LOUISVILLE, Ky. — We're just over 160 days out from the 2022 Kentucky Derby, and that means it's time to plan for Derby Festival fun and festivities.
The ninth Tour de Lou cycling event is scheduled for Saturday, April 16, 2022 and it includes some notable changes.
What You Need To Know
- The Derby Festival's Tour de Lou cycling event returns to Louisville April 2022
- Next year's iteration includes a new Family Ride option along Waterfront Park
- A new lap through Churchill downs has been added as well
- Registration opens online on Monday, Nov. 22
Cyclists will have the opportunity to ride through Churchill Downs, as well as across state lines. Plus, there’s a new family-friendly option through Waterfront Park. Registration opens online on Monday, Nov. 22.
“The PNC Tour de Lou is a unique tour of our city on two wheels and has become one of our signature events every spring,” said KDF President Matthew Gibson in a press release. “We’re excited to add some new elements to the event for 2022 and hope to have even more cyclists riding with us.”
KDF is partnering with the Louisville Bicycle Club to run the ride each year, which features distance options for all experience levels, organizers said. The route is an open course, which starts and finishes in Downtown Louisville.
All participants in the 2022 PNC Tour de Lou receive a ride shirt, swag bag and an invitation to the post-ride party to celebrate.
This year’s route includes the addition of a lap through Churchill Downs, plus the Metric Century will ride in two states – Kentucky and Indiana.
Riders can also partake in a scenic Olmsted Parks Tour showcasing Shawnee, Chickasaw, Wayside, Iroquois, Central and Cherokee parks.
The separate cycling distances include:
- 20 miles – Great for beginners or those new to cycling ($35 - Open course, no streets closed.)
- 35 miles – Great for Moderate/Experienced riders ($40 - Open course, no streets closed.)
- 62.1 miles – Metric Century/Great for advanced Riders or those looking for a challenge ($55 - Open course, no streets closed.)
In addition to those traditional courses, there’s a new Family Ride offered along the Waterfront. It includes a looped course with distances of 1-3 miles, recommended for kids ages 4 to 12. Registration for the Family Ride starts at $35. All children riders will need to be accompanied by an adult chaperone.
A virtual option is available for those who prefer to log their miles on their own. They’ll receive three routes per week through Ride With GPS to help train. Registration for the Virtual Ride is $40.
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