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 11.
Participants will have the opportunity to bike in-person, as well as the option to participate virtually. The 14th 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.
2027 Ride Highlights:
- The Start and Finish is staying at the Big Four Lawn
- Ride open to anyone, from beginners to seasoned cyclist
- 12-, 25-, 35-, and 62.1-mile distance options
- Rest Stops every 10-15 miles with hydration, nutrition, mechanical support and restroom facilities
- FREE training program (must register separately)
- Spectacular view of the Derby City
- Medical and Mechanical support for your entire ride
- Open courses follow the rules of the road, with no road closures
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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
Cyclists have three opportunities to pick up their packet and bib for the PNC Tour de Lou.
When: Friday, April 9 from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. & Saturday, April 10 from 12 P.M. to 6 P.M.
Where: TEN20 Craft Brewery (1020 E. Washington Street)
At Packet Pick Up, participants will receive their PNC Tour de Lou event shirt, bib number, bike tag, cue sheets, rider guide, and a wristband with our rider hotline number. Riders can also purchase the Official Event Jersey, pick up pre-ordered jerseys, and shop past-year jerseys and other Derby Festival merchandise. PNC Tour de Lou committee members will be available to answer questions to help ensure cyclists are fully prepared for ride day.
Day of packet pick-up will be available at the Big Four Lawn on Sunday, April 11 between 7 and 8 AM.
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.
