A Historic Route 66 Recreational Trail Ride has been scheduled for Saturday, May 8, from Litchfield, Ill., to Staunton, Ill.
John Fritsche, who is an advocate for an expanded bicycle trail on Route 66 in Illinois, described the event as “a leisurely tour” of about four hours in the morning. It’s a distance of about 15 miles. He said:
In addition to traveling the roadway, you will pass many Historic sites that made this road an American Icon, then and now. The purpose of this ride is to promote the development of a dedicated recreational trail that would utilize the long abandoned and unused northbound lane of the Historic Route 66 “Mother Road”. Your support of a dedicated trail will make it possible that this pathway can be appreciated for generations to come.
The ride begins from Niehaus Cycle Sales in Litchfield at 8 a.m., with registration at 7 a.m. that day at the site.
Registration also is encouraged here before the event. It’s free and open to all ages. Helmets are required.
Ron, thanks for mentioning the Route 66 Recreational Trail Ride. Just a little clarification. The distance from Litchfield to Staunton on the route being used is 17 miles, so a round trip would be 34 miles. People can ride as far as they want. For example, they can turn around at Mount Olive if they want a shorter ride.