2010 Maple Leaf Bike Ride

With Post-Ride Meal Catered by Caldone's Italian Restaurant

October 9, 2010 - Carthage, Missouri

The Joplin Trails Coalition's annual fund raising event, the Maple Leaf Bike Ride, is one of the most popular rides in the Southwest Missouri area. This unique recreational event is scheduled in early October, a time of moderate temperatures and beautiful fall scenery.

Five routes of varying lengths provide options for cyclists of all ability levels. Routes of 15, 35, 50, 70 and 100 miles wind through the scenic countryside of Southwest Missouri via quiet backroads (download the route map). Rest stops spaced along the route will provide food and refreshments. All routes start and end at Kellogg Lake Pavillion in Carthage, MO.

All riders will be entered in a drawing for several fabulous prizes, including a Trek 1.2 Road Bike donated by Bicycle Specialists of Joplin, MO, a beautiful handmade quilt, a disc golf starter set, memberships to the Joplin Family Y and the Carthage Y, wine from the Vinery Wine shop, and wine from the Keltoi Winery. In addition, all riders will enjoy a post-ride meal compliments of Caldone's Italian Retaurant. Best of all, the proceeds from this event will help fund the development of a multi-use regional trail system. When finished, the system will contain approximately 100 miles of interconnected trail that not only links area communities to each other, but also provides a viable method of non-motorized transportation within each city.

Based on the feedback from the 2008 and 2009 rides, the two most requested things were more restroom facilities and a change to the 100 mile route to avoid Highway 43. We listened and in 2009 added restroom facilities to some of the rest stops and have changed the last half of the 100 mile route - it no longer uses Higway 43, instead it is now completely on country roads with little or no traffic. We also added an 8th rest stop in 2008 for the 100 mile riders. By popular demand, the additional rest stop and rest rooms have become permanent additions to the ride and will certainly be included in the 2010 ride!

Experience the scenic beauty of Southwest Missouri from the unique vantage point of a bicycle. Register today and help make the regional trail system a viable asset to all the communities in the area!