Start/Finish at Fairfax State Recreation Area (11 miles south of Bloomington, IN). Park at the Fairfax Beach parking area. Check in up the hill at the Big Oak Shelter.
Start time: 8:30 - 10am. To avoid a large group of bicycles on the road – we will use a 1.5 hour start window. Please be on the route by 10am.
Entrance Fee:
The entrance fee to Fairfax SRA is $7 per vehicle for in-state plates and $9 per vehicle for out-of-state plates. If you come by bike, the entrance fee is $2 per person. Entrance is free with a DNR annual pass. Your TdR ride wristband will get you into Paynetown SRA, Hardin Ridge NF recreation area, and back into Fairfax at the end of the ride.
Routes:
- Spoil the normally pleasant ride around Lake Monroe by descending & climbing all the boat ramps. There are nine of them, plus many assorted hills in between! 60 miles, 4000 ft of climbing.
- Stick to the pleasant ride around the lake. Yes, there are a few hills, but you will only visit 2-3 of the ramps! 40 miles, 2200 ft of climbing.
- Try a few of the ramps until your legs give out – each ramp is a new opportunity to demonstrate your lack of common sense: 43 - 60 miles, 2400 - 4000 ft of climbing.
Short Route - 38 miles: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41777897
This is the route with minimal boat ramps. There is a water/granola bar SAG stop at Ramp 3 (9.5 miles, ,Cartop) and a full SAG stop (food, Gatorade, restroom) at Ramp 6 (18 miles, Cutright). Your wristband will get you into Hardin Ridge National Forest Recreation area (24.8 miles). It is a beautiful area, has water and restrooms, and a really nice overlook to see the lake. You will know when to turn around to avoid the hill. At the top of the hill just past the Monroe dam is the Dam Overlook (33.2 miles, left turn). You will find a nice view, water, and nice restrooms.
Full Ride - 60 miles: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41777996
This is the route with all the ramps. Remember, it is your choice to go down each ramp. There will be SAG stops at each boat ramp. Most will offer restrooms, water and granola bars. Remember to get your colored bike band to verify you have been to each ramp. Ramp 6 (30 miles, Cutright) is the full SAG stop with food water and Gatorade). It is staffed by the Friends of Lake Monroe. Say Hi, talk to them about the lake.
Date: September 13, 2025
Distances: 38, 60 miles
City, State: near Bloomington, Indiana
Start Location: Fairfax State Recreation Area (11 miles south of Bloomington, IN)
Start Time: 8:30 am
Online Information: https://www.bloomingtonbicycleclub.org/tour-des-ramps/
Email:
Phone: