2023 KENTUCKY & INDIANA - Kentucky Bourbon Trail and Monon Trail (1)

The Burn is a fully-supported bicycle tour of the bourbon distilleries of Kentucky. We will ride the first two days of the Bourbon Burn, exploring the quiet back roads of Kentucky en route to the world-famous bourbon distilleries. .

The official event registration is on you... you must register for the event on your own if you want to ride as a registered rider. 

There are three ways to do this trip.

1. As a registered Burn Rider (paid registration with FULL BURN services & ROTR support)

2. As a registered Burn Non-Rider  (paid non rider registration with all BURN services & ROTR support)

3. A BANDIT rider  (no BURN registration, nor service and only ROTR support)

#1 - REGISTERED RIDER: A registered burn rider gets  base camp access, camping, dinners, parties and tastings at the base  camp. BURN riders also get a complimentary Bottle Sherpa Service that will  bring your bottles or other items that are purchased at the distilleries  back to base camp for you to pick up each evening. There is also a SAG  service that will rescue and bring you back to camp if you cannot make  nor want to make the entire journey. There are also provided rest stops  along the way every 15-20 miles where there will be food & drink. And at night there is a party for all BURN riders. You will also get the TEAM ROTR support team who will follow riders along the course and get you to the distilaries if you are not able to make the entire route. 

#2 - NON - REGISTERED RIDER:  A registered burn non- rider get base camp access, free  camping, dinners, parties and tastings at the base camp only. There is  no service or food or SAG on the road however. And to be a  NON-registered rider you need to be buddied up with a REGISTERED rider. You will also get the TEAM ROTR support team who will follow riders along the course and get you to the distilaries if you are not able to make the entire route.

#3 - BANDIT ROTR RIDER:  You can still go and bring your bike but all accommodations and food are on  your own. We can not guarantee that they will let you on the course but the roads are public so don't think they can stop you. You will also get the TEAM ROTR support team who will follow riders along the course and get you to the distilaries if you are not able to make the entire route. **** you can get  camping at the same campground as the registered riders by contacting the campsite yourself:  Ky Horse Park Campground Store at 859-259-4257, or get hotel rooms from the supported hotels:  Glo Bestwestern 859.554.8854, Fairfield Inn by Marriott 859.977.5870. Fairfield by Marriott - Georgetown 502.868.9955

The first day will be spent riding along the beautiful back roads of Kentucky, en route to world-famous bourbon distilleries and enjoying several exclusive distillery experiences, and unique bottles made specifically for the event.  Registered riders can take advantage of the complimentary Bottle Sherpa Service that will bring your bottles or other items that are purchased at the distilleries back to base camp for you to pick up each evening. There is also a SAG service for registered riders that will rescue and bring you back to camp if you cannot make nor want to make the entire journey. There are also provided rest stops along the way every 15-20 miles where there will be food, drink and support along the routes for registered riders. ALL ROTR riders (registered or not) will have access to the ROTR support crew that will be following riders throughout the days and providing SAG support. Also included in the registration fee is camping space at the Bourbon Base Camp. This Camp is the place where most riders will be staying and it is where the celebrations of each day of riding take place. The moto at the finish line of each day’s is that “You’ve earned the burn”… now it’s time to savor the flavor! There is a party with live music, tasting booths from the distilleries, bon-fire pits, distillery reps leading fire-side discussions about the tricks of the trade, food trucks and evening meal for all registered riders and of course sampling of bourbon. Bourbon Base Camp is located at the beautifully scenic Kentucky Horse Park, host to numerous world-wide events and clean showers and bathroom facilities are provided but if you would rather stay inside there are many hotels within walking and biking distance of Base Camp (that expense is on your own however).

TEAM ROTR will take it another notch and will provide a 2 person bus support team. The support team will get us there and back safely and will support to the riders through the day. Therefore you can still tour all the distilleries but not have to ride the long routes to get to them. *** this is dependent on numbers... please RSVP if you are going **

ROTR SUPPORT INCLUDES:  Will be a 2 person crew that will drive the team there safe and sound,  transport your bikes and gear and provide SAG support and transportation  to distilleries if desired. Cost: $200 for riders from Rochester, $100  for riders not riding the bus from Rochester. (this is to cover the cost  of gas, support registration cost and RV camping costs)

On  Sunday we will travel half way home with a stop in Indianapolis and  ride the famous Monon Trail. We will stay in a hotel and will explore the local  breweries and night life of downtown Indianapolis following the ride.  The cost of the hotel is on your own.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

Sunday morning, we will drive from Lexington to Indianapolis. You must be loaded, ready and on the bus for an 8:00am departure. It is a three-hour drive and we want to be on the trail by noon (you can take a snooze on the bus) … JUST BE LOADED AND READY BY 8am. 

