Bicycle riders from all over the Midwest are expected to take part in the first ever Salt River Bike Ride that will be taking place in August. The two leg bicycle ride will begin in Kirksville on Saturday morning, August 22,and finish in Louisiana on Sunday, August 23.

Co-Coordinator Chris Koetters from the Louisiana Visitors and Convention Bureau, is one of the coordinators for the event. “Northeast Missouri has some of the most beautiful views in all of Missouri. This bike ride will give people from outside the area a chance to experience it for themselves.”

The first leg of the ride will be approximately 87 miles starting in Kirksville, traveling through the countryside, and concluding at the Clarence Cannon Dam and Mark Twain Lake. “Chris and I felt that a ride like this would not be complete without a stop at best State Park in Northeast Missouri,” said Debi Broughton, Director of the Kirksville Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We are very fortunate to have the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, the Mark Twain Lake Chamber, and Mark Twain State Park on board for this event.”

The second, and final day of the ride will begin at Mark Twain Lake and work its way to Highway 79, then finally concluded at the Louisiana Riverfront. The second day will be a shorter route of around 60 miles but Koetters added that the last 20 miles or so along 79 will be more difficult terrain then the rest of the route. “We shortened the second day up due to the steep terrain on Highway 79. The route may be a little tougher but the view of the Mississippi River along the way will make it worth it.”

In total the ride will be approximately 150 miles. Hospitality stations will be located along the route for riders with dinner and breakfast provide. There will also be a “poker run” along the route with prizes given at the conclusion of each leg. A commemorative t-shirt and goody bags will be given to participants at the end of the ride on Sunday. Registration will begin in June.

 This event is being organized by the Louisiana and Kirksville Convention and Visitors Bureaus along with the Mark Twain Lake Chamber of Commerce, Mark Twain State Park and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. More information will be available at www.facebook.com/saltriverride or by calling 888-642-3800.