KalTour 2021 is back! Sunday, June 27th. More details coming soon.

The following information is from KalTour 2020. Aside from the date, much of the information will carry over for 2021. Once the information for the 2021 edition of KalTour is available, it will be posted here. 

KalTour 2020 returns to Sunday! KalTour 2020 will take place on Sunday June 28. 

Now in its 29^th 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.  

Last year for the first time, KalTour also included gravel road routes of 32 and 64 miles. The Gravel Fondo returns again this year. 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.

The Routes

This year’s routes will include the following distances. All routes leave from Schoolcraft High School (see below for directions to the start).

KalTour 2020 routes will be available through the Ride With GPS website prior to the ride. (The 2019 routes may be viewed at:  https://ridewithgps.com/events/93974-kaltour-2019)

Routes may be followed using pavement markings, paper maps, or “Ride with GPS” map files.   Ride groups for popular distances and paces will be led by ride leaders certified by Kalamazoo Bicycle Club.

Road Routes:

• 100 miles (century)
• 62 miles (100 K or metric century)
• 31 miles (50 K)
• 15 miles
• 10 miles (guided family ride)

Gravel Routes: (distances are approximate at this time):

• 62 miles (a demanding route that will likely take 4-6 hours)
• 31 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 will be asked to choose between gravel or road routes when registering.

How much does KalTour cost?

*** Due to the uncertainty regarding the resumption of group riding events, the early registration prices for KalTour 2020 will remain in effect until June 1st instead of May 1st.  ***

• Online registration before June 1: $25.00 for individuals; $45.00 for families ($5 discount for KBC members)
• Online registration June 1 – June 25: $30.00 for individuals; $55.00 for families ($5 discount for KBC members)
• Day of ride registration, at Registration Tent: $35.00 for individuals; $65.00 for families (NO discount for KBC members)

How do I register for KalTour?

Due to the COVID-19 situation, KBC will be canceling KalTour 2020 in an effort to keep riders and volunteers safe and healthy. 

We look forward to seeing you next year!

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.
• Fast ride group (62 miles) leaves at 9:00 am.
• Moderate pace ride group (31 miles) leaves at 9:30 am.
• Escorted 10 mile ride leaves at 10:00 am.
• Lunch is available beginning at 10 am.
• Course closes at 4:00 pm.
• Watch this space and the KBC Facebook page for additional ride groups!

Schedule – Gravel Routes

• Registration is open from 7:00 am to 9:00 am.
• Course open 8am-3pm
• Optional mass start and group ride for all gravel riders at 8:00 am.
• All gravel riders must leave no later than 9:00 am.
• Watch this space and the KBC Facebook page for additional ride groups!

Amenities

• Beautiful rest stops with toilet facilities.
• Plenty of sandwiches (including vegetarian, gluten-free, and non-dairy choices), cookies, trail mix, and fruit
• Watermelon after the ride
• Additional fruit, cookie, and water stops on the 62 and 100 mile routes
• Routes maps and color-coded pavement marking at all turns and intersections
• Ride with GPS maps and cue sheets for all routes
• Support vehicles in case of breakdowns

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