Since we have two challenging rides Friday and Saturday at the Burn ride, this ride will be a FUN pub crawl ride exploring Indianapolis and checking off this state of Indiana.

The route is unique, fun and comprised of very cool breweries, bakeries, local favorite hangouts, wineries, and ice cream shops! 

We will do a small section of the Monon Trail, then get off trail and ride some local streets of Indianapolis en route to a smaller local trail (off the beaten track), then through some of the oldest neighborhoods of Indianapolis (stopping at some very unique spots) and ending the adventure with a montage of stops that will have your head spinning and you having difficultly spinning your bike. We will end our trek smack dab in downtown Indianapolis.

The route is only 22 miles….  and there are 13 stops! The specific route is included below. 

This is a HUGE challenge ;-) , but confident that most ROTRs will be able to complete it and anyone who completes a drink or food purchase at each place and has a signed ROTR INDIANAPOLIS PASSPORT will receive a MVP award from our rewards department! 

Here is the link to the route. You may want to download it into your bike computer for navigation. Not sure if this will work for you “STRAVA” users but it should.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40635612 (title of the route is ROTR Indiana)

This is going to be a BLAST!

LET’S RIDE ROTR.... Wheel, Snipe, Celly!!

Stop #1: BIG LUG CANTEEN BREW PUB – (0 mile) – 1435 E 86 Street, Indianapolis – We will arrive by noon and hope to be on the trail shortly afterwards. We will unload bikes, have a quick drink to lube the body and then hit the trail. Big Lug Canteen specializes in downright good brew. Eddie Sahm and his father Ed give their spin on the world of dining paired with the craftsmanship of freshly made beer all in one location. There is a beautiful patio overlooking the Monon Trail. Suggestion is NOT to eat here and wait until on the trail.

Stop #2: BROAD RIPPLE BREW PUB – (3-mile mark) - 842 E 65th St, Indianapolis - The Broad Ripple Brewpub was established in 1990 by Englishman John Hill, born in Middlesbrough in North Yorkshire, and his wife Nancy, a Hoosier native. It was Indiana’s very first brewpub and is the oldest operating brewery in the state. The Brewpub was designed to recreate a typical English pub with its dark wood paneling, leaded stained-glass windows, decorative tin ceiling, and a cozy fireplace. We will enjoy award winning, hand-crafted beer and QUICK relaxed meal, while people-watching on the Monon trail.

Stop #3: WYLIEPALOOZA ICE CREAM SHOP - (4.5-mile mark) – Wyliepalooza is a family-owned business that was imagined and opened back in 2013. Wyliepalooza came from a nickname a mother had given her eldest daughter, Wylie and palooza means “party” and that is what Wylie is, a party ALL the time. Sounds like a perfect stop for TEAM ROTR and they have over 70 different ice-cream flavors to pick from and it is right on the trail!

Stop #4: CENTERPOINT BREWING:  - (9.6-mile mark) - 1125 E. Brookside Ave Indianapolis – this place has beers designed to be approachable by everyone: both beer enthusiasts and non-beer drinkers alike. Whether it is the CenterPoint Gold, the CenterPoint (Blood) Orange, or the CenterPoint Black served with a marshmallow, there is something that’s enjoyable by everyone. There is no food here.

