"Cycle Route 66: America's Mother Road" is open to all bicyclists who feel able to bike 40 to 70 miles each day for the duration of the tour. Each tour is limited to 100 cyclists with a minimum of 25 for the ride to go. Applications must be received by May 29 for the Illinois tour and September 26 for the Missouri tour.

IM001136.jpgBACKGROUND
"Cycle Route 66: America's Mother Road" is an exciting ride on the old Route 66. We use the actual, original, old Route 66 as much as possible, with the intermediate touring rider in mind. The daily distances and terrain combine to make "Cycle Route 66: America's Mother Road" well suited for any active cyclist. The historic significance of the old Route 66 and the towns it passes through provide much of the enjoyment of this ride. And the interaction between cyclists and people in local towns will help everyone gain a greater understanding of the world and its people through hostelling.

DATES
The Illinois tour will gather at the downtown St. Louis Amtrak station 7:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, June 12, for a morning train ride to Chicago. We will arrive there early afternoon with enough time to check into the downtown Chicago hostel for the evening and still take an afternoon bike ride along Lake Michigan prior to dinner. The riders then take off Sunday morning. This summer tour ends at the famous Crown Candy Kitchen on Saturday, June 19, for a late afternoon malt or sundae before heading to the cars back at the St. Louis Amtrak station just a few blocks away.

The Missouri tour will gather at the Route 66 State Park on Sunday morning, October 10, for an 8 a.m. tour start-time (there is an optional Saturday self-supported pre-ride on another section of the old Route 66 in the St. Louis area for those interested). This fall tour ends in Carthage, MO with a tour "after-party" before leaving the next morning on Friday, October 15, on a chartered bus ride back to the cars at Route 66 State Park.

AGES
People of all ages are welcome. All non-riders traveling with the tour must register. By state law, riders under the age of 18 must have an adult sponsor on the tour that will be responsible for them. They must have the signature of a parent/guardian consenting to their participation and accepting the terms of the release. Adults sponsoring minors (unless it is a parent/guardian) must sign the statement accepting responsibility on the application. Only registered riders may act as sponsors.

ROUTING
We bike primarily along the actual, original old Route 66, passing many Route 66 points of scenic, cultural, and historic interest. Many attractions along the way will lure you from your bicycle; you will have plenty of time to stop and see the sights. As the old Route 66 passes through towns long forgotten, the route generally avoids major urban areas and is very suitable for bicycling. The total distance of the ride is about 380 miles for the Illinois tour and 270 miles for the Missouri tour. Daily distances range from 40 to 70 miles with averages of approximately 55 miles.

T-SHIRTS
Tour riders receive a commemorative T-shirt. You can order extra T-shirts on the application or online.

OVERNIGHT STAYS
You will have the opportunity to stay at original, old Route 66 roadside inns or motels several evenings for each tour. This cost is included with the Missouri tour but not for the Illinois tour.

IM001111.jpgMEALS
We did our best to locate original Route 66 food stops throughout each tour. Riders are responsible for their own breakfast and lunch with the Illinois tour and lunch only with the Missouri tour. Dinner is included with both tours. In addition, the rest stops will have Gatorade and snacks to munch on throughout the day as well. We will try to have a vegetarian menu available for each dinner whenever possible, in addition to the regular fare.

GETTING THERE AND BACK
Week-long parking will be available for both tours. For the Missouri tour Route 66 State Park is routinely patrolled by the park ranger and is locked at night. Your parking fee is part of your registration fee.

For the Illinois tour we will take an Amtrak train from St. Louis to the ride start point in Chicago on Saturday, and from there you will ride back to St. Louis on the following Saturday. For the Missouri tour we will ride out from Route 66 State Park on Sunday and finish in Carthage to return by chartered bus the following Friday.

For the cyclists being transported, your bikes will be trucked to the start or end point at no additional cost. WE CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SCRATCHES OR OTHER DAMAGE transporting bikes to ride start or end points. We recommend wrapping your frame if this is a concern.

GEAR
Any bike in good working condition can be used on "Cycle Route 66: America's Mother Road." Your condition is more important than how many gears your bike has. Clothing is left to your needs and wants. But keep in mind: not every site has laundry facilities and you will be packing and unpacking, loading and unloading your luggage every day. It must be kept at our "two bags per cyclist" limit.

REPAIRS — ARRIVE WITH A BIKE IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION
Each cyclist is expected to carry the basic minimum tools, at least enough to repair a flat tire. For the Missouri tour the Alpine Shop will act as ride support and can make repairs in the evening. They charge for their parts.

SAFETY AND EDUCATION
Our paramount concern is that people are safe while they are enjoying themselves. To this end, each cyclist must wear a properly fitted, certified bike helmet. Failure to wear a helmet could result in your removal from the tour. Since it is important that you can hear, headphones for any use are forbidden while riding. The use of a mirror is highly recommended.

Our aim is to educate while helping people enjoy a cycling vacation. However, this is not enough: we must watch out for each other. All participants are asked to bike with caution, to give guidance to less experienced riders, and to demonstrate courtesy to motorists and other bikes, on and off the road. Obey all traffic laws. Violators will be removed from the tour and may be eligible for traffic tickets. This is not a race. There are no mass starts. Bike sensibly and have fun.

SAG SERVICE
These are vehicles that drive the route to help riders who are injured, ill or have disabled bikes. SAG services are included in the basic cost. SAGs are not baby-sitters and are not for those who simply tire after a few miles. Private SAGs are not allowed and MUST NOT drive the route.

IM001125.jpgBAGGAGE TRANSPORT
Baggage will be trucked between overnight stays. Cyclists must carry everything they need during the day (jackets, snacks, first aid, spare tires, money). The trucks will carry everything else. Do not bring valuables or things that could be easily damaged by water. We can not assure security but we have never had a problem. Baggage is limited to two bags per cyclist. Plastic trash bags do not work well. Coolers or large folding chairs are not appropriate luggage.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
You can purchase your ride tickets online by clicking HERE. You can also click HERE to download a paper registration form and mail it in with your check. Be sure to sign ALL places required. Make checks payable to HI-USA GATEWAY COUNCIL.

If you need to reach us or ask a question, you may write us, call HI-USA Gateway Council at 314-644-4660 or email us at clerk@moonlightramble.org. Applications received after the ride is full will be returned with regrets and your money back.

Our tour cancellation policy is as follows:
1) A full refund is given for more than four weeks prior to the event.
2) A half refund is given for two-four weeks prior to the event.
3) NO refund is given within two weeks without a doctor's statement/medical emergency.

Any request must be submitted in writing, e-mail will not be accepted. Reimbursements will be made after the tour.

VOLUNTEERS
"Cycle Route 66: America's Mother Road" is only possible due to the efforts of many volunteers. No one is paid to work. Hundreds of hours are put in by the "Cycle Route 66: America's Mother Road" staff. If you would like to volunteer contact us at 314-644-4660 or clerk@moonlightramble.org.