Charles has planned to welcome the cyclists and spectators alike.
When and Where to See the Race
Before making its way to St. Charles, stage six will take the cyclists on a trek through Hermann, Washington, Augusta and O'Fallon. In St. Charles, the race emerges from the county's rural highways and makes its final sprint through the hilly streets of historic downtown St. Charles.
The Course:
The cyclists will enter the City of St. Charles at the intersection of Highway B and Boschertown Road. After traveling south on Boschertown Road, they will head southeast on Little Hills Expressway and Mel Wetter Parkway to North Fifth Street. They'll then turn east on Clark Street, pass the Foundry Art Centre, and sprint south toward the finish line on Riverside Drive. The finish line sits just south of First Capitol Drive.
Time:
The cyclists are expected to arrive in St. Charles at Highway B and Boschertown Road between 3:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. They should cross the finish line on Riverside Drive around 4:15 p.m.
The stage six awards ceremony for the top finishers will take place on the Main Stage in Frontier Park at 4:30 p.m.
Best Place to See the Action
Spectators will be able to see the cyclists along most of the route in St. Charles, but the best (but likely most crowded) place to take in the action will be along Riverside Drive as the cyclists make their way to the finish line. Riverside Drive runs right along Frontier Park so you can spend your day enjoying the different activites there, then watch the end of the race. St. Charles officials are even planning on handing out 2,000 city flags for everyone to wave as the cyclists cross the finish line. Officials will hand out the flags at 3 p.m. in the park.
Where to Park
St. Charles is trying to make it as easy as possible for visitors to find a place to park on race day. The city is offering free, all day parking at the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Nature Center at 1050 South Riverside Drive and at St. Charles City Hall at 200 North Second Street. You might also consider riding your bike to the race. Local boy scouts will be offering a bike valet service from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Katy Depot in Frontier Park.
Events Before and After the Race
The cyclists won't make their way to St. Charles until mid-afternoon, but the city is planning a full day of events to welcome visitors to town. Most of the events take place in Frontier Park along the banks of the Missouri River and right near the finish line. There's a Health and Wellness Expo, a Children's Activity Area and a Tandem Bike Challenge just to name a few. For more information on these and other events, read my St. Charles Tour of Missouri Events article.