KalTour

On Sunday, June 28^th, the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club will conduct the 24^th annual Kalamazoo Scenic Bicycle Tour. KalTour is a chance for beginning and experienced cyclists to challenge themselves while enjoying the scenery of the Kalamazoo and Van Buren County countryside.   Cyclists will pass through the varied landscapes of southwest Michigan: farm fields, orchards, vineyards, and forests.

KalTour participants may choose one of five marked routes: a guided 15 mile family ride, a 17 mile, 31 mile (50 kilometers), 62 mile (metric century), or a challenging 100 mile route.  The routes are marked with colored arrows painted at intersections, maps are also provided for the cyclists to carry.  KalTour is a supported ride; there are several scheduled stops providing restrooms, water and snacks, area bike shops provide mechanical support. 

All routes converge for lunch at the Briar Patch Plant Nursery on Q Avenue west of 2nd Street. With lunch catered by Water Street Coffee Joint, the break at the Briar Patch is both scenic and satisfying for hungry riders.  Kalamazoo Valley Ambucs will serve as lunch hosts at the Briar Patch.

Early registration fees, until June 16, are $20 for individuals and $35 for families.   Online registration is available at www.kalamazoobicycleclub.org until June 16.   A printable registration form which can be mailed is also available on the website.  After June 16 registration fees are $25 for individuals and $45 for families.  Day of ride registration is available.

KalTour begins and ends at the Bronson Athletic Club just south of I-94 at 9th Street (exit 72)  in “The Groves” Business Park where riders will find plenty of parking, a direct exit to low-traffic roads, and cold watermelon at the end of the ride. 

Ride courses open promptly at 7:00 AM, registration is open until 11:00 AM, and course support ends at 4:00 PM.  Riders attempting the 100 mile course must depart by 8:30 AM; 62 mile riders must leave by 10:00 AM. Three group rides are available: a fast 62 mile ride led by the KBC race team leaves at 9:00 AM, a moderately-paced 31 mile group leaves at 9:30 AM, and an escorted 13 mile family ride leaves at 10:00 AM.

Helmets are required at all KBC events.  Headphones are prohibited.  Riders under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

A portion of the proceeds from KalTour go to support the Kalamazoo Valley Ambuc’s project to purchase adaptive tricycles and bicycles for children and adults with disabilities. 

 Questions or requests for more information may be sent to kaltour@kalamazoobicycleclub.org.