Queen City Century Routes
The main Queen City route offers a scenic and historic journey through the Missouri Ozarks. Along the way, you'll encounter landmarks such as the old Frisco Highline and Leaky Roof railroad beds, and the Phenix Quarry, which provided marble for the Chicago Stock Exchange, the Missouri Capitol, and even the White House.
The Missouri Ozarks are known for their hilly terrain. Most of these hills are featured in the 80 and 100-mile routes, which boast 3,100 and 4,400 feet of climbing, respectively. Many riders find the Century route to be quite challenging. If you're not ready for such a demanding ride this early in the season, consider one of the shorter route options. Since the route is out and back, you can shorten your ride at any time by simply turning around.
For those seeking a more leisurely and supported ride, the 24-mile, no-drop guided tour of Springfield's nationally recognized trail and bicycle route system is an excellent choice. This ride takes participants through Springfield on a mix of bike paths, paved trails, and local roadways, with stops to explore historical and notable sites. Riders will stay together in a group, led by a seasoned Springfield cyclist who played a key role in developing the area's bicycle and trail system.
Throughout the event, you'll be well-supported with SAG stops every 8-16 miles, roving SAG assistance for any issues, and a delicious meal at the end of the ride during our afterparty at Mother's Brewing Company. While the routes are well marked on the road, we highly recommend using the RideWithGPS app for additional guidance.
Routes
Queen City Century Main Route
Out-and-Back Route Distance: 10-100 miles Climbing (full century) : 4400ft
This route starts in downtown Springfield and heads through the countryside, passing through Willard, Ash Grove, Phenix Quarry, Walnut Grove, Willard Soccer Park, and Robberson Prairie Baptist Church. Riders can adjust their ride length by turning around at any midpoint they choose.
Queen City Guided Tour
Guided Loop Route Distance: 24 miles Climbing: 724ft
Early Packet Pickup
Friday, June 20th - 4-7 pm
Hilton Garden Inn
4155 S Nature Center Way
Springfield, MO 65804
On-Site Registration & Day-Of Packet Pickup
Saturday, June 21st, 6:00am
Route - Start Time
Century Ride: 7:00am
All Other Lengths: 8am
24 Mile No-Drop Guided Tour of Springfield: 8:15am
Lunch: 11:30am-4:00pm
Route Closure (All Riders In): 5pm
Statewide and National Bicycle Touring Routes
The routes visit or cross several of the statewide and national bicycle touring routes that MoBikeFed helps develop and maintain in Missouri:- Bicycle Route 66 (USBR 66) - Springfield
- TransAmerica Trail (USBR 76) - Ash Grove & Walnut Grove
- USBR 51: Downtown Springfield through Frisco Highline Trail section
- Butterfield Stage Experience mostly gravel bicycle route: Frisco Highline Trail through downtown St Louis section
Guided Tour Highlights
The routes visit or cross several of the statewide and national bicycle touring routes that MoBikeFed helps develop and maintain in Missouri:- Butterfield Stage station location & historic marker (Park Central Square)
- Many historic markers, points of interest, Civil War (Park Central Square)
- Springfield Brewery District
- Historic Route 66 & Bicycle Route 66 (our route crosses historic Route 66 at St Louis Ave and at Chestnut) - Springfield was the birthplace of Route 66 & the Route 66 association met for many years at the Kentwood Arms Hotel on St Louis Ave. Springfield has an excellent Story Map highlighting historic Route 66 locations around the city
- Historic Rutledge Wilson Farm
- Historic Butterfield Stage Route between Springfield and Wilson's Creek National Battlefield (railroad crossing west of Nathaniel Greene/Close Park - the historic trail closely followed the present-day railroad corridor). This was the Wire Road and Military Road between St Louis and Fort Smith, and play a key role in Civil War battles and more.
- Trail of Tears route through Springfield and Trail of Tears historic marker on the South Creek Greenway Trail.
- Historic Gray/Campbell Farmstead, Botanic Garden, Kickapoo Edge Prairie, Lake Drummond at Nathaniel Green/Close Park
RideWithGPS Route App
Quick Setup
- Install RideWithGPS app (Android, iPhone)
- Visit the QCC Event Page (easiest with your mobile device)
- On the Event Page click "RSVP"
- In the app find the event page & all event routes under "More/My Events"
- "Download for Offline" any routes you want to ride
Setup & Navigate with RideWithGPS
-Visit the RWGPS Event Page
-Click the "RSVP" link to sign up for the event on RideWithGPS. If you don't have a RideWithGPS account already, it will prompt you to create an acccount. Remember that all you need is the Basic (FREE) RideWithGPS account. Also, you will see instructions for downloading & installing the RideWithGPS app for your mobile device.
-Now you can find the event in the RideWithGPS app under "More" and "My Events"
-In the RideWithGPS app, tap the route you are planning to ride and "Save". This saves the route to your phone so you can ride even if you have no data connection - and also allows you to put your device into Airplane Mode in order to save battery.
- When you navigate the route, you will hear voice navigation directions at turns, upcoming Rest Stops, etc (note this may require some setup in your app - in Settings make sure all audio & spoken alerts, chimes, etc are enabled - and make sure your phone's VOLUME is set high enough to hear them)
- SUGGESTION: Once you start the ride, turn your phone to "Airplane Mode". This saves battery and should allow most phones to ride all day with navigation, without running down the battery.
- SUGGESTION: Bring a battery backup/charger just in case.
Route Maps and Cue Sheets
Utilize GPS devices and Apps with the links below. You can utilize RideWithGPS which is highly recommended or the additional electronic files and printable PDF maps and cue sheetsCentury Route Any distance 10-100 miles
SAG Stops and Support
The century route includes four rest stops offering snacks, drinks, and restrooms, as well as two water stops with water and limited snacks. Most SAG stops are used twice, ensuring a stop every 8-16 miles along the course.
Most stops are fully stocked with volunteers, food, water, Gatorade powder, and restrooms. Some stops, marked as "Water Stops" on your map, are more basic, offering water and a few snacks but no restrooms. Check your map for details.
Roving SAG drivers will be on the course at all times. If you have mechanical trouble or need a pick-up, just call.
Whether you prefer a city tour or a long ride on beautiful country roads, Queen City Century has something for you! Many thanks to local riders who spent countless hours evaluating potential routes and providing feedback.
Ready to Ride?
Sign up today for this year's event and help support Missouri cycling advocacy and the Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation. Save time on ride-day, fill out our waiver (Located at bottom of the registration page) ahead of time.
Register