The Burn is a three-day, fully-supported bicycle tour of the bourbon distilleries and Thoroughbred horse farms of Kentucky. Explore quiet country roads and quaint communities en route to world-famous bourbon distilleries nestled amongst the rolling bluegrass hills. Join our friends from all 50 states (plus Canada & Europe!) as we “cheers†to another round of riding bikes and drinking bourbon in our great home state of Kentucky.
"Is it hilly?" Yes. Very. There are no two ways around it. But don't let that deter you. The terrain isn't rugged or mountainous. You can think of it as continuously rolling.
Most of the "rollers" have 60 - 100 feet of elevation gain over a distance of a quarter-mile to half-mile, which puts most grades in the 6% - 8% range. There are a few longer climbs, especially around the Kentucky River, that stretch for about a mile, with short sections of 10% - 12% grade.
So, if you're looking for completely flat riding, this might not be the ride for you. (But we'd still love to have you as a Non-Rider Participant or as part of our fabulous Family of Volunteers!)
Is it challenging? Challenging is different for everyone, and everyone likes a challenge. Right? So you will find a little something for everyone, which is why you have daily route options that range from 20 to over 100 miles. You get to decide how much you'd like to challenge yourself.
Round here, we like to say, "You gotta earn The Burn, to savor the flavor." Our goal is that you feel accomplished at the end of each day of riding.
Does every route go to a distillery?
Not all routes reach a distillery. We've asked them to move closer to Bourbon Base Camp, but they just won't budge. Please see the table above to note which routes visit distilleries along the way.
NIGHTCAP
After returning each day, tent camping is included at the renowned Kentucky Horse Park, plus an evening of fine bourbon, awesome entertainment and mingling with fellow riders back at Bourbon Base Camp. If you opt for accommodations at one of our nearby partner hotels in Lexington and Georgetown (where you will have exclusive pricing discounts as a Bourbon Burn participant) you are only a short bike or car ride away. Also, we provide a free shuttle between Bourbon Base Camp and our partner hotels!
Date: September 25 - 27, 2026
Distances: 20 - 100 miles each day
City, State: Lexington, Kentucky
Start Location: Kentucky Horse Park
Start Time:
Online Information: https://www.bourboncountryburn.com/
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