Route Navigation

Trail markings will use a combination of raised signage and pink spray chalk on the ground. The full courses are available here on Ride with GPS. Routes may change. All registered participants will receive an email confirming the final route prior to the event.

We will not have printed cue-sheets on-site. If you want to print a cue-sheet, open the route in Ride with GPS, then click “More” and select “Print Cue Sheet” from the dropdown menu. You do not need an account to print a cue sheet, but you would need to create a free account to print the map.

Important — please don’t rely on a single navigation tool. While we work hard to keep routes clearly marked, it’s always best to review and familiarize yourself with the course ahead of time.

Bridge Birthday Bash route safety and navigation notes:

• The routes have been updated to work around MCT trail closures and other construction. If you have participated in this ride in the past, please note the updated routes.

• Family Ride: The Family Ride is an out-and-back route on the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. The bridge will be open to riders for the duration of the event. A sign on the east end of the bridge will indicate the turnaround point.

• Short Ride (approximately 22 miles): This ride combines residential roadways and paved trails. The route crosses the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge into Illinois, follows the Chain of Rocks Canal before accessing the MCT Confluence Trail, crossing the McKinley Bridge, and then heading north on the Riverfront Trail back to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. While the early section uses quiet, neighborhood streets, please be aware of motorist traffic and follow the rules of the road. 

  • Caution: Riders will make sharp 180-degree turn just after the bridge to get from West Chain of Rocks Road to Chouteau Place Road. A course marshall will be at that turn to warn riders to slow down and turn carefully. Please slow down and exercise caution on this turn!

• Medium Ride (approximately 30 miles): The Medium Ride shares the first 5.5 miles with the Long Ride before splitting south toward Horseshoe Lake Park, where it later rejoins the Long Route. The middle portion of this ride takes place on roads open to motorists; use caution and follow the rules of the road.

• Long Ride (approximately 56 miles): The Long Ride shares the first 5.5 miles with the Medium Ride. The route is a mix of MCT Trails and roadways, and riders must use caution and follow the rules of the road.

  • Construction Detour at Horseshoe Lake Rd and Hwy 111: Due to trail construction, riders must follow these steps to navigate the area:

1. 1. 1. Exit the Schoolhouse Trail.
      2. Take Horseshoe Lake Rd, crossing Hwy 111.
      3. Execute a Copenhagen Turn (also known as a hook turn or box turn) at Lake Rd by pulling over to the right at Lake Rd.
      4. Wait until it is safe to cross Horseshoe Lake Rd and enter Horseshoe Lake Park.

SAG Support

All Trailnet Classics rides use the TraQ Central app to manage and dispatch mechanical support calls. Through the app, riders can drop a pin at their exact location and include a note describing the assistance they need. Our support vehicles receive that GPS location and can respond quickly. The app is free on both iOS and Android devices.

It’s always best practice to start your ride prepared for minor repairs — but if you need additional help, support is just a tap away! Download TraQ Central free for Android or iOS

Rest Stops

Each stop includes hydration and snacks to supplement what you’re already carrying. Bring your own water bottle to refill. We recommend bringing additional food and fuel to match your personal ride needs.

Bridge Birthday Bash includes the following rest stops:

• McKinley Bridge Park
  • Approximate locations: Short Route at 11 miles, the Medium Route at 20 miles, and the Long Route at 47 miles
  • Open from 8 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
  • Special treats: Pickle Juice; peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
• SIUE Gardens Center
  • Approximate location: Long Route at 14 miles
  • Open from 8: a.m. to 10 a.m.
  • Special treat: Nerd Gummy Clusters
• Drost Park
  • Approximate locations: Long Route at mile 28
  • Open from 9 to 11:15 a.m.
  • Special treat: Pickle Juice
• Horseshoe Lake
  • Approximate locations: Medium Route at 12 miles and the Long Route at 37 miles
  • Open from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The exact location of the rest stops can be found on Ride with GPS here.