ROCHEPORT, Mo. – The 2022 edition of Missouri Life Magazine’s Big BAM (Bicycle Across Missouri), which will take place along Route 66 from June 12-18, will start in Joplin and end in Eureka. More than 100 cyclists have already registered for the adventure.
Cyclists who prefer to leave their vehicles in Eureka will be shuttled to the starting point in Joplin. The daily mileage logged will vary: Day 1, Joplin to Willard, is 83 miles; Day 2, Willard to Lebanon, is 71 miles; Day 3, Lebanon to Waynesville, is 34 miles; Day 4, Waynesville to Rolla, is 38 miles; Day 5, Rolla to Cuba, is 39 miles; and Day 6, Cuba to Eureka, is 61 miles.
Early-bird registration has been extended to March 1. The online registration deadline ends Friday, Jun 10, 2022. For more information and to register, visit bigbamride.com/copy-of-route-map.
“Participants will experience some of Missouri’s most scenic views and iconic emblems of the Mother Road with plenty of time to explore them,” says Greg Wood, director of Big BAM. “Since we are riding in the Ozarks near some of the best floating rivers in the country, we are keeping a couple of days’ rides short enough so we can ride in the morning and float in a canoe or kayak along the river in the afternoon.”
Greg is also the publisher of the presenting event sponsor, Missouri Life magazine, which is Missouri’s largest paid circulation travel and lifestyle magazine. He says cyclists will stop at restaurants and other establishments along the way, and he encourages local citizens and groups to come out and raise funds for their nonprofit groups with food and refreshment stands. Big BAM has typically attracted about 500 riders from more than 30 states and other countries.
“Since Big BAM is a multi-day ride, it requires a slightly different type of preparation than other races that riders may be used to,” says Rachel Meyer, the assistant marketing director for Big BAM’s sponsor, Alpine Shop. “One of the most important things to do prior to Big BAM is to have a tune-up done on your bike by a professional bike mechanic such as the ones at Alpine Shop in Kirkwood, MO. It’s also a good idea to pack a bag that you are comfortable riding with, that includes spare tubes, dry socks, and easy-to-eat snacks such as meat sticks or GU packets for energy on the go. If you plan to tent at each overnight town, be sure to check out Alpine Shop’s camping checklist.”
Big BAM is a fully supported ride, which includes a camping area each night, gear transport, hot showers, water and relief stations every 10 to 15 miles, SAG support, and bicycle mechanics. This ride is made possible thanks to sponsors such as Alpine Shop, Sudwerk Brewing Company and Goex Apparel. For more information, visit bigbamride.com/copy-of-route-map.
