Illinois Great Rivers Ride cyclists stop in Prairie du Rocher

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The Illinois Great Rivers Ride cyclists stayed the night at Fort de Chartres on Monday night. Several members of the Prairie du Rocher Chamber of Commerce were present to meet and greet the bicyclist at the fort. There were several re-enactors present and a British card game with French roots, Loo, was planned in the barracks for anyone who wanted to play.

The Illinois Great Rivers Ride is a non-competitive, week-long ride that offers a range of one-of-a-kind experiences as it winds through Southern Illinois. This approximately 350 mile ride makes many stops along the way for bikers to discover Illinois' rich treasures. The Illinois Great Rivers Ride is limited to the first 300 cyclists.

After spending the night here they will be heading for Grand Tower, a 61 mile jaunt. Then on to Vienna, Giant City State Park, The World Shooting Complex, and then ending at the Lewis and Clark State Historic site. This group has it own support vehicles on the route for any support the bikers may need.

They carry first aid kits, water, minimal snacks and cell phones. There will be a doctor on the ride that will be able to treat any minor injuries. Breakfast and dinner will be provided each day of the ride. They have a 16-head shower truck at each stop. Experienced bike mechanics are at each campsite every night and will travel the route during the day to assist with mechanical problems. Padre's Cycle Inn travels with them and they will take care of all the cyclist tent needs, setting them up and providing air mattresses. A massage therapist travels with them and is available for massages at the end of each day.

Prairie du Rocher Fire Department will be hosting a BBQ and Car Show on Sept. 21. BBQ Pork Steaks, Brats & Fried Chicken will be served from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Carry outs available.

There will be a 50/50 Drawing. A Kid's Pedal Tractor Pull is at 2:30 p.m. The Car Show Sign up is from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Trophies awarded at 3:30 p.m., 1 Trophy per class. If anyone would like to help out that day or donate desserts, please let us know.

Any help would be appreciated. Please contact Levata Braun at 284-7184 or Dawn Walker at 284-1709.