The Route 66 Trail-Breaking ride was a rousing success.  We had nearly 60 riders start with us at Niehaus Cycles in Litchfield.  Most accompanied us to Staunton.  Click here to see a small gallery of photos from the ride and the Duda Gardens dedication.

The Route 66 Trail-Breaking Ride was organized by the League of Illinois bicyclists, and the ITS Trail Committee was proud to take part in the event, helping to design maps showing the route and working with the communities along the way to provide stops in Mt. Olive and Staunton.

Fighting a mild headwind, the riders
rode through Mt. Olive to Staunton along old Route 66.  The route held many historic features, including the burial place of Mother Jones at the Union Miners' Cemetary.  Mt. Olive provided a welcome water break ten miles into the ride.

Arriving in Staunton, the riders were greeted with fruit, warm food, and cold drinks.  The riders had an hour or two to rest, followed by the Duda Gardens dedication.  The Duda Gardens is the trail head for the upcoming Worden to Staunton bike trail.  Eventually the Duda Gardens will also be the trail head for the ITS Trail.

Mayor Fred Stein, Cathy Hawkins, Sherri Albrecht, and Macoupin County Board Chairman all spokje about the dedication of the volunteers who donated time and money to complete the Duda Gardens.  The Gardens will provide many years of beauty and comfort to the people of Staunton.  Two weddings are already planned for the Duda Gardens.