For the first time, Jefferson City will be host to more than 2,500 bike riders during the Pedaler’s Jamboree in May 2020.
The event, which draws thousands of cyclists each year, would normally run from Columbia to Boonville. However, due to flooding in May 2019, the typical route had to be altered. The event was still held but with major changes.
This year, to avoid areas where flood damage is still an issue, the route is being changed again. Flood damage to the Salt Creek bridge between Rocheport and Franklin, in particular, affects the regular route.
This time, the final destination will be Jefferson City, Pedaler’s Jamboree organizers and the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau announced Wednesday.
“Having the advance insight of this trail detour helps us make safe and calculated plans for next year’s ride,” event co-director Mike Denehy said in a news release from the CVB. “Although we will miss our friends and traditions in Boonville, we plan to reinvent the jamboree and give riders a new experience by routing the adventure from Columbia to Jefferson City.”
The 2020 ride will begin at Flat Branch Park in Columbia and head down the MKT Trail to the Hindman Junction, to Katy Trail. Riders will enter Jefferson City by crossing over the Pat Jones Pedestrian Bridge.
Throughout the journey, riders will stop in McBaine, Cooper’s Landing, Hartsburg and North Jefferson Park for breaks and live music performances.
Their final stop will be the historic Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City, where the event’s main stage and overnight stay will be held.
“When considering locations to host the main stage in Jefferson City, the Missouri State Penitentiary was at the top of our list,” co-director Colin LaVaute said in the news release. “The city and state officials were extremely receptive and accommodating to the proposed rerouting goals. Plans came together quickly and successfully due to their great enthusiasm and support.”
Although MSP has hosted other special events and concerts in the past, this is the first time a group has been given the chance to camp on-site at the prison, which was founded in 1836.
“This is the first time that a group like this will have the opportunity to spend the night voluntarily in the entire history of the Missouri State Penitentiary. We think that is pretty cool,” Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin said in the news release.
Off Track Events is partnering with the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau, which operate tours of the prison that attract more than 32,000 visitors per year.
Despite sustaining heavy damage from the May 22 tornado, tours at the prison resumed at the beginning of October. They’re closed for the season now but will reopen March 1, 2020.
“The CVB has a vested interest in attracting more cycling events to Jefferson City, so we are delighted to partner with the Pedaler’s Jamboree to bring this exciting ride to our city,” CVB Director Diane Gillespie said in the news release.
Next year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Katy Trail State Park, making the event extra special.
The Pedaler’s Jamboree is scheduled May 23-24.