 Stop #5: LEVIATHAN BAKEHOUSE – (10.1-mile mark) - 1101 N College Ave, Indianapolis - Leviathan Bakehouse is located in Indianapolis’ Chatham Arch neighborhood where they combine old-world craftsmanship with a modern point of view. Along with a genuine embrace of family, community, and culture, quality food, quality time, and quality relationships. They invite TEAM ROTR in to gather and find respite in great baked goods that you can not find in Minnesota! *** From here we will be leaving the Monon trail to ride and explore the neighborhoods of Indianapolis. We will get off trail and ride though local neighborhoods hitting small trails and parks along the way to a smaller local trail called the Pogues Pathway Trail … after this you BETTER be ready and put on your big boy/gal ROTR pants because it will be a crazy race to the finish! Below is the history on the Pogue’s Trail. POGUE’S PATHWAYS AND TRAIL: 

Pogue’s Run Trail is a 5.3 mile greenway corridor planned on the near northeast side of Indianapolis. The trail passes through many iconic areas of the Near Eastside. Along Brookside Avenue it passes the Circle City Industrial Complex and Fletcher Park. It winds through Spades Park and bird sanctuary and over the historic Nowland Avenue Bridge. In Brookside Park it traverses playgrounds, a disc golf course and the Family Center. It concludes at Pogue’s Run Art and Nature Park a constructed wetland with local art throughout. First identified in the 1994 Greenways Master Plan, the Pogue’s Run Trail has long been highlighted as a priority on two key planning documents: the Full Circle Master Plan, which provides guidance and direction for all future greenways in Indianapolis and the Near Eastside Quality of Life Plan that outlines key projects to improve the near eastside of Indianapolis. In addition to these plans, neighborhood groups, the City of Indianapolis and organizations like Reconnecting to Our Waterways, the Central Indiana Community Foundation have met and collaborated on ways to fund the completion of the trail.  Why The Trail Is Important? Mixed use trails have tremendous potential to catalyze development and growth in a neighborhood. The transformative growth in the Fletcher Place and Fountain Square neighborhoods are in large part due to the development of the Cultural Trail. Years earlier, similar development and economic opportunity followed the Monon Trail through Broad Ripple and midtown Indianapolis. Completing the Pogue’s Run Trail will create a similar opportunity for the Near Eastside of Indianapolis. The trail will: enhance physical and social linkages between the Near Eastside Neighborhood and the rest of Indianapolis, especially downtown. And the trail will improve access to clean and safe parks, waterways, and recreational opportunities, especially those that can be leveraged for economic growth in the neighborhood. Pogue’s Run, Brookside Park and Spades Park serve as critical anchor assets in the Near Eastside Neighborhood. Pogue’s Run Trail can play a critical role in improving livability and connectivity in the community. Along with other positive momentum in the neighborhood, this can catalyze investment and increase economic activity and TEAM ROTR will be there to represent and support POGUES PATHWAYS.

Stop #6: MAYFAIR TAPROOM – (18.8-mile mark) - 2032 E 10th St, Indianapolis- your new old neighborhood pub with 22 beer taps, classic cocktails, and wine. The building has been home to many establishments since its construction in 1895 but in 1993, a family purchased the building and shortly thereafter, a full remodel of the building began. With an incredible amount of blood, sweat, and beers, the Mayfair opened its doors October 1, 2018, under the operation of John & Nancy's son, Alec, and his wife, Hilary and if we are lucky, we will meet them.

Stop #7: DORMAN STREET PUB – (19.7-mile mark) - 901 Dorman St, Indianapolis - The Saloon was known as The Mahogany Bar (the Hog) from the End of Prohibition until 1982, when it was purchased by Mabel Russell and the name was changed to May’s Lounge. The area around the Saloon is an industrial area that started out as a wood products area during the Victorian Era, so that may be why it was named the Mahogany Bar. According to David Bowman of Home Lumber Co., he remembers going there as a young man in the 30′s and it was the Mahogany Bar at that time. The Saloon features a Rookwood Tile Bar that reportedly came out of the Old Greyhound Bus Station which was formerly the Interurban Depot. John Dillinger frequented the Bar surrounding his heist of the State Bank of Massachusetts Ave in September of 1933. This Robbery was the largest take in American History. Up to that point Dillinger and his gang netted over $25,000.00. Dillinger was known to “case” his potential victims quite extensively prior to robbing them and since this bar is only two blocks away, this story may have some merit. This is a super small and very popular “off the beaten path” location that we are lucky to have stumbled upon.

