Meander to Manchester 400K
2025-08-30 06:00 - 2025-08-31 09:00 (America/Chicago) | Quality Inn, 1000 E Iowa St, Eldridge, 52748, United States
Meander to Manchester 400K
For 2025 I’ve selected the best routes offered out of Eldridge to create a reverse series. We should all be trained up enough by August to do a 600K and then decrease the distance as we lose daylight.
Here are the details:
ACP certified, 400.5 Km (no bonus K’s here!), 9,955 feet of climbing (but, I note, not 10,000 feet!), ridewithgps route here
To register for this event:

Click on the link below to complete a waiver.
After completing the waiver you’ll be taken to PayPal (note that a PayPal account is not required)

Register
Note that there will be no day of ride registration – advance registration is mandatory!
Your registration is not complete until your completed waiver and PayPal payment is received.
Currently RegisteredKelli Brannen Jeffrey Moore
If you’ve registered and want to cancel, please go to this page to cancel

Making for Maquoketa 200K
2025-09-13 07:00 - 20:30 | IL
This is a somewhat challenging route with plenty of hills in the northern section.
Here are the details:
RUSA certified (not ACP), 130.0 miles, 5198 feet of climbing, ridewithgps route here
To register for this event:

Click on the link below to complete a waiver.
After completing the waiver you’ll be taken to PayPal (note that a PayPal account is not required)

Register
Registration closes 24 hours prior to the ride start time – advance registration is mandatory!
Your registration is not complete until your completed waiver and PayPal payment is received. Once those are received I will add your name to the registered riders list (manual process, so give it some time).

Currently Registered
Nobody registered

If you’ve registered and want to cancel, please go to this page to cancel

Monticello - Mt Vernon 300K
2025-09-13 07:00 - 2025-09-14 03:00 | Quality Inn, 1000 E Iowa St, Eldridge, 52748, United States
For 2025 I’ve selected the best routes offered out of Eldridge to create a reverse series. We should all be trained up enough by August to do a 600K and then decrease the distance as we lose daylight.
This is a nice loop up to Monticello followed by a long southward stretch down through Mt Vernon, Solon and the Sugar Bottom recreational area before heading back toward Eldridge.
Here are the details:
ACP certified, 306 Km, 7,413 feet of climbing, ridewithgps route here
To register for this event:

Click on the link below to complete a waiver.
After completing the waiver you’ll be taken to PayPal (note that a PayPal account is not required)

Register
Note that there will be no day of ride registration – advance registration is mandatory!
Your registration is not complete until your completed waiver and PayPal payment is received.

Currently Registered
Nobody registered

If you’ve registered and want to cancel, please go to this page to cancel

Rouleur Series Ride 1: Eldridge 106 km
2026-04-25 10:00 - 17:04 | Quality Inn, 1000 E Iowa St, Eldridge, 52748, United States
This spring we are starting with a Rouleur Series to get your legs acclimated to longer distances. To complete the series and be eligible for the award you must complete the following calendared events: 100-124 km populaire, 125-149 km populaire, 150-199 km populaire, 120+ km 8-hour team ride (DART), and 200-220 km brevet. This year we will be completing these events by exploring the Quad Cities Region (Eldridge IA, Peoria IL, Ottawa IL, and TBD for the team ride).
Here are the details for the first ride of the series (100-124 km):
From Eldridge, head northwest to find gently rolling hills along lightly traveled roads.
RUSA Sanctioned, 106 Km, 1,514 feet of climbing, RideWithGPS route here.
To register for this event:

Click on the link below to complete a waiver.
After completing the waiver you’ll be taken to PayPal (note that a PayPal account is not required)

Register
Note that there will be no day of ride registration – advance registration is mandatory! Registration closes 24 hours before the start time.
Your registration is not complete until your completed waiver and PayPal payment is received.
Currently RegisteredKelli Brannen Greg Smith Bill Nauseef Randy Anderson
If you’ve registered and want to cancel, please go to this page to cancel.

