FAQs

Why did the ride move from Lebanon, Ill., to Highland, Ill.?

Both the Tour de Stooges and McKendree University have seen tremendous growth since our first ride in 1997. We simply outgrew each other. We would have loved to stay in Lebanon, but there are no other facilities in Lebanon that could handle our crowd. We are looking forward to our move to Highland, and we believe Highland will be our home for many years to come.

Are you selling T-shirts for the 2008 Tour de Stooges?

Yes and no. Yes, there will be T-shirts for the 2008 ride, but they are included in the cost of the ride if you pre-register. If you wait until the day of the ride to sign up, a T-shirt is not included in the cost of the ride, although they may be for sale.

Is there a discount if you register early?

Yes and no. If you pre-register for the event, either by mail or online, a T-shirt is included in the cost of the ride. Day-of-ride registration does not include the T-shirt.

 

Is this a family oriented ride?

You bet! That's why we have five different routes ranging from 15 to 63 miles. This is a ride for everyone. Families with younger children can ride at a leisurely pace on the 15- and 22-mile routes, while more experienced riders can go at their own pace on the 30-, 42-and 63-mile courses. Just remember to get back to the college before 3 p.m. so can partake of the buffet and the Stooge films!

How are the roads marked?

We use at least two yellow arrows before each turn. They are marked with the mileage of the route: 15 for the Joe Besser Route (13 miles), 22 for the Curly Shuffle (19 miles), 30 for the Larry "Just Fine Route (30 miles), 42 for the Shemp Shortcut (42 miles) and 63 for the Moe Metric (63 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 l. The low point of the Shemp and Larry 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, a Holiday Inn Express (618-651-1100) and Michael's Swiss Inn (618-654-8646), and a bed-and-breakfast, Tibbett's House Bed & Breakfast (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.

For the 2008 edition of the Tour de Stooges, we recommend you make your reservations as soon as possible. The 2008 O'Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals will be run at nearby Gateway International Raceway the weekend of Tour de Stooges, so there is likely to be great demand for hotel rooms.

 

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 Ames Hall. 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 from Ghisallo Sports will fix mechanical problems you have on the road.

Ghisallo Sports also will be providing bicycle safety checks before the ride to help you avoid problems on the road.

If you just can't make it, then support crews from Ghisallo Sports and Hostelling International will be able to get you and your bike back to Lindendale Park. SAG support will end for the ride at 3 p.m.

What if I have more questions?

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