From the Rocheport Times archives — originally published June 2023 on the old rocheporttimes.com.
Pedaler’s Jamboree, the annual bike ride and festival that starts in Columbia, MO and goes through McBain, Rocheport, Fayette and Boonville was a fun time and from all appearances and feedback was a super success this year. Great weather, music and food made the trip a success for participants and vendors alike. The cyclists put 32 miles behind them to complete the trip and and enjoy an evening of festivities and fireworks.
Columbia – Initial Start Location
Flat Branch Park is the starting location for the ride. Walt’s Bike Shop was on the scene to provide assistance to bikers. The start of the event is as easy going as one can get. Crowds showed up to drop off their camping gear, picked up their wrist bands and then started their journey across Boone County.
McBaine
Sunday at McBaine was the first and last Jam festival stop for cyclists. Music greeted people as they made it town. People rested as they approached Columbia.
Rocheport
The Pedaler’s Jamboree Saturday festivities were going strong. Around 3000 cyclists made their way to the city from McBaine to enjoy food, drinks, music and the town. As you will see in some of the pictures, there are so so many bikes. I have never seen that many bikes in one place. The scene is Rocheport was way more exciting and vibrant than the other stops. Since the Jam is a “pedal at your own pace” event, Rocheport gave everyone plenty of time to arrive and hours to enjoy the town.
New Franklin
Katy Roundhouse hosted the Pedaler’s Jamboree festivities in New Franklin. Multiple music acts, food and drink refreshed and prepared the cyclists for the final leg of the trip into Boonville.
Boonville
Alas, the final destination for the Pedaler’s Jamboree. Again, more food, drink and music. Kemper Park presented an outstanding place for camping and festivities. The weather held out and people were able to relax and enjoy a cool Missouri evening.