FAQs

During the first 13 years of the ride, the bulk of the volunteers who work on the ride were members of the Belleville Area Bicycling and Eating Society. In 2010, the B.A.B.E.S. decided to become affiliated with the St. Louis Cycling Club. We decided to make the Tour de Stooges our major annual fundraiser.

Are you selling T-shirts for the 2012 Tour de Stooges?

Yes! T-shirts are sold separately. If you pre-register for the ride and want to buy a shirt, each shirt costs $15, Shirts also will be $15 the day of the ride, but we urge you to pre-order because there will be limited numbers of shirts available the day of the ride. Some people have asked why we sell the shirts separately from ride registration. That's because we purchase licensed T-shirts, which cost more than shirts for most events. Other cycling events, such as the Hilly Hundred, sells their merchandise separate from the registration.

Is there a discount if you register early?

Yes. If you pre-register for the event, either by mail or online, the cost of the ride is $20 for adults and $10 for children 5-12 and $50. On the day of the ride, the cost is $25 for adults, $15 for children 5-12. We have eliminated the Family Pack for 2012 because few participants took advantage of the deal.

 

Is this a family oriented ride?

You bet! That's why we have five different routes ranging from 17 to 64 miles. This is a ride for everyone. Families with younger children can ride at a leisurely pace on the 17- and 22-mile routes, while more experienced riders can go at their own pace on the 30-, 42-and 64-mile courses. Just remember to get back to Lindendale Park before 3 p.m. so you can partake of the buffet and the movies!

How are the roads marked?

We use at least two yellow arrows before each turn. They are marked with the mileage of the route: 17 for the Joe Besser "Not So Hard" Route (17 miles), 22 for the Curly Shuffle (22 miles), 30 for the Larry "Just Fine" Route (30 miles), 42 for the Shemp Shortcut (42 miles) and 64 for the Moe Metric (64 miles).

How difficult are the Tour de Stooges courses?

All five routes are on flat to rolling countryside, well within the range of most cyclists — including beginners. The high point of the ride, appropriately near Highland, is about 580 feet above sea level. The low point on the Moe route is about 429 feet. The low point of the Shemp and Moe routes is about 450 feet, and the low point of the Curly and Larry routes is about 500 feet.

Headwinds can be a factor because much of the ride is in farm country with few trees to block the wind. During the spring, the wind generally blows from the south or the west.

Is it safe to ride on the roads?

Yes. For the most part, the route takes lightly traveled country roads, and most motorists you encounter are courteous. If you follow Illinois bicycling laws, which require you to ride single-file when there is traffic and which require you to ride no more than two abreast at other times, then you should have few problems with motorists. For more details about Illinois cycling laws, download this PDF file from the League of Illinois Bicyclists. Farmers often are planting their crops the weekend of the Tour de Stooges, and we ask that you be courteous to them because they need these roads to make a living.

Where can I spend the night if I'm coming in from out of town?

Highland has two hotels, Holiday Inn Express (618-651-1100) and Michael's Swiss Inn (618-654-8646), and a bed-and-breakfast, Tibbett's House Bed & Breakfast/The Chocolate Affair (618-654-9340). Many of the major hotel/motel chains have locations along Interstate 55-70 in nearby Collinsville and Troy. For a listing of nearby hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts, visit The Tourism Bureau Southwestern Illinois.

Can I ride the Tour de Stooges for free?

YES! But there is a catch. You have to do some volunteer work. We need help with registration and parking before the ride, and we need someone to oversee the films at Lindendale Park. Contact us for more details.

How did you guys come up for the idea for the ride?

Ride founders Roger Kramer and Ken Kibort brainstormed the idea while marking roads for another ride in the St. Louis area. We decided the Highland-Lebanon area has some of the best cycling roads in the St. Louis area.

Will the ride go on in the rain?

Unfortunately, yes. It would be very difficult to get the word out about a change of plans, and it would be difficult to find an alternative date because the Hevetia Sharpshooters, which maintains the park, has many activities planned throughout the year.

What if I can't finish the ride?

You should be able to finish because we provide adequate food and water at rest stops and because support crews led by The Cyclery will fix mechanical problems you have on the road.

If you just can't make it, then support crews from The Cyclery and the St. Louis Cycling Club/Belleville Area Bicycling and Eating Society will be able to get you and your bike back to Lindendale Park. SAG support will end at 3 p.m.

What if I have more questions?

Send an e-mail to us, and we'll answer your questions promptly.