Bean Lake Gravel Challenge

Updated: 01/23/16

Map My Ride link added below along with a tick sheet.

What: Bean Lake Gravel Challenge
When: Sunday January 24, 2016, 9:00 am
Where: Weston, MO
Why: Come enjoy a scenic and challenging ride to one of the few remaining marshes left in the Missouri River Floodplain.

Course conditions are great.  See pictures below.  Course is 95 percent gravel with most of it packed or with very little snow cover.

We will meet at the Weston Bluffs Trail head just south of the Weston Bend State Park.  We held a fun ride here several years ago and it is about time to venture out that way again.  See map below for parking.

 The main trail head only has room for about 25 vehicals.  If that lot fills up there is additonal parking on Beverly Drive - see pictures below.

The main route is just under 40 miles in length.  A combination of scenic trail along the Weston Bluffs Trail and the Missouri River.  Hills?  Yes there will be some hills and some of the finest gravel around.  There are several bailout options for those not up to the full challenge.

A little history on Bean Lake...Bean Lake  in a section of the Little Bean Marsh Conservation Area. The 400 acre oxbow is home to migrating waterfowl and shorebirds during spring and fall. Amazingly, more than 130 species of birds have been seen here though the number of birds depends on the water level. There is half a mile of disabled accessible trail that is perfect for hiking with families and friends. This leads to a viewing platform over the freshwater marsh. Another 200 yard trail leads to a viewing blind overlooking Cottonwood Slough.

This the route we plan to try on Sunday.  As I mentioned above I will recon the route and make and changes Saturday night.

Create Routes or Search for a route from millions at MapMyRide

 Old school directions:

Disclaimer for the Bean Lake Gravel Challenge:
You are 100% responsible for yourself! You are totally on your own.  There are no rider services.  There is no support. If you choose to participate, you agree to taking full responsibility for what happens to you out on the course.  Please have someone you can call to come get you in the case of emergency, fatigue, freezing weather or bike failure.