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 The inaugural Prairie Heritage Ride will take place
September 10 – 14, making stops in Springfield, Lincoln,
Bloomington, Champaign, and Decatur.
“This inaugural ride will help showcase our prairie heritage and
agricultural roots while celebrating the Illinois Bicentennial and
all that is Born, Built and Grown in Illinois,” said Ag Director
Raymond Poe. “From vineyards and breweries to historic farms and
popular agritourism sites, riders will experience Illinois
agriculture like never before.”
Stops along the way include, Hand of Fate Brewing Company, Historic
Marlboro Farmstead, the Rail Splitter Covered Wagon, Seaney Farms,
Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, Rader Family Farms, Prairie Fruits and
Creamery, Lake of the Woods, the Illinois State Fairgrounds and much
more.
"As a seasoned farmer, I realize how much people enjoy and
appreciate the opportunity to experience Rader Family Farms and the
country life,” said Lynn Rader, owner of Rader Family Farms. “Today,
more than ever, it's extremely important to expose a greater
percentage of the population to the practices and products that we
provide. Agritourism is a way to do that while also creating fun
memories and a unique opportunity to see how farmers provide."
Whether you are a novice rider or a seasoned cyclist, this
picturesque ride has something for everyone. The more than 300-mile
bike ride will take place over five days and will include overnight
accommodations for riders. Representatives from seven county farm
bureaus are also participating to showcase Illinois agriculture
along the ride.
The 2018 route is as follows:
September 10th Springfield to Lincoln (~78 miles)
September 11th Lincoln to Bloomington (~60 miles)
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September 12th Bloomington to Champaign (~82 miles)
September 13th Champaign to Decatur (~61 miles)
September 14th Decatur to Springfield (~54 miles)
Registration for the Prairie Heritage Ride is now open. Early registration ends
on Friday, August 24. More information can be found online at
www.prairie heritageride.com.
The Prairie Heritage Ride is proud to join the long-standing
Springfield tradition, the Capital City Century (CCC). The Capital City Century
is one of the oldest and most popular cycling events in Illinois. This year,
organizers have planned a weekend of fun activities for the entire family to
enjoy. The CCC Weekend will include multiple bike rides of various lengths, a
family friend Packet Pickup Party on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, and a Post
Pedalin’ Party at the conclusion of the group’s signature event, the 46th Annual
Capital City Century Ride. The CCC Weekend kicks off September 7th, and serves
as the perfect preview to the inaugural Prairie Heritage Ride. To learn more
about the CCC Weekend, visit
www.spfldcycling. org/ccc
ABOUT ILLINOIS BICENTENNIAL
On Dec. 3, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the union. The Illinois
Bicentennial is a yearlong celebration of what has been BORN, BUILT & GROWN in
the state and a reminder of why we are #IllinoisProud.
Citizens are encouraged to participate in the celebration by visiting
www.illinois200.com and using the hashtag #IllinoisProud. Partners and event and
project managers planning activities between Dec. 3, 2017, and Dec. 3, 2018, can
apply for endorsement to become an official part of Illinois Bicentennial by
visiting the PARTICIPATE page at www.illinois200.com.
[Illinois Department of Agriculture]
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