PNC Tour de Lou
REGISTER TO RIDEGet Ready to Roll! The Kentucky Derby Festival is once again partnering with the Louisville Bicycle Club to produce the PNC Tour de Lou on Sunday, April 12.
Participants will have the opportunity to bike in-person, as well as the option to participate virtually. The 13th annual PNC Tour de Lou is a unique way to explore Louisville on two wheels while passing through some of the city’s scenic parks, neighborhoods and historic sites with cyclists from all across the country. (Full course and route details will be released soon).
New for the 2026 Ride:
- The Start and Finish Line is moving to the Big Four Lawn, adjacent to the Big Four Bridge.
- A new 12-mile route option has been added, offering the ideal introduction to the Derby Festival’s annual cycling experience for beginners and first-time riders.
- The former 20-mile route has been expanded to 25 miles to allow riders of varying distances to stay together longer and enhance the overall ride experience
Distance Options
As always, the Festival’s annual cycling event is for riders of all levels of experience, with four separate cycling distances:
- 62.1 Miles (Metric Century) – Ideal for advanced riders or those looking for a challenge: 8 AM
- 35 Miles – Ideal for moderate/experienced riders: 8:15 AM
- 25 Miles – Ideal for beginners to intermediate: 8:30 AM
- NEW: 12 Miles – Ideal for beginners or those new to cycling: 9:00 AM
- Virtual Ride – 12, 25, 35, and Metric Century Options (Find more info here!)
Ride Details
Participants will enjoy spectacular city views and expert support throughout the ride. All cycling distances will be an open course, following rules of the road, with no streets closed. Trained Support and Gear (SAG) crews, law enforcement and medical professionals will be on hand.
12-Mile Route – Click here
The 12-mile route is a fun, family-friendly way to experience Louisville on two wheels. Starting at Big Four Lawn, riders will cruise through downtown, into historic Old Louisville, and out to Churchill Downs, home of the world-famous Kentucky Derby.
The ride continues along beautiful St. James Court before heading back toward the finish through Butchertown and past Lynn Family Stadium, home of Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville FC. With approximately 122 feet of elevation gain, this very flat route is perfect for riders who want great scenery, iconic landmarks, and a memorable Tour de Lou experience.
25-Mile Route – Click here
The 25-mile route is a fun and scenic way to experience Louisville by bike. Starting at Big Four Lawn, riders will roll past downtown landmarks like Louisville Slugger Field, the KFC Yum! Center, the Belle of Louisville, the Muhammad Ali Center, and the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory before heading through Shawnee Park, Chickasaw Park, Churchill Downs, Iroquois Park, Old Louisville, St. James Court, NuLu, Butchertown, and Lynn Family Stadium.
With approximately 450 feet of elevation gain, this route is fairly flat and a great mid-distance option for riders who want a relaxed, scenic tour packed with Louisville landmarks, historic charm, and signature Olmsted parkways.
35-Mile Route – Click here
The 35-mile route is a scenic city tour that showcases some of Louisville’s most iconic landmarks, historic neighborhoods, and beautiful parks. Starting at Big Four Lawn, riders will pass downtown highlights like Louisville Slugger Field, the KFC Yum! Center, the Belle of Louisville, the Muhammad Ali Center, and the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory before heading through Shawnee Park, Chickasaw Park, Churchill Downs, Iroquois Park, Old Louisville, St. James Court, NuLu, Cherokee Park, Butchertown, and Lynn Family Stadium.
With approximately 860 feet of elevation gain, this route is fairly flat overall, with only a few hills along the way. It’s a great option for riders who want a longer urban adventure with plenty of Louisville character, without taking on the full challenge of the 62.1-mile course.
62.1-Mile (100K) Route – Click here
Take on the ultimate PNC Tour de Lou experience with the 62.1-mile (100K) route — a scenic ride through the heart of Louisville and beyond. Starting at Big Four Lawn, riders will roll past downtown landmarks like Louisville Slugger Field, the KFC Yum! Center, the historic Belle of Louisville, the Muhammad Ali Center, and the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory.
This route showcases Louisville’s legendary Olmsted Parks System, including Shawnee Park, Chickasaw Park, Iroquois Park, and Cherokee Park, along with Churchill Downs, Old Louisville, St. James Court, NuLu, Butchertown, and Lynn Family Stadium. With approximately 2,100 feet of elevation gain, this moderately challenging course combines city sights, historic neighborhoods, rolling parkways, and beautiful backroads near Jefferson Memorial Forest.
Where can I view the course for my ride?
All official PNC Tour de Lou routes are available on Ride With GPS.
Get the GPS Route for all Distances (12-, 25-, 35- and 62.1-Miles HERE)
Access to course routes requires a free account registration with RideWithGPS.com. The app is also available for down
Post Ride Party
All participants can celebrate after the ride at the Post Ride Party!
Cyclists can enjoy live entertainment and a sweet treat while they cheer on cyclists to the Finish Line. Plus, riders (ages 21 and older) will enjoy a post-ride beverage.
No Bike? No Problem!
Scheller’s Fitness & Cycling will once again offer advance bike rentals for the PNC Tour de Lou. Participants can choose from a Road Bike or a Hybrid Bike (limited quantities available). Click HERE to rent a bike.
Packet Pick-Up Information
When: Packet Pick-Up will be on Friday, April 10 (4:00-7:00 PM) and Saturday, April 11 (10:00 AM-6:00 PM)
Where: Location TBD
Day of packet pick-up will be available at the Big Four Lawn. We suggest that you arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to your ride to get ready to go!
PNC Tour de Lou Training Program
The PNC Kentucky Derby Festival Tour de Lou Training Program is a FREE 6-week program designed for bicyclists of all experience levels. The training program will feature weekly group bike rides led by the Louisville Bicycle Club.
