FOUR ROUTES OFFER A RIDE FOR EVERY CYCLIST

October 5, 2026. Louisville, KY. – Get ready to pedal into spring! Registration for the Kentucky Derby Festival’s annual cycling experience opens at 10 a.m., Tuesday, October 6. The PNC Tour de Lou, a tradition that has brought the cycling community together for more than a decade, is set for Sunday, April 11, 2027. With four routes, ranging from 12 miles to a Metric Century, there’s a ride for cyclists of all levels. Riders can register at KDF.org/TourdeLou and receive special early-bird pricing through the end of the year.

“The PNC Tour de Lou brings cyclists from across the country together every spring to celebrate Derby Festival season,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President & CEO. “With four distances to choose from, riders of all skill levels can experience Louisville on two wheels. Now is the time to take advantage of early registration and make plans to ride with us in 2027.”

PNC Bank returns as the Title Sponsor of the PNC Tour de Lou for the 13th consecutive year.

“PNC’s continued support for the PNC Tour de Lou reflects our commitment to Louisville’s businesses, families and tourism,” said Kristen Byrd, PNC regional president for Kentucky. “By encouraging healthy lifestyles among participants and driving commerce for local businesses, this signature spring event strengthens both the physical and economic wellness of our community.”

Course Highlights

The Start and Finish Line returns to Big Four Lawn, adjacent to the Big Four Bridge, offering riders scenic waterfront views as they begin and complete their routes. The picturesque setting will also serve as the backdrop for the post-ride party, where participants will receive their finisher medals.

Cyclists will experience Louisville as they explore the city’s rich history and charm, taking in views of iconic landmarks, historic sites, attractions and picturesque parks along the way. Riders on the 35-mile and Metric Century routes will also wind through the trendy NuLu neighborhood, enjoying its sights and sounds. Full course and route details are available at KDF.org/TourdeLou.

Ride Options

Cyclists can choose from four separate cycling distances ranging from 12 to 62.1 miles. The 12-mile route returns for the second year and is an ideal introduction for beginners and first-time riders looking to be part of the event. The 25-mile route, introduced last year, gives riders an intermediate-distance option while allowing cyclists of varying distances to stay together longer and enhance the overall ride experience.

In addition to spectacular views, participants of all route options will enjoy expert support throughout the ride. All cycling distances will be an open course, following the rules of the road, with no streets closed. Trained Support and Gear (SAG) crews, traffic safety teams and medical professionals will be on hand to help ensure a smooth, safe and enjoyable experience. Rest stops are located every 10-12 miles and are stocked with hydration, nutrition and other amenities.

Distances and pricing options include:

• 12 Miles – Ideal for beginners or those new to cycling ($50)
• 25 Miles – Ideal for beginners to intermediate ($50)
• 35 Miles – Ideal for moderate/experienced riders ($60)
• 1 Miles (Metric Century) – Ideal for advanced riders or those looking for a challenge ($70)

Prefer to ride on your own schedule? Join our Virtual Ride! Choose your preferred distance, ride at your own pace, follow your favorite route, and spread your miles over multiple days. ($40).

No Bike? No Problem!

For those who would like to participate but don’t own a bike, Scheller’s Fitness & Cycling will offer rentals in advance for the PNC Tour de Lou. Participants can choose from a Road Bike or a Hybrid bike. Click here to rent!

Cyclist Perks

Participants of the 2027 PNC Tour de Lou will take home a medal, an event shirt and can join the fun at the post-ride party. All finishers will also receive a treat as they cheer on fellow cyclists at the Finish Line. Plus, riders (ages 21 and older) will be able to celebrate with a post-ride beverage.

Participants can also purchase event merchandise when they register, including a short-sleeve cycling jersey, a lightweight Champion packable jacket, a snapback trucker cap embroidered with the event logo, and a commemorative metal PNC Tour de Lou event pin.

Riders who register by midnight Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026, will receive special early-bird pricing.

Free Training Program

To help participants gear up to cycle around the city, a free six-week training program produced by the Louisville Bicycle Club will be open to cyclists of all experience levels. Six rides, taking place at noon on Sundays from Feb. 21 through April 4, 2027, will offer training tips, including hand signals, rules of the road and nutrition information. All training rides will take place at noon and begin at the Waterfront Park Yellow Parking Lot on River Road. In addition to a bicycle, all riders must bring a helmet. NEW: Get ready to ride! Each week, the Festival will surprise participants with a new cycling gift designed to help them gear up and get ride-day ready.

Registration for the PNC Tour de Lou Training Program also opens on Tuesday, October 6. Registration is available at KDF.org/TourdeLou.

Packet Pick-Up

Cyclists can pick up their packet and bib for the PNC Tour de Lou on Friday, April 9, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 10, from noon to 6 p.m. at TEN20 Craft Brewery (1020 E. Washington St.). Packet Pick-Up will also be available on the morning of the ride from 7-8 a.m. onsite at Big Four Lawn. Virtual riders are encouraged to pick up their packets on one of these dates. Those not picked up will be shipped on Monday, April 12, for a $15 fee.

Participant Support

Baptist Health ER & Urgent Care, the Official Health Partner of the PNC Tour De Lou, returns for the 2027 ride and will be onsite providing hydration and first aid services, offering health information and passing out swag to participants.

For more information and to register for the ride or training program, visit KDF.org/TourdeLou.

Title Sponsor: PNC Bank. Official Health Partner: Baptist Health ER & Urgent Care. Official Nutrition Partner: Kroger. Contributing Sponsor: Scheller’s Fitness & Cycling. Supporting Sponsors: Louisville Bicycle Club and Louisville Water Company. Media Sponsors: 102.3 The Rose and ALT 105.1.