Festus/Crystal City, MO – The Bottleneck Bridge Ride is this Sunday August 17, 2025, and is marking a major milestone this year as it celebrates its 10th anniversary, promising cyclists and families a day packed with scenic views, camaraderie, and celebration.

Presented by the Festus Tourism Commission and co-hosted by Trailnet and the Jefferson County Growth Association, the popular ride — known as “One Hill of a Ride” — returns with a variety of route options for cyclists of all levels. Riders will traverse the picturesque roads of Jefferson County, enjoying stops at wineries, local eateries, and historic landmarks like the Sandy Creek Covered Bridge.

“This is more than just a ride — it’s a celebration of community, cycling, and ten years of unforgettable memories,” organizers said in a release.

The anniversary edition brings back a host of crowd-favorite features and introduces a few new ones. Registered participants will receive a limited edition 10th anniversary T-shirt, access to well-stocked rest stations, morning fuel including coffee and energy bars, and a post-ride street party complete with live music from the All4Nothin Band, food trucks, and a vendor expo.

Main and Mill Brewing Co. returns as the beverage sponsor, offering riders a complimentary Terrain beer at the finish line. Free Fitz’s root beer and flavored sodas will also be available.

Young riders won’t be left out. Thanks to Living Life on 2 Wheels, the kids’ races return, with every participant receiving a prize. In addition, the second annual Kids Bike Safety Rodeo and Helmet Clinic, in partnership with the Twin City Area Optimist Club and Helmet’s First, will provide free helmets and safety instruction for children ages 3 to 12.

The full event schedule includes:

6:30 a.m. – Registration opens

7:30 a.m. – Route staging begins

7:45 a.m. – Registration closes

8:00 a.m. – Police-escorted group start

11:00 a.m. – Live music and post-ride festivities begin

12:30 p.m. – Kids Bike Safety Rodeo and Helmet Clinic

2:30 p.m. – Kids Race under the Trailnet arch

Riders interested in preparing ahead of the big day can also join official training rides. Dates and locations will be announced on the event’s Facebook page.

With community partners, scenic Missouri landscapes, and a decade of tradition to celebrate, this year’s Bottleneck Bridge Ride is set to be one of the most memorable yet.

Paul Barnard Editor

Paul Barnard is the editor of the Twin City News. Barnard Graduated from Norwich University, America's oldest private military college, with a B.S. in Communications and Media Technology. There he studied journalism and marketing. For years after, Barnard was in law enforcement and gained experience in the Special Investigations Unit and publishing all the department's press releases. As Barnard's family grew, he moved on to start Twin City News.

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