Rouleur Series Ride 2: Peoria 127 km
2026-05-09 09:00 - 17:28 | Huck’s Food and Fuel, 3819 W War Memorial Dr, Peoria, IL, 61615, United States
This spring we are starting with a Rouleur Series to get your legs acclimated to longer distances. To complete the series and be eligible for the award you must complete the following calendared events: 100-124 km populaire, 125-149 km populaire, 150-199 km populaire, 120+ km 8-hour team ride (DART), and 200-220 km brevet. This year we will be completing these events by exploring the Quad Cities Region (Eldridge IA, Peoria IL, Ottawa IL, and TBD for the team ride).
Here are the details for the second ride of the series (125-149 km):
Leave Peoria to find rolling hills, flat sections, small towns, farms, and a nice ride along the Illinois River.
RUSA Sanctioned, 127 Km, 2,269 feet of climbing, RideWithGPS route here.
To register for this event:

Click on the link below to complete a waiver.
After completing the waiver you’ll be taken to PayPal (note that a PayPal account is not required)

Register
Note that there will be no day of ride registration – advance registration is mandatory! Registration closes 24 hours before the start time.
Your registration is not complete until your completed waiver and PayPal payment is received.
Currently RegisteredMark Harrison E Taveirne Randy Anderson Mark Rada Kelli Brannen
If you’ve registered and want to cancel, please go to this page to cancel.

Rouleur Series Ride 3: Ottawa 151 km
2026-05-23 08:00 - 18:04 | LaSalle County Courthouse, 707 E Etna Rd, Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
This spring we are starting with a Rouleur Series to get your legs acclimated to longer distances. To complete the series and be eligible for the award you must complete the following calendared events: 100-124 km populaire, 125-149 km populaire, 150-199 km populaire, 120+ km 8-hour team ride (DART), and 200-220 km brevet. This year we will be completing these events by exploring the Quad Cities Region (Eldridge IA, Peoria IL, Ottawa IL, and TBD for the team ride).
Here are the details for the third ride of the series (150-199 km):
From Ottawa, IL you will head west to the river town of Marseilles (they pronounce it Mar-sales) and then onward to an iconic Illinois cycling road, the winding/climby road through Starved Rock State Park made famous by the Starved Rock Classic road race and countless bike tours. The hills are short but a few are 11-12%. Just after the Control at the Starved Rock Lodge, an optional stop at the Visitors center/museum (also has food/water) has great info about the history of the area. Then you’ll cross the river on the bike path on the newly reconstructed Hwy 178 bridge, then back east to Ottawa to visit the site of the Lincoln-Douglas debates just before the finish.
RUSA sanctioned, 151 Km, 2,895 feet of climbing, RideWithGPS route here.
To register for this event:

Click on the link below to complete a waiver.
After completing the waiver you’ll be taken to PayPal (note that a PayPal account is not required)

Register
Note that there will be no day of ride registration – advance registration is mandatory! Registration closes 24 hours before the start time.
Your registration is not complete until your completed waiver and PayPal payment is received.
Currently RegisteredMark Harrison E Taveirne Mark Rada Doug McLerran Kent Beernink Randy Anderson
If you’ve registered and want to cancel, please go to this page to cancel.

Rouleur Series Ride 4: DART
2026-05-30 09:00 - 17:00 | IL
This spring we are starting with a Rouleur Series to get your legs acclimated to longer distances. To complete the series and be eligible for the award you must complete the following calendared events: 100-124 km populaire, 125-149 km populaire, 150-199 km populaire, 120+ km 8-hour team ride (DART), and 200-220 km brevet. This year we will be completing these events by exploring the Quad Cities Region (Eldridge IA, Peoria IL, Ottawa IL, and TBD for the team ride).
Here are the details for the fourth ride of the series (120+ km 8-hour team ride, DART):
Based on rider interest we will design a new route that meets the requirements or choose from an existing route.
To register for this event:

Click on the link below to complete a waiver.
After completing the waiver you’ll be taken to PayPal (note that a PayPal account is not required)

Register
Note that there will be no day of ride registration – advance registration is mandatory! Registration closes 24 hours before the start time.
Your registration is not complete until your completed waiver and PayPal payment is received.

Currently Registered
Nobody registered

If you’ve registered and want to cancel, please go to this page to cancel.

