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Grand Illinois Bike Tour (GIBT) June 11-16, 2023
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Join us June 11-16, 2023, for the 20th annual Grand Illinois Bike Tour (GIBT)! Our 2023 loop will tour northwest Illinois including the Mississippi River and the Quad Cities. We’ll start and end at Kewanee High School with overnights in Moline (two nights), Savanna (one night) and Rock Falls (two nights). ONE HOTEL ROOM LEFT!

Choose among our daily mileage options for a total between 210 to 375 miles, consisting mainly of quiet rural roads as well as some paved trails around Kewanee, the Quad Cities, following the Mississippi River to Savanna and then to Rock Falls. Pick between our hotel and our modified, semi-independent (details below) group camping options. [Note: We do still have space for our semi-independent camping option with information on how to register in that section below.] Enjoy evenings filled with good food and socializing with riders from around the country. Proceeds benefit Ride Illinois, a nonprofit bicycle advocacy organization, and support our mission to make Illinois better through biking.

Our fully supported tour basics:

  • Daily route distances between 47 to 58 miles. Longer route and layover day options are available. RideWithGPS and cue sheets will be provided for navigation. (Find more information in “Route, Mileage, and Navigation” below.)
  • SAG (pickup) support, refreshment and water stops, and t-shirt are included. Local bike shops will be providing expert bike repair. (See “Extra third-party services” below for other offerings including camping rentals and set-up services, as well as massage service.)
  • Hotelers get luggage transportation, hotel breakfasts and two catered dinners, and evening receptions. (Three dinners will be “on-your-own” at nearby or adjacent restaurants.)
  • A semi-independent group camping option (different from past years, see below) at state and county campgrounds and a city park includes two catered dinners at the hotels.
  • Important updates during GIBT will be sent via email (with printouts for those without smartphones) or text, when necessary.
  • Join the fun after dinner, as fellow riders play music and invite you to sing along.
  • Velosophie, an optional reading discussion group, meets before dinner each day. (You can view the 2023 reading list in the Velosophie section below.)

The ride is limited to 130 hotelers and 190 total riders.


a)     Pace: Fast 15-17 mph rolling

b)     Date, time, starting location: June 11, 2023, 8:00 am; Kewannee High School, IL

c)     Distance: variable: long and short routes offered each day

d)     Ride leader’s name and email address: Tim Weaver tawpretzel@gmail.com

e)     Number of riders: 7 EBC riders so far

f)     RSVP via email appreciated: tawpretzel@gmail.com



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