PNC Tour de Lou

REGISTER NOW!

The Kentucky Derby Festival is once again partnering with the Louisville Bicycle Club to produce the PNC Tour de Lou on Sunday, April 14.

Participants will have the opportunity to bike in-person on this open course, as well as the option to participate virtually. The 11th 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, including Churchill Downs (home of the Kentucky Derby), with cyclists from all across the country.

As always, the Festival’s annual bike event is for riders of all levels of experience, with separate distances and ride options:

  • 62.1 Mile Metric Century / Advanced Ride (Open course): 8 AM
  • 35 Mile Experienced Ride / Intermediate Ride (Open course): 8:10 AM
  • 20 Mile Ride / New to cycling (Open course): 8:20 AM
  • Virtual Ride 20, 35, and Metric Century Options (Find more info here!)

Get the GPS Route for all Distances (20-, 35- and 62.1-Miles HERE

Access to course routes requires a free account registration with RideWithGPS.com. The app is also available for download on the App Store or Google Play

The PNC Tour de Lou has a new start and finish for the 2024 cycling event — it will begin and end at NuLu Marketplace on Main Street in Louisville’s NuLu neighborhood for all three distances — 20-miles, 35-miles and 62.1-miles (Metric Century).

Riders will experience the sights and sounds of the trendy NuLu neighborhood, known for its eclectic restaurants, venues and boutiques. Riders will also pass through some of the city’s scenic parks, historic spots and attractions, including the Old Louisville neighborhood, downtown Louisville, parts of the picturesque Olmsted Park System and more. Cyclists will also get to ride through historic Churchill Downs, just weeks before the horses run in the 150th Kentucky Derby. The Metric Century course again encompasses two states – Kentucky and Indiana.

PACKET PICKUP INFORMATION

When: Packet Pick Up will be on Tuesday, April 9th & Wednesday, April 10th from 11:30 am – 6:30 pm.

Where: West Sixth NuLu, 817 E. Market Street

Day of packet pick-up will be available at NuLu Marketplace. We suggest that you arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to your ride to get ready to go!

How will this work?

Join us at our partner, West Sixth NuLu’s taproom and brewery to grab your gear and get ready to ride!

Don’t forget to stop by the Kentucky Derby Festival Merchandise Spot to pick up or purchase your 2024 PNC Tour de Lou Official Jersey commemorating the 11th year ride!

Grab a limited edition 2024 PNC Tour de Lou Event Pin to commemorate your ride!

Some FAQs

1. Can I come any day or time that I want?

Yes, we will not be requiring riders to reserve a time, so you are free to come whenever works best for you, between 11:30 AM – 6:30 PM on April 9th or 10th

2. What do I need to bring with me?

At the bottom of this email, you will receive a unique Registration QR code.
Make sure to bring a printed copy, or have access to it on your mobile device so we can check you in with ease.

3.How can I pick up the jersey, and other merchandise I purchased?

When you arrive at West Sixth NuLu, we will be set up “Expo Style” and you will visit the Official Merchandise area to pick up, or purchase merchandise. You can still pre-order items so they are ready for you when you arrive on-site here.
Click here to order the 2024 KDF Tour de Lou Jersey

4. What if I need to pick up for multiple people?

Riders will still be able to pick up multiple packets at a time, as in past years. You will need to have a picture of a photo id or registration QR code for the person you are picking up for.

5. I’m coming from out of town and will not be there until Ride Day, how do I get my packet?

We will have day of pick up for out of town riders starting at 7 am on April 14th . We recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of your ride if you are picking up on the morning of.

6.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 (20-, 35- and 61.1-Miles HERE

Access to course routes requires a free account registration with RideWithGPS.com. The app is also available for download on the App Store or Google Play

What is Tour de Lou?
The PNC Kentucky Derby Festival Tour de Lou is a bicycle tour throughout our city! It’s a non-competitive, un-timed, 20-, 35- or 62.1- (Metric Century) mile ride for riders of all experience levels. We’ll be offering both In-Person and Virtual Ride registrations.

  • The 2024 route for participants in the 20-mile, 35-mile & Metric Century will start and finish at NuLu Marketplace on Main Street in Louisville’s NuLu neighborhood.
  • This will be a looped course, touring Louisville’s historic parks and neighborhoods.  Cyclists will also get to ride through historic Churchill Downs.
  • The Metric Century will once again be a tour of two states, as the 62.1- mile course will not only take you through Louisville’s parks and neighborhoods, but also across the Big Four Bridge and into scenic Southern Indiana. 
  • All registered participants of the 2024 PNC Tour will receive:
    • The 2024 PNC Tour de Lou Medal (new for the 2024 event)
    • An Official PNC Tour de Lou Ride T-Shirt 
    • Invitation to the post-ride party to celebrate

What time does the Tour de Lou start?
This year’s in-person routes will have staggered start times: 

  • 62.1 Mile (Metric Century): 8 AM 
  • 35 Mile: 8:10 AM 
  • 20 Mile: 8:20 AM

Where is the Start and Finish Line?
The 2024 PNC Tour de Lou will start and end at NuLu Marketplace on Main Street in Louisville’s NuLu neighborhood. This will again be a looped course. Riders will bike through the parks and neighborhoods of Louisville, on an open course with safety support.   