Rouleur Series Ride 5: Peoria 200 km
2026-06-06 08:00 - 21:30 | Huck’s Food and Fuel, 3819 W War Memorial Dr, Peoria, IL, 61615, United States
This spring we are starting with a Rouleur Series to get your legs acclimated to longer distances. To complete the series and be eligible for the award you must complete the following calendared events: 100-124 km populaire, 125-149 km populaire, 150-199 km populaire, 120+ km 8-hour team ride (DART), and 200-220 km brevet. This year we will be completing these events by exploring the Quad Cities Region (Eldridge IA, Peoria IL, Ottawa IL, and TBD for the team ride).
Here are the details for the fifth ride of the series (200-220 km):
Starting in Peoria you will head west along mostly quiet country roads with both rolling and flat sections. Many food options at the halfway point in Galesburg.
ACP sanctioned, 200 Km, 3,795 feet of climbing, RideWithGPS route here.
To register for this event:

Click on the link below to complete a waiver.
After completing the waiver you’ll be taken to PayPal (note that a PayPal account is not required)

Register
Note that there will be no day of ride registration – advance registration is mandatory! Registration closes 24 hours before the start time.
Your registration is not complete until your completed waiver and PayPal payment is received.
Currently RegisteredRandy Anderson
If you’ve registered and want to cancel, please go to this page to cancel.

US Route 66 and Springfield Landmarks 300K
2026-06-13 06:00 - 2026-06-14 02:00 | Fairfield Inn & Suites, 200 Eastlight Court, East Peoria, IL, United States
We will head east to the Bloomington/Normal area and then follow US Route 66 southwest to Springfield where we will follow a zig-zag tour of various landmarks before heading north the the finish.
Note: If you are not staying at one of the hotels then please park in the back of the Residence Inn hotel which has more parking available. We will depart from this parking area.
ACP certified, 300 Km, 4,132 feet of climbing, RideWithGPS route here
To register for this event:

Click on the link below to complete a waiver.
After completing the waiver you’ll be taken to PayPal (note that a PayPal account is not required)

Register
Note that there will be no day of ride registration – advance registration is mandatory! Registration closes 24 hours before the start time.
Your registration is not complete until your completed waiver and PayPal payment is received.

Currently Registered
Nobody registered

If you’ve registered and want to cancel, please go to this page to cancel.

Windy to Macomb 400K
2026-06-20 04:00 - 2026-06-21 07:00 | Fairfield Inn & Suites, 200 Eastlight Court, East Peoria, IL, United States
We will start by crossing the Illinois River into Peoria, heading north to visit farm fields, a tour of wind farms to the west and south, and then head northeast to the finish. Many small towns will be visited along the route, but there are many good refueling options to keep you going.
Note: If you are not staying at one of the hotels then please park in the back of the Residence Inn hotel which has more parking available. We will depart from this parking area.
ACP certified, 400 Km, 6,596 feet of climbing, RideWithGPS route here
To register for this event:

Click on the link below to complete a waiver.
After completing the waiver you’ll be taken to PayPal (note that a PayPal account is not required)

Register
Note that there will be no day of ride registration – advance registration is mandatory! Registration closes 24 hours before the start time.
Your registration is not complete until your completed waiver and PayPal payment is received.

Currently Registered
Nobody registered

If you’ve registered and want to cancel, please go to this page to cancel.

West Union 1000K
2026-06-26 04:00 - 2026-06-29 07:00 | Best Rest Inn & Suites, 108 Hwy 150 N, West Union, IA, 52175, United States
This 1000K in the beautiful driftless region is an excellent training ride for anyone thinking about the Coulee Challenge 1200 km grand brevet later in the summer. It will cover Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota to help with your American Explorer Award. This route is set up three loops so you will have the same hotel room every night.
ACP certified, 1000 Km, 27,825 feet of climbing, RideWithGPS route here

Day 1 Route
Day 2 Route
Day 3 Route

To register for this event:

Click on the link below to complete a waiver.
After completing the waiver you’ll be taken to PayPal (note that a PayPal account is not required)

Register
Note that there will be no day of ride registration – advance registration is mandatory! Registration closes 24 hours before the start time.
Your registration is not complete until your completed waiver and PayPal payment is received.
Currently RegisteredMichael Mullery Christopher Ricker Michael Sakosky Spencer Carran
If you’ve registered and want to cancel, please go to this page to cancel.

