TOMRV 2026: Just 68 Days to Go!

June 6–7, 2026 • Two Days • One Unforgettable Ride

We’re officially 68 days out from TOMRV 2026, and the excitement is building. This year’s Tour of the Mississippi River Valley brings riders a fresh twist on a classic adventure: an all‑Iowa route for Day 1, created in response to road and bridge construction in Illinois. The scenery, challenge, and spirit of TOMRV remain as strong as ever—just with a new perspective on the Hawkeye State’s rolling countryside and river valleys.

Registration Link

🚴 Day 1 Highlights — Saturday, June 6

Start Locations:

• Isle Hotel & Casino, Bettendorf
• Northeast High School, Goose Lake

Riders roll out into the quiet countryside of eastern Iowa, heading toward the outskirts of Sabula before turning north and west onto one of the most scenic stretches of the weekend: 20 miles along the Great Mississippi Road. This winding, lightly traveled river road leads into the charming town of Bellevue, where riders will enjoy a well‑earned lunch at Riverside Park, right beside Lock & Dam #12—complete with views of barge traffic navigating the river.

From Bellevue, the route climbs west out of the valley and continues toward La Motte, riding along a ridgetop with sweeping views. At La Motte, riders choose between two routes into Dubuque:

Option 1: The Classic Long Route

A rolling ridgetop ride along the old Davenport Road, offering panoramic views and a steady approach into Dubuque.

Option 2: The Alternate Long Route

Option 3: Start at Goose Lake

For riders who love a little extra challenge, this option heads east back into the Mississippi River valley, adding 4.9 miles and 302 feet of climb. It includes an exhilarating 400‑foot descent into St. Donatus—not as steep as Black Jack Road, but absolutely one of the best downhills along the Great River Road—followed by a rewarding climb back out of the valley.

All routes enter Dubuque through the Mines of Spain State Park, with a rest stop at the Julien Dubuque Monument, one of the most iconic overlooks on the entire Mississippi River.

Day 1 Mileage Options

• 113 miles – Alternate long route
• 108 miles – Standard long route
• 72 miles – Short route (Goose Lake start)

🌟 New Features for 2026

The all‑Iowa route opened the door to several exciting additions:

• Highway 52 from Sabula to Bellevue — lightly traveled, highly scenic, and a rider favorite
• Rest stop at Gravert’s Orchard near Green Island
• Bellevue town stop with bars, restaurants, and ice cream options
• Lunch at Riverside Park beside Lock & Dam #12
• La Motte City Park rest stop — La Motte is hosting TOMRV for the first time ever
• Mines of Spain rest stop with a short hike to the Julien Dubuque Monument

Day 1 is every bit as scenic and challenging as our traditional Iowa–Illinois route—just 0.6 miles shorter and 120 feet more climbing.

🚴 Day 2 Highlights — Sunday, June 7

Day 2 follows TOMRV’s classic, beloved route along the Mississippi River.

Riders depart Dubuque and climb gradually through the Mines of Spain, then continue south along the Great Mississippi Road. Expect rolling hills, fast downhills, and ridge‑top views that stretch for miles.

Key features include:

• Rest stop at the Gehlen House in St. Donatus
• More scenic ridges and river views
• A long, sweeping downhill into Bellevue, with another rest stop at Riverside Park
• Rolling terrain through Spragueville and Goose Lake
• A gentle finish back into Bettendorf

Whether you’re returning to Bettendorf or finishing in Goose Lake, Day 2 delivers the classic TOMRV blend of challenge, scenery, and camaraderie.

Option 1: The Long Route

Option 2: The Short Route

🗺️ Route Maps

Links to all 2026 route maps are also  available on the TOMRV website and will be updated as needed.

Please note: All routes are subject to change up until the day of the ride due to weather, construction, or safety considerations.

🎉 The Countdown Is On

With 68 days to go, now is the perfect time to finalize your training plan, check your gear, and get excited for one of the Midwest’s most iconic cycling adventures. Whether you’re tackling your first TOMRV or your fifteenth, 2026 promises new scenery, new stories, and the same unforgettable experience.

Let’s ride.