20-mile route: (20.6 miles with 282 feet of elevation gain)

35-mile route: (35.9 miles with 855 feet of elevation gain)

62.1 mile route: (62.1 miles with 1,277 feet of elevation gain)

Get the GPS Route for all Distances (20-, 35- and 61.1-Miles HERE

Access to course routes requires a free account registration with RideWithGPS.com. The app is also available for download on the App Store or Google Play

What time does the Finish Line close?

The Finish Line will close at 3:30 PM. Riders must maintain an 8-13 mph or faster pace to complete the ride.  

Where can I pick up my ride packet and swag? 

Packet Pickup will be offered the week leading up to the ride. Packet Pick Up will be on Tuesday, April 9th & Wednesday, April 10th from 11:30 am – 6:30 p m.

Where: West Sixth NuLu, 817 E. Market Street

Day of packet pick-up will be available at NuLu Marketplace. We suggest that you arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to your ride to get ready to go!

What do I get as part of my Registration in the Tour de Lou? 

Riders will receive:  

  • The Official PNC Tour de Lou Medal
  • The Official PNC Tour de Lou shirt (for the 20 & 35 mile routes), or a Tech Shirt (for the Metric Century ride). 
  • Virtual Race Bag Access
  • Course support including Rest Stops with water, snacks and bathrooms.
  • Access to GPS Route files for each distance, so riders can follow along on a Garmin, smart phone, or other GPS Device.  

Will there be places to get water, nutrition and take bathroom breaks along the In-Person course? 

Yes! We will have SAG (Support and Gear) stops throughout each of the route distances. Riders will be able to refuel with water, snacks and restrooms. SAG stops will include Porta-Johns for bathroom breaks. Details about where they are located will be included in the final map of the Ride Routes.

Am I required to wear a helmet to participate in the Tour de Lou?
To keep everyone safe, we require that every participant wear a helmet that conforms to CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) standards. Failure to adhere to this requirement may result in removal from the course.  

How do I purchase a Tour de Lou ride jersey?
Jerseys can be purchased during online registration and can be picked up during training rides, as well as picked up during Rider Packet Pick-Up.   

Looking for someone to ride with, or want to train before you complete your full ride? CLICK HERE to check out our partners at Louisville Bike Club, or take a look at their ride calendar. 

 

 

2024 PNC Tour de Lou RIDE DAY FAQS

1. How do I get my ride packet?
Traditionally, there are three opportunities to pick up your PNC Tour de Lou ride packet. Day of packet pick-up will be available at NuLu Marketplace. We suggest that you arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to your ride to get ready to go!

2. Where does the ride start?
All distances will start from NuLu Marketplace on Main Street in Louisville’s NuLu neighborhood.

3. What time will my ride start?
Join us for rules of the road and remarks from our sponsors at 7:55 am.
The Metric Century will ride off at 8:00
35 Mile ride at 8:10
20 Mile ride at 8:20

4. Where can I view the course for my ride?

Get the GPS Route for all Distances (20-, 35- and 61.1-Miles HERE

5. Where can I park ?
a. Limited parking will be available in a lot located at 399 E. Witherspoon St. for an event rate parking fee. (This is just under one mile from the start)
b. Street parking is free on surrounding side streets.
c. There are multiple garages in there area that will have daily parking rates, including the Waterside Garage.

6. How does weather affect the event ?
Weather in the Ohio Valley in the spring can be very unpredictable. The average high for Louisville in April is 70 degrees and the normal low is 47 degrees.

The PNC Tour de Lou has never been canceled due to weather. In the event of severe weather the ride times may be delayed. The safety of our participants, attendees, volunteers and organizers is always top priority.

7. Can I switch ride distances?
There is a $10 transfer fee. If you have registered for a lower distance, you may be asked to pay the ride fee difference to best provide support for all riders

8. Can I start with a person riding another distance?
Yes, all rides follow the course and have clearly marked split points.


Training Program

 

Register for the FREE 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. 

Training tips and bike safety will also be provided. Be one of the first 250 to register for the Training Program and receive a FREE training shirt. 

The training rides will take place at noon on Sundays starting February 25th through April 7th. The first ride will be 10 miles and include some Cycling 101.  Training distance will increase by 5 miles every couple weeks.

All rides will begin at the Yellow Lot – 1401 River Road

GET THE MOST UP-TO-DATE TRAINING RIDE INFO ON THE FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE.

Training Schedule: All Rides start at Noon on Sunday. All participants need to bring their bike and helmet. 

  • Week #1: 10-Mile Training Ride & Rider 101 – Sunday, February 25th
  • Week #2: 15-Mile Training Ride – Sunday, March 3rd
  • Week #3: 15-Mile Training Ride – Sunday, March 10th
  • Week #4: 20-Mile Training Ride – Sunday March 17th
  • Week #5: 20-Mile Training Ride – Sunday, March 24th
  • Week #6: 25-Mile Training Ride – Sunday, April 7th

Looking for someone to ride with, or want to train before you complete your full ride? CLICK HERE to check out our partners at Louisville Bike Club, or take a look at their ride calendar.