West Union 600K
2026-06-27 05:00 - 2026-06-28 21:00 | Best Rest Inn & Suites, 108 Hwy 150 N, West Union, IA, 52175, United States
This 600K in the beautiful driftless region is an excellent training ride for anyone thinking about the Coulee Challenge 1200 km grand brevet later in the summer. It will cover Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota to help with your American Explorer Award. This route is set up two loops so you will have the same hotel room each night.
ACP certified, 600 Km, 17,773 feet of climbing, RideWithGPS route here
About a week before the ride I will provide separate RWGPS files for each day.
To register for this event:

Click on the link below to complete a waiver.
After completing the waiver you’ll be taken to PayPal (note that a PayPal account is not required)

Register
Note that there will be no day of ride registration – advance registration is mandatory! Registration closes 24 hours before the start time.
Your registration is not complete until your completed waiver and PayPal payment is received.

Currently Registered
Nobody registered

If you’ve registered and want to cancel, please go to this page to cancel.

Eldridge - Peosta - Guttenberg 400k
2026-07-18 04:00 - 2026-07-19 07:00 | Quality Inn, 1000 E Iowa St, Eldridge, 52748, United States
This is a tough 400K with a lot of steep and long climbs. Perfect training for anyone planning to ride the Coulee Challenge 1200K.
ACP certified, 400 Km, 11,850 feet of climbing, RideWithGPS route here
To register for this event:

Click on the link below to complete a waiver.
After completing the waiver you’ll be taken to PayPal (note that a PayPal account is not required)

Register
Note that there will be no day of ride registration – advance registration is mandatory! Registration closes 24 hours before the start time.
Your registration is not complete until your completed waiver and PayPal payment is received.
Currently RegisteredRobert Sexton
If you’ve registered and want to cancel, please go to this page to cancel.

Illinois River Crossing at Meredosia 600K
2026-08-22 05:00 - 2026-08-23 21:00 | Fairfield Inn & Suites, 200 Eastlight Court, East Peoria, IL, United States
This will be a tour of Central Illinois by starting in East Peoria, heading north to Chillicothe on the Illinois River, heading west to Monmouth, and finding your way south to the Illinois River crossing at Meredosia. You may reserve an overnight hotel in Jacksonville for some rest and recovery. The second day heads to Springfield for a zig-zag tour of various landmarks before heading northeast along US Route 66 to the Bloomington/Normal area. There is a little jaunt up to Metamora before heading to the finish for a skyline view of the East Peoria and Peoria.
Bag drop service is available upon request for the overnight hotel in Jacksonville.
Note: If you are not staying at one of the hotels in East Peoria then please park in the back of the Residence Inn hotel which has more parking available. We will depart from this parking area.
ACP certified, 600 Km, 8,624 feet of climbing, RideWithGPS route here. The RWGPS file for the full course has more than 200 course points which results in losing turn prompts for much of the ride. Instead, download the Day 1 and Day 2 files below:

RWGPS Day 1
RWGPS Day 2

To register for this event:

Click on the link below to complete a waiver.
After completing the waiver you’ll be taken to PayPal (note that a PayPal account is not required)

Register
Note that there will be no day of ride registration – advance registration is mandatory! Registration closes 24 hours before the start time.
Your registration is not complete until your completed waiver and PayPal payment is received.

Currently Registered
Nobody registered

If you’ve registered and want to cancel, please go to this page to cancel.

Point me to Peosta 300K
2026-09-12 06:00 - 2026-09-13 02:00 | Quality Inn, 1000 E Iowa St, Eldridge, 52748, United States
As is typical in these parts the terrain is hillier on the north end of the route, but nothing that is too tough.
ACP certified, 300 Km, 7,725 feet of climbing, RideWithGPS route here
To register for this event:

Click on the link below to complete a waiver.
After completing the waiver you’ll be taken to PayPal (note that a PayPal account is not required)

Register
Note that there will be no day of ride registration – advance registration is mandatory! Registration closes 24 hours before the start time.
Your registration is not complete until your completed waiver and PayPal payment is received.
Currently RegisteredRandy Anderson
If you’ve registered and want to cancel, please go to this page to cancel.

Eldridge West 200K
2026-09-26 08:00 - 21:30 | IL
An easy loop through the rolling farmland west of Eldridge.
ACP certified, 200 Km, 4,274 feet of climbing, RideWithGPS route here
To register for this event:

Click on the link below to complete a waiver.
After completing the waiver you’ll be taken to PayPal (note that a PayPal account is not required)

Register
Note that there will be no day of ride registration – advance registration is mandatory! Registration closes 24 hours before the start time.
Your registration is not complete until your completed waiver and PayPal payment is received.
Currently RegisteredRandy Anderson
If you’ve registered and want to cancel, please go to this page to cancel.
