Meramec Gravel Race Takes Off From Bourbon Sept. 17

The Meramec Gravel bicycle race will depart from Bourbon on Sept. 17 as part of a busy weekend in the area.

Three routes of 24, 53 and 110 miles will travel throughout the Meramec River Valley, according to event organizer Stephen Waldron.

From 2017 to 2019, Waldron organized the Cuban Gravel Crisis, which was held each October.

Waldron organized past events through Higher Ground Adventures, a local ministry team, but he has taken on this year’s event himself through Meramec Gravel.

The non-profit organization will raise money for a scholarship fund.

Three routes will leave the starting line on Pine Street at 8 a.m. and embark on one of the three routes.

Waldron said around 80 to 90% of each route is on gravel back roads.

The two longer routes includes a ride over the historic Birds Nest Bridge and a portion of the new Steelville MTB park, according to Waldron.

Riders will venture south of Cuba, into Steelville and back into Leasburg, where they will head north to Strain-Japan and Spring Bluff before returning to Bourbon.

The shorter route, he said, is essentially through Bourbon and Leasburg.

All routes end at Bourbon High School.

In 2019, Waldron said there were 300 registered participants. He’s aiming for 150 to 200.

“In the past, we had riders from all over the country attend,” Waldron said, adding that one traveled all the way from Iceland.

Most attendees are from Missouri, he said.

Some come to race and are very competitive, while others are just looking to “enjoy the camaraderie and see the countryside.”

The event is run completely by volunteers and funded by sponsors and rider registrations.

For more information, visit www.meramecgravel.com and at facebook.com/MeramecGravel.