If you really like to go cycling, or even if you simply enjoy watching this sport, then Springfield, Missouri is the place that you want to be. This is because there is a very safe, yet very enjoyable, bike route there that long-distance biking enthusiasts will truly love. One of the most popular, and most challenging, rides in the Springfield area is Poplar Bluff.
Missouri is one of the best states whenever it comes to long-distance cycling. Missouri has a Biking Association that will help you as a biker. The Missouri Bicycle Racing Association (MOBRA) can be contacted through their website www.mobra.org. This organization is sponsored by some very knowledgeable people who work in the cycling industry and others who own their own bike shops.
Poplar Bluff to Springfield is a very good 190-mile long-distance ride for the hardcore, serious cyclist.
You should know that the Springfield/Poplar Bluff is a very tough ride. It shouldn't be tried in just one day. While this route will lead you along Highway 60, it is a safe biking route. You should note that most of the road construction that has taken place there over the past few years has been cleared away.
The warm up ride is approximately 15 miles all by itself. You will take a very nice ride Northeast to Ellsinore, Missouri. You will then bike another 15 miles. These 15 miles are breathtaking and lead you to Van Buren. From there you travel onto Winona and Birch Tree, which will make for another approximately 20 miles. This will also be quite a scenic ride.
Once you reach Mountain View there are some really nice, flat areas that you can speed through before heading into Norwood, Mansfield, Seymour, Rogersville and Springfield, Missouri.
This is actually a very long, 190-mile bike ride that only the serious cyclist should consider taking the entire route. It is a really safe, fun and exhilarating ride if you are indeed a long-distance cycle enthusiast.
For this ride and many others in the Springfield area, contact the Missouri Bicycle Racing Association.
