23-04-2025
Redbud Ride offers a route for everyone
Cyclists at different skill-levels require different routes — that's why the RedBud Ride offers four.
These include the yellow, orange, green, and red routes. While riders can decide for themselves which route best fits their comfort and experience, the most commonly recommended option for beginners is the yellow route, a smooth, 24-mile loop that travels from downtown London to McWhorter Church and back.
Advertisement
Second in difficulty is the 34-mile orange route. It is a modest route, great for first-timers seeking a challenge or experienced riders interested in keeping a more casual pace.
The green, intermediate route entails 72 miles. The route will have several short hills, as well as some flats.
The route is known for being scenic and will once again be part of the Kentucky Cycling Challenge, which contains five rides including the Redbud Ride. In the case that an individual participates in all five rides on the list, they will receive custom gear for the year.
The red — and pinnacle of the Redbud Ride — is the most advanced route. It has been chosen by cyclists across the nation as the 'Best Century Ride in America."
Advertisement
The route will be a part of the Kentucky Century Challenge again this year. The challenge requires cyclists to complete at least 250 miles to earn rewards.
All adult routes are on public roads and highways. Kelvin Hibbard, London Downtown President, shared that riders are expected to follow all state traffic and bicycle safety rules, as the Redbud Ride prioritizes safety, with six safety and gear (SAG) drivers patrolling the routes in clearly marked vehicles and four medically trained Red Cross riders biking alongside participants to assist if needed.
Each of the four routes will be marked with signs, colored arrows, and street signage. Volunteers drive the routes in advance to highlight any potholes or road hazards. Curves and turns are painted with colored arrows on the pavement — red route riders follow red arrows, blue route riders follow blue, etc.
In addition to physical markers, cyclists can download free GPS maps of the routes through this link: Hibbard stated the the GPS system offers detailed, turn-by-turn navigation, including parking instructions, elevation changes, and rest stop alerts. It is available at no cost and can be programmed directly into a participant's phone.
Advertisement
All routes include multiple rest stops — about nine total— spaced approximately 15 to 20 miles apart. These stops offer cyclists the chance to rest, eat or hydrate, and use the restroom before heading out again.
Although most participants finish by mid-afternoon — around 2 to 3 p.m. —organizers remain on-site until the final rider returns to ensure each cyclist completes their route safely.
Hibbard shared the event will take place rain or shine. For more information about the four RedBud Ride routes, visit
