General Information for Riders

RIDE INFORMATION
Saturday, June 27, 2026
East Prairie, Missouri

Tour de Corn is a fully supported charity cycling event designed for riders of all experience levels. For 25 years, first-time cyclists to seasoned century riders have come to our flat Missouri Bootheel routes for a smooth, fast, and enjoyable ride.

Whether you're here for 15 miles or 100 Century, we’re here to make sure you have a safe, fun, and memorable experience.

📍 Start & Finish Location
All routes begin and end at the:

East Prairie Family Life Center
East Prairie, Missouri

This air-conditioned facility serves as our central hub for packet pickup, ride start, finish line, showers, and post-ride festivities.

⏰ Ride Weekend Schedule

Friday, June 26
Packet Pickup: 5 PM - Chestnut Street (outside of Dahlbeck Distillery - 116 E. Chestnut)

Saturday, June 27

• Packet Pickup Opens: 6:30 AM
• Ride Kickoff: 7:30 AM
• Route Rest Stops Staffed Until: 2:00 PM (we will leave waters and food out for riders coming through 
• SAG Support: until the final rider comes back
• The Family Life Center remains open into the evening for riders finishing later in the day.

🚴 Route Options and Mapping
Tour de Corn offers four distance options (all distances are approximate based on final routes determined in early summer):

• 15 Mile (approx 130 ft climb, .6%)
• 30 Mile (approx 179 ft climb, .9%)
• 63 Mile (approx 362 ft climb, 1.2%)
• 100 Mile Century (approx >1000 ft climb, 4.8%)

All routes travel through the flat farmland of the Missouri Bootheel — making this one of the flattest, "funnest" century rides in the country.  The highest climb is on the 

Routes are clearly marked and supported by volunteers and SAG vehicles. GPS files and cue sheets will be available prior to ride day.

🚦 Start Procedures & Staggered Rollout
The official Grand Start begins at 7:30 AM  If you choose to start before the Grand Start, please be aware that you will not have the full support of the Tour de Corn SAG or Rest Stops until after 7:30 .

It’s one of the most memorable moments of the day — music playing, National Anthem singing, cheerleaders cheering, and our Mayor helping send riders off.  The Chief of Police ushers you out of town and the whole community comes out to send you on your journey!

Riders line up by distance, with Century riders positioned toward the front for easy departure. The 63-, 30-, and 15-mile riders follow accordingly.

We encourage riders to line up according to their expected pace to ensure a smooth and safe rollout. 

🌽 Rest Stops
Tour de Corn is known for its legendary rest stops. The hospitality just won't stop...

Each stop includes:

• Water and sports drinks
• Snacks and fruit
• Hot fresh sweet corn at some, fresh homemade cookies at others, ice cold watermelon at others...and a few surprises along the way!
• The friendliest volunteers you'll ever meet -- they'll become "family"
• Rest stops are staffed until 2:00 PM (or if the final rider has already come through before 2 PM)

If you’re riding the Century and finishing later, water and snacks will be left available at the final rest stops to help you return safely.  SAG will remain with you until the end.

🚗 SAG Support

Yes — this ride is fully supported.  That's almost an understatement.

Our SAG team hits the course before riders roll out and supports all four routes throughout the day.  We are proud to partner with several local bike shops as well to provide on-the-route support in the mornings.

On ride day, riders receive the phone number for the SAG team assigned to their route. You’ll likely see them throughout the day as they monitor riders and provide assistance as needed.

Safety is our priority.

🛑 Safety & Ride Rules

• Helmets are required for all riders or pull-alongs.
• Obey all traffic laws (this is an open-road ride).
• Ride predictably and call out hazards.
• Riders under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
• E-bikes are allowed, BUT you must ensure you do not create dangerous riding conditions for your fellow Corn'ers or you may be asked to leave.
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is this a race? Is there an end time?
  No — this is not a race. ’Round here, we like to take things at our own pace — and we think you should, too. Ride fast or relaxed — we just want you safe, healthy, and having a great time. Rest stops are staffed until 2:00 PM (or until the final rider on that route passes through if it's before 2 PM). The Family Life Center remains open into the evening for riders finishing later. That said, the entire Tour de Corn team -- including Rest Stops -- are all volunteer driven.  So we appreciate that you understand the rest stops cannot stay open past 2 PM.  Our SAG team and Base Camp team will be at the Base Camp until the final rider has returned.

• Is the ride fully supported?
  Absolutely. Our SAG team supports all four routes throughout the day. On ride day, you’ll receive contact information for the SAG team assigned to your route.

• What time does the ride start? Do you stagger the start?
  The official kickoff begins at 7:30 AM. Riders line up by distance, with Century riders toward the front. We encourage riders to position themselves according to expected pace to ensure a smooth and safe rollout.
  
  
• I’m not riding. Where can I meet my rider afterward?
  All routes begin and end at the East Prairie Family Life Center. There is no parking on the FLC parking lot that day, but lots of area parking around. Indoor bathrooms and showers are available. Families are welcome to wait for their riders at the FLC -- though the Church Youth will be hosting a spaghetti dinner to raise money for their Summer Camp so admission INTO the building will be required.  You may wait outside all day or visit the Sweet Corn Festival festivities during the day (see more at www.epsweetcorn.com) 

📧 Rider Guide
A detailed Rider Guide will be emailed to all registered participants prior to ride day.

It will include:

• Parking information
• Start procedures
• Route maps
• Emergency contacts
• Final reminders

Tour de Corn is an annual Missouri cycling event held in East Prairie in the Missouri Bootheel. Famous for its flat Delta roads and small-town hospitality, the ride attracts cyclists from St. Louis, Memphis, Little Rock, and across the country. With 15-, 30-, 63-, and 100-mile route options, Tour de Corn is one of Missouri’s most rider-friendly charity bike rides for cyclists of all experience levels.