The St. James Chamber of Commerce and Meramec Vineyards and Winery are hosting a Tour of Missouri (TOM) kick-off event this weekend. The Meramec Town and Wine Country Bicycle Day will be held Saturday, May 3.
A fun event aimed toward those who are not professionals such as the elite TOM bicycling event coming to St. James and Rolla in September, but to those who just enjoy riding bicycles has been planned. One route, geared toward families with children, is around the town of St. James. A more extensive route which will cover over 40 miles for those wishing a more challenging course, includes a brief stop in Fanning where the world's largest rocking chair can be seen.
Wineries such as Heinrichshaus Vineyard and Winery, Meramec Vineyards and Winery, St. James Winery and Ferrigno Winery will be included on the tour. The winery routes alone will cover 13 to 19 miles.
Registration will be held from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the St. James Tourist Information Center. Breakfast items, donated by Country Mart, will be provided to participants. Registration fees are $10 for adults and $5 for those 12 years and younger. Every registrant will receive a free tee shirt.
The Wal Mart Distribution Center, located in St. James, has donated a bicycle to be given away during the event. Each registrant will have a chance to win the bicycle.
A passport will also be issued to each participant. Area businesses will be listed on the passport offering gifts, special bargains or items to be won in various drawings throughout he town. Riders may stop at any or all of these businesses.
At 1 p.m. a Spring vineyard walk will be held, featuring four wines complete with stops, tastes and tours. “Sip the Wine at the Vine” will sponsored by Meramec Vineyards at Winery, located at 19655 County road 1040 in St. James. For more information contact Meramec Vineyards and Winery at (573) 253-7847.
St. James and Rolla have been chosen as Host Cities for the 2008 TOM, a world class international pro cycling event. The seven day event will feature a finish in Rolla on Thursday, Sept. 11, and a start on Friday, Sept. 12.
