Gateway Council Introduces NEW Recreational Ride Series for ‘08

The Gateway Council is pleased to announce their new Recreational Ride Series in 2008. The series will kick off with their annual “Tour de Stooges” ride on Saturday, May 5 in Highland, IL, followed by four other recreational series rides throughout the cycling season.

“While talking to various bike shop owners throughout the St. Louis area last year, it was pointed out that there was still a need for more rides geared towards the ‘weekend rider,’ and we should capitalize on that need,” said Tim Almstedt, Gateway Council Communications Director. “Noting the success of the creation of the 5-Star Century Series a few years ago, we decided to add this new series.”

The recreational ride series will consist of five recreational rides. Persons can purchase tickets to each ride separately, or purchase the entire series at a discount online through the Gateway Council’s e-store.

“Last year we offered a free ticket to a sixth ‘make-up’ century ride for persons who purchased the entire 5-Star Century Series online, and that seemed to go over very well,” said Mark T. Cockson, Gateway Council Executive Director. “We plan on doing the same for the Recreational Ride Series, but the free ride is still to be determined.”

In addition to getting a free sixth ride ticket, like the 5-Star Century Series any rider who completes the entire series will receive something commemorating their achievement.

“Last year the Century Series finishers received a riding vest. We haven’t 100% decided what to give the recreational ride finishers, but right now we are leaning toward commemorative T-shirts,” said Almstedt.

The recreational ride series will incorporate several of the traditional recreational rides that the Gateway Council has hosted each year, but will also include new rides. Following “Tour de Stooges” one of the new rides, “Strawberry Fields Forever,” will take place from Eckert’s Farm in Belleville, IL on May 24. A second new ride, “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” will launch from the Route 66 State Park in Eureka, MO, on Saturday, June 21. The final two series rides will be the tradition Peach Pedal ride July 26 & July 27 again at the Eckart’s Farm in Belleville, IL, and finishing up with the Autumn Apple Tour on Sept. 21 from Mills Apple Farm in Marine, IL.

“Tour de Stooges got over 700 riders last year and a few of our other rides had well over 200 riders each, so we are hoping that by creating this series we can get more riders to get involved in more of our rides and get more familiar with our organization as a whole,” said Cockson.