We were thrilled to learn that our friend Jerry Leigh decided to celebrate his 70th birthday by riding 70 miles in the greenways. Unlike his 40th birthday when he rode 100 miles in one day, Jerry decided to stretch this ride out so he could enjoy a different greenway every day for seven days.
“I used to ride for speed; now it’s all about enjoying the sights along the way that God provides”, says Jerry.
Together with his cycling buddies Richard Herman and Larry Maley, routes were planned using our new website. Each day’s ride took them to one or two different greenways that offered unique sights, sounds and experiences. They also had a “sag wagon” (Support And Gear) team—their wives—meet them for lunch after they finished their ride on one of the days.
According to Jerry, the new Busch Greenway was a highlight of the week with nearly a mile of yellow tickseed sunflowers lining the way. He also relished the ride over the Chain of Rocks Bridge along the Mississippi River to downtown St. Louis. “The variety of experiences—from flowers to high trees along creeks and rivers that shaded the trails—made each trip an individual experience,” says Jerry. “And unlike many other trails, most greenways are paved, making an easy ride for any type of bike.”
“It was a great way to celebrate my birthday. I enjoyed seeing all the rivers, creeks, parks and people around the greenways. St. Louis is a wonderful place for cyclists and is getting better each year thanks to Great Rivers Greenway connecting these greenways together.”
At the end of the week, Jerry ultimately logged 82.1 miles! If you would like to plan your own milestone ride, find a list of all greenways here. If you’d like to duplicate Jerry’s 70th birthday ride, he happily shared his route and a few notes from his “cyclist’s log.”
Monarch Greenway: 9.5 miles – “This greenway is currently shortened due to bridge construction. We parked in the Chesterfield Athletic Complex. It was great to ride atop the levee!”
Missouri Greenway: Earth City Levee: 4.7 miles – “Beautiful trip through the trees along the river.”
Boschert Greenway to KATY Trail: 6.5 miles—“Part of this ride took us on the street to connect to the KATY trail. We also rode part of the Missouri Greenway: Earth City Levee on the same day.”
Dardenne Greenway: 8 miles – “More parks than you can count with great creek-side rides—plenty of shade, too!”
Busch Greenway: 4.7 miles – “Beautiful flowers and lots of wildlife.”
Barathaven: 5 miles – “Peaceful route through a neighborhood.”
Centennial Greenway: KATY to Heritage( Creve Coeur Connector/Creve Coeur Park): 11.2 miles – “Creve Coeur Park has been around for a long time, but these new connections make it available to all.”
Gravois Greenway: 10 miles – “We parked in Kirkwood at Holmes and Leffingwell. We rode our bikes on the street for a bit and connected to the Shrewsbury MetroLink Station.”
River des Peres Greenway: 9.3 miles – “Lots to see and do!”
Mississippi Greenway: 13.2 miles—“We started in Granite City, crossed the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge and ended up 13.2 miles later at the Arch. No city streets and a ride that shows how the city really works. Fascinating study of industrial riverfront.”
Jerry was interviewed by Fox 2 St. Louis’ Randi Naughton.
Click here to watch the interview.
