Simon Kenton Pathfinder’s Annual Bike Tour set for Sept. 8

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The 24th Annual Simon Kenton Pathfinders Fundraiser Bike Tour in memory of Betsy Bohl returns Sunday, Sept. 8, supporting maintenance of the Simon Kenton Trail.

Check in and registration are from 7:30 to 11 a.m. at The Depot Coffee House, 644 Miami St., Urbana.

Riders can choose a flat to hilly Metric Century or Metric Half Century through Champaign County and surrounding counties, or a 15-mile ride completely on the Simon Kenton Trail (ideal for families with children). In addition, organizers are working on a totally flat option (combination of trail and rural roads).

Area residents and families can help support the cause while enjoying time together. They are encouraged to pre-register by Aug. 31 for a significant cost savings.

“For 2024, we have kept our adult registration fees the same while many other local bike tours and race events have drastically raised their fees,” SKP officials said.

“In addition, our SKP Board, in the interest of promoting youth cycling and helping families, has decided to make all youth registrations, ages 0-17 free this year, if pre-registered and with and adult registration.”

For those who register online by Aug. 31, adults ages 18 and older are $35; ages 0-17 are free. After Aug. 31 and Ride Day registration: Adults are $50; ages 0 through 17 are $15. Children must also be accompanied by an adult rider and wear a helmet to participate.

The SKP uses Ride with GPS. Safe and smart cycling is encouraged.

“Wearing bright colors, lights on bike or trike, helmets and following all traffic laws will help us conduct a safe and enjoyable ride,” SKP officials said.

Included with registration:

Continental Breakfast Courtesy of the Depot Coffee House, served from 7:30-10 am.
Snacks, sport drinks and water at the Depot and all SAG stations along the routes;

Mobile SAG services provided by Cyclotherapy Bicycle Shop; and

Post-Ride food voucher for either of two (2) different food trucks or The Depot worth $5.
Quality 50/50 blend Pathfinders T-Shirt* for registrations received by Aug. 31 will be available on tour date. Late registrations, after 8/31, will receive their T-shirts as soon as possible after the event.

All youth registrations for ages 0-17 will receive a bike helmet while they last. Sizes and colors are limited. There is also a virtual option for those who are unable to make it on Sept. 8 or who live far away.

The fee is $35 at registration ($0 for ages 0-17) will get a tour T-shirt sent to you and includes the cost of postage and you help the mission of the Simon Kenton Trail.

Riders participate in the 2023 Simon Kenton Pathfinders Tour. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)