Now in its 30th year, the Kalamazoo Scenic Bicycle Tour (KalTour) is the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club’s annual cycling event designed for bicyclists of many ages and abilities. Distances range from 10 to 100 miles. Our start location at Schoolcraft High School offers easy access to low-traffic, flat, country roads.
In addition to paved road routes, KalTour will have gravel road routes of 32 and 64 miles. Remember that riding on gravel is more work than riding on pavement, and the longer gravel route has a few hills as well to complete the challenge.
For the safety of our volunteers and riders, COVID precautions will be followed. Masks will be required for all riders when not riding or seated for eating. Instructions from servers and posted directions must be followed when obtaining food and drink.
The Routes
All routes leave from Schoolcraft High School (see below for directions to the start).
KalTour 2022 routes are available through the Ride With GPS website at this link https://ridewithgps.com/events/183681-kaltour-2022
Routes may be followed using pavement markings, paper maps, or “Ride with GPS” map files.
Road Routes:
- 100 miles (century)
- 62 miles (100 K or metric century)
- 50 miles
- 31 miles (50 K)
- 15 miles
- 10 miles (escorted family ride leaving at 10 am)
Gravel Routes:
- 64 miles (a demanding route that will likely take 4-6 hours)
- 32 miles (moderately challenging)
The first 12 miles of the two gravel routes are flat, with about half of that paved. Most of the rest of each route is unpaved gravel; grades on some climbs exceed 16%.
The 32 mile route is at least as hard as the 32 mile Barry – Roubaix gravel race course. The 64 mile course is even harder and twice as long. There are no stores on the 32 mile route: the only store on the 64 mile route is not open on Sunday. Unless you are an experienced high-mileage gravel rider, we suggest you start with the shorter route.
There will be one sag stop for gravel riders on the 32 mile route–at mile 16. The 64 mile course will visit this stop twice, at mile 16 and mile 45.
You may choose your distance on the day of the ride, but we would like to know how many gravel riders there will be, so riders will be asked to choose between gravel or road routes when registering.
How much does KalTour cost?
- Online registration before June 23 (or until rider capacity of 250 is reached): $40.00 for individuals; $75.00 for families of up to 2 adults and minor children ($5 discount for KBC members)
- Day of ride registration, at Registration Tent: $45.00 for individuals; $85.00 for families of up to 2 adults and minor children (NO discount for KBC members)
Schedule – Road Routes
- Registration is open from 7:00 am to 11:00 am
- Century riders must start no later than 8:30 am
- Metric Century riders must start no later than 10:00 am
- 4:00 pm – Course closes
Schedule – Gravel Routes
- Registration is open from 7:00 am to 9:00 am
- Course open 8am-3pm
- All gravel riders must leave no later than 9:00 am
Amenities
- Refreshments will be available at rest stops and lunch will be offered at the end of the ride.
KalTour Ride Safety
- All riders must wear helmets and follow the rules of the road.
- All KalTour participants over the age of 18 must sign a waiver of liability on the day of the ride.
- Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult
- A bicycle with multiple gears and in good working order is recommended for all riders.
Directions to Start of KalTour
KalTour will start and end at Schoolcraft High School in Schoolcraft, Michigan located in the southern part of Kalamazoo County. Schoolcraft High School is located at the intersection of Lyons Street (VW Avenue) and 14th Street.
Directions from Kalamazoo, Portage, and points north including Grand Rapids: Take US 131 South to the north traffic light in Schoolcraft (at the McDonald’s restaurant) and turn left (east) onto Lyons Street. The school is approximately one-half mile on the left.
Directions from east and west of Kalamazoo: Take I-94 to US 131 South (Exit 74) for about eight miles.
Supporters
The following businesses and organizations help make KalTour possible:
TBA
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