register for the one-day ride on Sept. 15 or the two-day ride Sept. 15 and 16. Children under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
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