The Z Tour Bike Ride came about as a result of the Center looking for a new idea in fundraising. The volunteers who organize the event are mostly cycling enthusiast and have participated in several organized rides throughout the Midwest. The Z Tour Bike Ride hopes to promote the City of Princeton, Illinois, bicycling as a safe, recreational activity, and also the services offered at the Zearing Child Enrichment Center (ZCEC). Proceeds generated from the ride support the not-for-profit ZCEC. Please visit the ZCEC website at www.zcec.org to learn more about the Center. Your safety is our number one priority. Accordingly, we ask that you download the free READY BUREAU app to your smart phone for event and weather related updates.

Most definitely! We strongly encourage this! Princeton is celebrating their Summer Solstice weekend June 23rd and 24th. Come see live music, shop at some amazing stores, and have dinner at one of our local restaurants. We will be holding check in at (TBD) on the North end of town. Early check in will be from 5:00-6:30pm. Shops will be open later for patrons. More information on the fun events will be announced via email and social media as we get more details. Please visit https://princetonchamber-il.com/ for updated information about this event. They will update as they have information. All riders will be receiving a Summer Solstice Welcome Packet. This includes coupons for Main Street shopping, information on trolly rides, and other activities going on during the weekend! 

Yes! We are selling Jerseys, Tshirts, and socks this year. Please visit ztour.org/shop to purchase your items. We will also be set up on Friday Night and Saturday morning with vintage Z Tour items along with our new designs. 

If you pre-register for the ride, for a single rider it is $35.00. The price climbs to $45.00 on June 1st. Friday and Saturday of ride weekend the cost jumps to $50.00. If you register with a group of 4 or more paid riders(Me+3), the Team leader will receive $25.00 for you to spend in town. If you have a child 12 and under, they are free, please use the 12 and Under Child Ticket so we have their waiver signed. Free riders do not qualify you for a group of 4 or more. 

You bet it is! That’s why we have five different routes ranging from 10 to 100 miles. This 10 mile route is perfect for beginners or families with younger children wanting to ride at a leisure pace. The more experienced riders can go at their own pace on the 30, 50, 75 or 100 mile routes. Riders on the longer routes can start as early as 6:00 a.m. All riders must be on the road by 9:00 a.m. Just remember to be back to Zearing Park no later than 3:00 p.m. to enjoy your post-ride meal. This is a ride not a race and there is a route for everyone!

We use a white biodegradable paint and incorporate the Dan Henry Marking System on all routes. Our route-masters go to great lengths to ensure that our routes are well marked and safe for the riders. Route maps and cue sheets are available on routes link and at registration on the day of the ride.

All routes are on paved roads with flat to rolling terrain and are well within the range of most cyclists. The 10 mile route is fairly flat and the 30 mile route has considerably less elevation than last year. As you go south and east of Zearing Park, you will see more changes in elevation. On the longer routes, there definitely are some challenging hills that will test even the experienced riders.

Yes! For the most part, the routes take lightly traveled, paved roads, and the few motorists that you encounter are courteous. We will have members of the Princeton Police Department and the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office monitor intersections that might be considered high traffic. If you follow Illinois bicycling laws, which require you to ride single-file when there is traffic and which require you to ride no more than two abreast at other times, then you should have few problems. For more details about Illinois cycling laws, visit the Ride Illinois at www.rideillinois.org.

The Princeton area has a handful of places to spend the night prior to the ride. For a listing of nearby motels, bed and breakfast establishments and RV friendly overnight camping options at the Bureau County Fairgrounds visit our webpage to be directed to the Princeton Chamber of Commerce lodging link.

Unfortunately, yes. It would be very difficult to get the word out about a change of plans and find an alternative date.

You should be able to finish because we provide adequate food and water at rest stops and because of our support vehicles on the routes. Be advised that we do not fix or repair bikes, but we will transport you and your bike back to Zearing Park. SAG support will end at 3 p.m. Pre-ride support will be offered at Zearing Park by Bike Works (Peru). Be sure and stop by their trailer prior to the ride.

Send an email to ztourinfo@gmail.com and we’ll answer your questions promptly. You can also call the Zearing Child Enrichment Center during Monday-Friday business hours at 815-875-2335 or Lauren Widmer, Z Tour Bike Ride Coordinator at 815-915-6000. Like our Facebook page at Z Tour Bike Ride for updates.