Cyclists enjoy the wild flowers along the Tour de Stooges
route in 2006
(Photo by Derik Holtmann/Belleville News-Democrat)
About the Tour de Stooges
Welcome
More than 500 cyclists enjoyed the scenic country roads on the Tour de Stooges in 2006.
(Photo by Derik Holtmann/Belleville News-Democrat)
We don't think we have to resort to a poke in the eye or a punch in the stomach to get you to ride in the Tour de Stooges on Saturday, May 5, 2012, at Lindendale Park in Highland, Ill.
The cost of the tour not only includes a trip on beautiful flat to gently rolling country roads in St. Clair, Madison and Clinton counties in Illinois, but it includes a lunch and all the slapstick comedy you can stand!
If you think it's far-fetched to combined cycling and slapstick comedy, then you're in for a big surprise. For example, a trio of stooges did their part to promote cycling by riding a bicycle built for three in their Oscar-nominated short "Men in Black" and in the films "Whoops, I'm an Indian" and "Three Sappy People."
Ride Scenic Country Roads
Day-of-ride registration takes place from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the the pavilions at Lindendale Park. You can take off as soon as you finish registration. Once on the road, you have several options available:
- The Joe Besser "Not So Hard" Route — 17 miles
- The Curly Howard Shuffle — 22 miles
- The Larry "Just" Fine Route — 30 miles
- The Shemp Howard Shortcut — 42 miles
- The Moe Howard Metric — 64 miles
Maps will be provided, and all roads will be marked. Rest stops stocked with food and water are available. SAG service provided by The Cyclery and our volunteers will be available until 3 p.m.
Video from the 2009 Tour de Stooges!
Belleville News-Democrat photographer Tim Vizer shot this short video of the 2009 Tour de Stooges as cyclists made their way up Old Trenton Road near Highland. We are grateful to the News-Democrat to allowing us to link to the video.
Food! Come and Get It!
On top of the food that will be served at the rest stops, we'll serve you lunch at Lindendale Park after the ride. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; we urge long-distance riders to start between 8:30 and 9 a.m. to make sure you're back in time.The lunch also will include tea and lemonade. Soda and beer will be available at an additional cost by the Helvetia Sharpshooters, our host of the Tour de Stooges.
For those of you on the longer routes, we also point out communities that have food available.
After the ride is done, you can enjoy some entertainment at Lindendale Park!
Not Me! I Refuse!
We've heard that there's a few of you out there who don't like slapstick comedy. Don't worry, there's plenty to do in Highland after the ride. Highland is home to many historic homes, including the Latzer Homestead, which was the home of Pet Milk founder Louis Latzer. Wicks Organ Co., which has created hundreds of organs for churches and other institutions nationwide, also is based in Highland.
What if it rains?
We know rain's always a possibility in early May, but the ride will go on rain or shine. You may consider bringing rain gear.
HELMETS ARE REQUIRED!
Getting there
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Lindendale Park is about 45 minutes from downtown St. Louis. From St. Louis, take Interstate 55-70 to Troy, turn east on Interstate 70, then turn east at Exit 24 on Illinois Route 143, continue on Route 143 about four miles into Highland. Turn east on U.S. 40 for about a mile, then turn south at the roundabout onto Poplar Avenue. At the Broadway roundabout, continue south on Poplar. Turn east onto Lindenthal Avenue, and that will take you straight to Lindendale Park.