The time to tune up is here.
Pedaler’s Jamboree, a Memorial Day weekend institution in mid-Missouri, is quickly approaching. And with it, a chance for devoted cyclists and music lovers to take to the trail, traveling from Columbia to Boonville with artists stationed all along the way, offering a live soundtrack.
As you prepare for the movable party, here’s what to know about music, food, camping and more.
When is this year’s Pedaler’s Jamboree?
This year’s event kicks off with ride times between 8 and 10 a.m. Saturday, May 27. Overnight riders and campers will head back Sunday morning, May 28.
How long is the route and where does it lead?
The Pedaler’s Jamboree route begins at Flat Branch Park in Columbia, moving through McBaine, Franklin and Rocheport before ending in Boonville. There will be music at each stop along the way — and on the way back Sunday.
The total distance one-way is 32.7 miles, the festival calculates.
Do you have to ride?
No. There are non-rider ticket options (see below) that allow access to music and other festivities.
What artists will play this year’s Jamboree?
Pedaler’s Jamboree regularly crafts a strong lineup, mingling national, regional and local talent. Among the highlights this year:
The dynamic soul of Nashville’s The New Respects; Missouri-made outfit Ha Ha Tonka, a band which perfectly negotiates the spaces between Southern rock and artsier, Wilco-esque fare; Columbia’s own “heavy and Western” trailblazers The Comancheros; and the dazzling, glammed-up yet gutsy sound of locals The Royal Furs.
Also scheduled: That 1 Guy, Meredith Shaw, Mobile Funk Unit, Catdaddy’s Funky Fuzz Bunker Band, Kyren Penrose and more.
What food options will be available?
From pizza to spring rolls, burgers to tacos, vegan dishes and dessert options, this year’s vendors will have a number of taste palates covered. Here are just a few of the vendors who’ll be at various sites:
- The Big Cheese: Grilled cheese in all its many glories (Rocheport, Boonville)
- Pizza Tree: Pizza so creative it might as well be art (Rocheport)
- Ozark Mountain Biscuit Co.: Great Southern-inspired dishes with biscuits at heart (Rocheport)
- 2 Odd Dawgs: Specialty hot dogs, burgers and more (Rocheport, Boonville)
- Jamaican Jerk Hut: Remarkably-seasoned chicken and other Jamaican fares (Boonville)
- Big Daddy’s BBQ: Some of Columbia’s finest barbecue (Boonville)
Is there on-site camping?
Camping in Kemper Park is included for registered riders, according to the festival website. Bag transport to and from the campsites is provided, and spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Showers at the nearby Boonville YMCA and an overnight bike check service are available for $10 and $5, respectively. The Pedaler’s Jamboree lists other housing options, including RV and “primitive camping” possibilities as well as lodging close to Saturday night’s destination.
What else is happening Sunday?
Jamboree afterparties will take place Sunday in Columbia. An event at Broadway Brewery begins at 1 p.m., with festivities at Rose Music Hall featuring One Way Traffic, Austin Jones and the Barroom Billies, starting around 5 that evening. Both promise to go “till late.”
What’s the cost and how can I learn more?
Weekend rider passes are $85 for adults, $55 for ages 12-18, and free for those under 12 years old. Kemper Park-only passes (music and fireworks) are $30; trailside passes (parties at Huntsdale, Rocheport and Franklin) are $25.
Learn more about this year’s Pedaler’s Jamboree at https://www.pedalersjamboree.com/.
Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at adanielsen@columbiatribune.com or by calling 573-815-1731. He’s on Twitter @aarikdanielsen.