April 15, 2023. Louisville, KY. – The Kentucky Derby Festival’s annual cycling experience – the 2023 PNC Tour de Lou – is set to ride through Louisville on Sunday, April 16. The 2023 event has moved back to a Sunday and is celebrating its 10th ride this year, and cyclists have the opportunity to pedal by iconic landmarks, including the home of the Kentucky Derby and the Belle of Louisville, as well as cross state lines. In addition, a Family Adventure Ride returns for the second year.
The Derby Festival partners with the Louisville Bicycle Club to produce the premier ride each year, which features distance options for all experience levels. The route is an open course, which starts and finishes in Downtown Louisville. This year’s route includes a ride through Churchill Downs, plus the Metric Century will go through two states – Kentucky and Indiana.
The course also includes a scenic Olmsted Parks Tour showcasing Chickasaw, Iroquois and Cherokee parks. Cyclists will travel through several neighborhoods around the city from Downtown, along Main Street and Waterfront Park, as well as Portland, Algonquin, South Louisville, Old Louisville, St. James Court, NuLu, the Highlands and Butchertown.
The separate cycling distances include:
- 20 miles – Ideal for beginners or those new to cycling (Open course, no streets closed)
- 35 miles – Ideal for Moderate/Experienced riders (Open course, no streets closed)
- 1 miles – Metric Century/Ideal for advanced Riders or those looking for a challenge (Open course, no streets closed)
- Family Adventure Ride Returns for the second year with a twist. Head to the Waterfront for a casual three-mile looped course featuring a scavenger hunt. Recommended for ages 14 and younger. (All children riders must be accompanied by an adult chaperone).
Onsite registration is available.
The route for all distances begins and ends at 399 E. Witherspoon St. and the corner of Floyd Street. Starting times are staggered based on distance: 62.1 Metric Century – 8 a.m., 35-mile ride – 8:15 a.m., 20-mile ride – 8:30 a.m., Family Adventure Ride – 9:30 a.m.
A virtual option is available for those who prefer to log their miles on their own. Virtual riders can still choose from the 20-, 35- or 62.1-mile course and have until May 16 to complete their distance. Participants can ride at their own pace and even on their own route over multiple days.
All participants in the 2023 PNC Tour de Lou receive a ride shirt, swag bag and an invitation to the post-ride party to celebrate. For information about the PNC Tour de Lou, visit KDF.org/TourdeLou.
PNC returns as the Title Sponsor. Official Medical Provider and Training Partner: Norton Sports Health. Contributing Sponsors: Scheller’s Fitness & Cycling and TEN20 Craft Brewery. Supporting Sponsors: Churchill Downs, Louisville Bicycle Club and Louisville Water Company. Media Sponsor: ALT 105.1.
