Kentucky Bluegrass

DAY 1: We meet at a charming inn in downtown Lexington, in the heart of Kentucky’s bluegrass country. Considered the “Horse Capital of the World,” Lexington has revitalized its downtown area to become a vibrant, progressive entertainment hub. If you arrive early, take a stroll before our rental bike fitting at 3:00pm, orientation at 5:00pm and then dinner at 6:30pm. 0 miles.

DAY 2: The soil in this region of Kentucky is particularly good for growing the perennial species of grass that some say is so rich it grows blue. It happens to be excellent fodder for multi-million dollar thoroughbred horses. After breakfast, we’ll cycle past pristine horse farms, home to some of those thoroughbreds, and have a picnic lunch at the Kentucky Horse Park. A working horse farm and educational park, it features a daily Parade of Breeds that we can watch.

After lunch, we’ll continue our loop and return to Lexington on the paved Legacy Trail. If you’re back in time, you can tour a bourbon distillery or two before dinner. 38 or 50 miles, ±1939’ for longer option.

DAY 3: There is a lot to see on today’s ride. Again, you'll have a shorter or longer option. First, we’ll cycle past the Keeneland Racetrack, famous for its thoroughbred racing. Next we’ll pass through the small town of Midway, the first Kentucky railroad town and now a center for thoroughbred horse breeding. A couple miles later and you can stop at a museum specializing in the decorative arts. Lastly, we’ll visit McConnell Springs Park, where the settlement of Lexington was first named. Take your time and cycle all day, as dinner is on your own tonight. 47 or 57 miles, ±2805’ for longer option.

DAY 4: After breakfast, we will head out of town and quickly find ourselves on quiet, winding, country roads lined with dry stone walls. We’ll take the Valley View Ferry across the Kentucky River. It is the oldest, continuously running business in the state, started long before Kentucky joined the Union.

We’ll overnight in the arts and crafts haven of Berea, with its longstanding tradition for diversity, social justice and environmental responsibility. The first interracial coed college in the south was founded here. Today its streets are lined with artist studios specializing in fiber, glass, ceramics and traditional musical instrument making. 50 miles.\, +2371'/-2319'.

DAY 5: We leave Berea and head to Pleasant Hill today. We’ll stay on a nature preserve with a 40-mile trail system and 3,000 acres of protected original Shaker countryside. The staff at our inn wear traditional dress worn by the Shakers in the 19th century. We’ll learn about the religious sect’s pacifism, belief in equality of the sexes, and simple living. You’ll surely enjoy the beauty and peace of the place. 54 miles, ±2855'.

DAY 6: We conclude our tour with a ride back to Lexington. We’ll say good-bye to the fields of grazing sheep and cows and meander through quiet towns back to the city. We’ll finish with a picnic lunch and shuttle everyone to the airport by 2:00pm. 30 miles, +1705'/1634'.