LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Derby Festival isn’t top of mind for many folks in October, but plans are already underway for the Festival which begins in April.

What You Need To Know

  • PNC Tour de Lou is back for its 10th year

  • The Kentucky Derby Festival cycling event will offer routes for riders of all skill levels

  • Tour de Lou moves to Sunday in 2023

  • Riders can begin registering for the event next week

Riders can register for KDF’s PNC Tour de Lou beginning Thursday, Oct. 20. The cycling event set for Sunday, April 16, 2023, will celebrate its 10th year as a KDF event. Registration takes place online.

In a statement to Spectrum News 1, KDF President and CEO Matt Gibson said, “The PNC Tour de Lou is a unique way to tour Louisville during our favorite time of year and attracts cyclists from across the country. We look forward to celebrating the 10th ride this year and offering an exclusive promotion to participants to explore the city on two wheels.”

The ride is moving to Sunday in 2023 and cyclists will again have the chance to ride through the home of the Kentucky Derby and, according to KDF, the Metric Century course will encompass both Kentucky and Indiana.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the ride, cyclists who register between Oct. 20-30 are eligible for discounted pricing for any of the four ride choices.

The separate cycling distances include:   

  • 20 miles—Ideal for beginners or those new to cycling ($35–Open course, no streets closed) 

  • 35 miles—Ideal for moderate/experienced riders ($40–Open course, no streets closed) 

  • 62.1 miles (Metric Century)—Ideal for advanced riders or those looking for a challenge ($55–Open course, no streets closed) 

  • Family Adventure Ride—Returns for the second year with a twist. Head to the Waterfront for a casual two-mile looped course featuring a scavenger hunt. The Family Adventure Ride is recommended for ages 14 and younger. $20 (for one adult and one child); and $10 for each additional family member riding. (All children riders must be accompanied by an adult chaperone).

 Prices for all ride options will increase at midnight on Oct. 30.

Starting times for the races are staggered and based on the distance a cyclist takes part in.  

  • Metric Century–8 a.m.,

  • 35-mile ride–8:15 a.m.

  • 20-mile ride–8:30 a.m.

  • Family Adventure Ride–9:30 a.m.

KDF is also offering a virtual alternative for riders who prefer to log their miles on their own. Cyclists taking part in the virtual option can still choose one of the three distances. The Family Adventure Ride is not included. Riders in the virtual event, can ride at their own pace, on their own route and do it over several days.

Participants in the 2023 PNC Tour de Lou will get a ride shirt, swag bag and an invitation to a post-ride party. KDF will release the specific course and route details early next year.  You can learn about all the Kentucky Derby Festival events on our website.

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