KalTour 2020 returns to Sunday! KalTour 2020 will take place on Sunday June 28.
Now in its 29th 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?
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. The following businesses and organizations help make KalTour possible:
* KBC Members – Be sure to log into your account to get a discounted registration *
Schedule – Road Routes
Schedule – Gravel Routes
Amenities
KalTour Ride Safety
Directions to Start of KalTour
Supporters
TBA