Stop #8: PEACE WATER WINERY – (20 mile mark) - 747 N College Ave – The owner of this place says his wife Laura is the kindest person he knows. She has enough love in her heart to raise eight children, three dogs, two horses, two cats and even an orphaned cow. Despite all the organized chaos, she still finds a way to think of others... whether it is volunteering at schools, running a soup kitchen, or just practicing random acts of kindness. It was a typical crazy weekend (six basketball games, four soccer matches, and an equestrian event) spent scrambling from one place to another in our 1966, 21-window Volkswagen "hippie van." We squeezed in a stop at our local Starbucks drive-thru and, as was her tradition, Laura paid for the double chocolate chip frappuccino the car behind us had ordered. The kids all smiled as they watched the joyous reaction of the lucky recipient. That's when I realized we needed to do something more. What better way to do it than to share exceptional wine with you! If the simple act of buying a stranger a cup of coffee can make someone's day, what can happen if we really set our minds to making a difference. So, while our family is large, our vision is larger. We honestly believe the smallest act of kindness has a ripple effect that can help change the world. 50% of our net profits will be donated to charity, both locally and across the world. Enjoy our wine knowing every sip is helping make this world a better place! PEACE OUT! Scott & Laura Burton & Family

Stop #9: ST. JOSEPH BREWERY – (20.2-mile mark) - 540 N College Ave, Indianapolis - A truly unique experience, nothing can beat sipping on a brew in what was once a Catholic church. The large and beautiful space of St. Joseph's Church has been turned into a brewery. Floor-to-ceiling windows give you something extra to look at while you try some cleverly named brews like Sanctuary Saison and the award-winning Confessional IPA.

Stop #10: EASLEY WINERY – (20.6-mile mark) - 205 N College Ave, Indianapolis - Easley Winery began as the dream and vision of Jack & Joan Easley in the late 1960’s. Making wines as a hobby in their basement in Indianapolis, Jack and Joan dreamed of growing grapes and making wine in Indiana. Today, second generation owners Mark & Meredith Easley continue the family tradition of creating and selling award-winning wines and champagnes made right in the heart of Indiana. Easley Winery offers 20+ wine and champagne offerings depending on the year and season. Great wines are meant to be shared with TEAM ROTR!

Stop #11: SUN KING BREWERY – (20.7-mile mark) - 135 North College Ave - Sun King purchased equipment from a now-defunct brewery in Maine and relocated it to Indianapolis. In July 2009, the first kegs of beer rolled out the door for delivery, making Sun King the first full scale production brewery in Indy since Indianapolis Brewing Company closed its doors in 1948. Now available on tap and in cans throughout Indiana, Illinois, and Florida, Sun King has grown into the second-largest beer brewer in the state of Indiana. The company’s commitment to handcrafted seasonal and specialty beers has been awarded with multiple medals at the Indiana Brewers Cup, Great American Beer Festival®, and World Beer Cup® competition and these guys are soooooo excited to see TEAM ROTR come thought the doors!

Stop #12: METASOA BREWING CO. – (21-mile mark) - 140 S College Ave, Indianapolis - Metazoa Brewing Co. was founded in 2016 by Dave Worthington who was a homebrewer and animal-lover. Dave and his family had always enjoyed donating to animal charities and fostering rescued animals, but as Dave began dreaming of owning a brewery, he realized that he wanted to offer something even more special and has continued to build the company around a promise to donate five percent of all company profits to unique animal charities in Indiana and beyond. From Mug Club members and frequent visitors of the pet-friendly taproom to local retailers and casual supporters who order Metazoa beer at local watering holes, the Metazoa community is ever-growing as is their support of animals. By the end of 2019, Metazoa’s donations to animal welfare organizations since their grand opening in 2016 will total over $100,000 and Dave’s dream of building a place where the community can “drink beer to help animals” has become a full-fledged reality. --- Drink beer. Help animals.

Stop #13: INDIANA CITY BREWERY COMPANY – (21.6-mile mark) - 24 Shelby St, Indianapolis - Inspired by the ethos of the American craft beer revolution, we are dedicated to elevating the craft beer scene of Indianapolis with each beer we create. All Indiana City beer is unfiltered for full flavor and aroma, and brewed to the highest standards, with the freshest and finest ingredients. Located on the east side of downtown Indy in the historic Bottling House of the former Home Brewing Company.

Final Stop: BEST WESTERN PLUS INDIANAPOLIS DOWNTOWN – (22.2 mile mark) - 401 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 – You will need to make your own reservations at this hotel or one nearby. 317-638-0327. The hotel is walking distance to TONS of bars and restaurants…If you can still stand up straight by this time!