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Tour de Coal this weekend

The Coal Country Chamber of Commerce Tour de Coal will be this Saturday, Sept. 23, in Benld, Ill. For those of you who don't know where Benld is, it's about halfway between St. Louis and Springfield, Ill., not far from Staunton, Ill., the home of the Tour de Donut ride.

The Tour de Coal is for riders of all ages and abilities who want to promote the interests of bicyclists in the Macoupin County, Ill., area. Members of the committee putting together the ride are trying to develop trails in Macoupin County with the long-term goal of building a bike trail that will link St. Louis and Springfield. The ride will be held in conjunction with the Coal Country Chamber of Commerce Annual Fall Festival.

Choose from a 15-mile family ride, a mid-length 30-mile ride or a metric century. The terrain is flat to rolling with some hills.

All routes start and end at the Benld Elementary School. Restrooms are available at the school.

Day of ride registration is from 7-9 a.m. Sags end at 4 p.m. Online registration will be available through Thursday at Active.com. The cost of the ride is $15 for individuals or $40 for a household of three or more people.

The routes are marked, and cue sheets will be provided. All routes will have rest stops with snacks, water and Gatorade. All routes will be sagged.

I've been working with the group in the developing the ride, and they have been working hard to develop a quality event. I hope you'll take the time to make it to Benld for the event.

Roger 0 comments 11:04 AM