TOMRV Rides Into Quad-Cities This Weekend
After its first ride in 1978, the ride known affectionately as “TOMRV” (pronounced tom-rahvv) returns this weekend. TOMRV stands for Tour of the Mississippi River Valley. Hosted by the Quad Cities Bicycle Club, it has grown in ridership over the years. In 2019, most of the 950 riders were from Iowa and Illinois, although 15 other states were represented. It was cancelled in 2020. This year 500 people have registered so far.
TOMRV is a two-day cycling adventure on scenic paved roads, through rolling Midwest farmland, quaint little towns, and along the big, beautiful Mississippi River. On June 12-13, each day will provide a choice among three mileage amounts. Rides will be centered around the Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf Iowa for both days.
Each day will have three route options: a 100-mile century for advanced riders and two shorter routes (65-80 miles) for riders of all types. This type of group ride provides the advantage of rest stops scheduled along the route. TOMRV is known to provide enough food to keep riders going to the end of the route. A group ride also allows a rider to talk with different people, learn more about biking, and even make new friends to ride with on future rides. Bicycle shops are available to help if there is a mechanical issue. Sunday is on different routes from Saturday. Since the routes are loops, expect a variety of wind direction each day, and there are some hills. Pre-event riding is highly recommended.
Check-in begins on Friday, June 11 at 4:00-8:00 p.m. and Saturday morning from 5:30-8:00 a.m. at the Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf. TOMRV will start Saturday, June 12, with most riders leaving between 6-8 a.m. from the host hotel. There is a TOMRV Happy Hour with live music on Saturday night at the Isle.
Riders can find more information at: www.qcbc.org/tomrv. People can register in-person on-site, during check-in hours.
About Quad Cities Bicycle Club
Founded in 1964, it is the mission of the Quad Cities Bicycle Club to promote, encourage, and support, the safe participation in bicycle riding of all ages and abilities, as well as to anticipate and address the needs and interests of all aspects of bicycling in the Quad Cities area.
