Across State Bicycle Tours (G-I)

Dates for 2008 are listed in bold face type.

Georgia  

The Bicycle Ride Across Georgia (BRAG) is planning a bike ride from Atlanta to St. Simon's Island in 2008. Routes and mileages are being studied. The ride is limited to 2,000 riders. Dates: June 7-14, 2008. (Also, the 2008 BRAG Tune-up is scheduled for April 25-27, 2008, in Madison.)

Hawaii  Many private bicycle tour company offer tours, including Bicycle Adventures, Cyclevents, Orchid Island Cycling, and VBT.

Idaho  Bicycle Idaho is offering a 370-mile route from the shores of Lake Pend Oreille and Coeur d'Alene Lake to Clark Fork and Coueur d'Alene River. It's not all flat riding, however, as the route crosses passes in the Lo Lo National Forest and Thompson Pass. Dates: July 30 - Aug. 4, 2006.(No Bicycle Idaho in 2007/2008.)

Ride Idaho takes cyclists on its fourth tour in 2008, covering eastern Idaho. The 450-mile bike tour starts in Pocatello and ends in Idaho Falls. It features overnights in Preston; Lava Hot Springs; Soda Springs; Alpine, Wyoming; Driggs; and St. Anthony. 200 riders maximum. Dates: August 10-16, 2008. (Registration opens Jan. 1, 2008, and this ride fills up fast.)

Tour de Lacs guides bicyclists from Spokane, Washington, to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and back over several routes, which can include a boat cruise on Lake Coeur d'Alene. Options range from 40 miles to 124 miles the first day; and 40 or 73 miles the second day. Dates: September 20 and 21, 2008.

Illinois  

Around Illinois Back Roads (AIBR 2007) is a 7-day bicycle tour from Morris to Galena and back. Overnight stops in Morris, Shabbona, Freeport, Galena, Mt. Carroll and Amboy.  There's also a weekend ride associated with the event. Dates: August 4 - 10, 2007. (Unfortunately, Joliet Bicycle Club announced the tour will not take place in 2008. Let's hope it returns in 2009.)

Bicycle Illinois (formerly Bicycllinois) routes cyclists over about 550 miles of road. The ride leaves from Cairo and ends in Chicago. Dates: July 5-12, 2008.

Grand Illinois Trails and Parks (GITAP - 08) hosts a 7-day loop bicycle tour that covers between 300 to 550 miles of roads in Illinois. The big loop begins at Dixon's Sauk Community College with stops in Lowden State Park, Mississippi State Park, Augustana Community College in Rock Island, and Morrison/Rockwood State Park. Most of this year's route will be on roads, although there are rides along the Great River Trail and the Hennepin Canal Trail. Sponsored by League of Illinois Bicyclists. Dates: June 15-21, 2008.

Illinois Great Rivers Ride in 2006 sent bicyclists south from Rockford to Pere Marquette State Park, mostly along the Rock and Mississippi rivers. The 7-day ride covered about 400 miles. Limited to 300 riders. The 2008 route is still be hammered out. Check the website for more details. Dates: Sept. 7-13, 2008.

Other rides --

Tour de Stooges offers five routes of 15, 22, 31, 42 and 64 miles in southwestern Illinois. Lunch and slapstick comedy following the ride. Meets at Lindendale Park, Highland, Ill. Date: May 3, 2008

Also see Missouri: Cycle Across Missouri ...

Indiana  

Rainstorm 2008 -- Ride Across Indiana -- Same Thing Only Ride More is a new cross-state tour in 2008. Cyclists will ride five centuries in five days, then join 1,000 cyclists on the six day for the 160-mile Ride Across Indiana from Terre Haute to Richmond (the original starting point). Registering 25 to 50 cyclists. Dates: July 7-11, 2008.

Cover Indiana is actually three simultaneous bicycle tours of Indiana, leaving from South Bend, Bluffton and Evansville. Each is about 350 miles. Organizers provide indoor-sleeping arrangements, food, luggage vans and sag support. It's a fund-raiser for Indiana Habitat for Humanity. Dates: May 11-17, 2008. Also, check JCOnline for more info.

Touring Ride in Rural Indiana (TRIRI) celebrates its 26th anniversary in 2008 with visits to three state parks in Central Indiana. The new route in 2008 begins and ends in Scottsburg. Variable mileages depending on daily options. More details later. Dates: June 22 - 28, 2008.

Touring Ride in Rural Indiana (TRIRI) September Escapade features a fall edition in 2008 with a visit to south central Indiana. Different mileage options most days; overnight stays at Brown County, McCormick's Creek and Turkey Run state parks. Dates: September 14-19, 2008.

Iowa  

The Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa 2008 (RAGBRAI XXXVI) registration opens Nov. 15, 2007.  Spaces are alloted by lottery to 8,500 cyclists. Biggest, oldest across-state bike tour. Dates: July 20-26, 2008.

Also see Kansas: Border Raiders ...

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