For you adventure-cycling-minded folks, what comes to mind when you think of the Golden Gravel cycling corridor of America?
Truth be told, there are notable mixed-terrain cycling opportunities in all 50 states, and Adventure Cycling’s newest route, the Golden Gravel Trail offers a balanced taste of diverse scenery and rich cultural experiences in eight of those states.
Cape G – The Place To Be?
In light of their 50th ‘Golden Anniversary’, this 3,800 mile gravel cycling route was designed and published to help celebrate their own achievements while connecting riders with fresh experiences in new areas of the country.
This curated collection of riding utilizes a mix of engaging gravel roads and tasteful stretches of backcountry pavement, connecting Port Orford, Oregon on the Western terminus to Cape Girardeau, Missouri here on the Eastern Terminus of the route (THAT’S US!)
Excited yet? We are too, but it gets better, and SOON!
Who, What, When, & Where?
This coming weekend Canadian adventure cyclist Meaghan Hackinen will be launching out of downtown Cape Girardeau, and there’s two great opportunities for you to engage with her and this route, firsthand. Yep, YOU.
For those of you unfamiliar with Meaghan, she’s an incredibly accomplished ultra endurance cyclist, and among many competitive accolades, she just recently came off a record-breaking ride in the Tour Divide bikepacking Race. Beyond the bike, Meaghan is also an author of two books, both travel memoirs relating to her vast experience with long distance travel by bike. Added up, Meaghan’s experience will serve her well as an ambassador for Adventure Cycling on this upcoming tour along the Golden Gravel Trail.
Saturday July 11th, 2026
Cyclewerx is hosting a meet & greet with Meaghan inside the shop at 1407 N. Kingshighway at 6:00 P.M. this Saturday July 11th. All are invited to join in this interactive gathering to hear more about the route and get an in-person look at her bike and gear she’s taking on the journey ahead. There will be pizzas in the shop to fuel any questions you may have for Meaghan. You can contact the shop at 573-334-4474 with any questions you may have beforehand.
Sunday July 12th, 2026
Be part of the start and join Meaghan and company in downtown Cape Girardeau for her launch on the route Sunday morning July 12th. Yes, this is your chance to ride with Meaghan! Not interested in riding? No problem – the more folks, cowbells, and signs downtown, the better! The 6:45 A.M. meetup will be along the Mississippi River wall at the intersection of Broadway and Water Street. We’ll plan to take a group photo at 7 AM before following Meaghan through town on her route,toward Whitewater, and eventually Leopold, and Marble Hill.
Round’m Up
Let’s come together now y’all, and offer up Meaghan the biggest Golden Gravel Summer Sendoff she deserves, Southeast Missouri style. (Trust me, she deserves it.)
