Daily Course Options
Bourbon is only half of the recipe for fun at The Burn. The other ingredient is incredible riding and in 2023, we had more distilleries on our routes than ever before!
The below map offers a sneak peak of what you might be able to expect again in 2024 – but please keep in mind that routes are always subject to change due to innumerable unforeseeable circumstances outside of our control.
Here’s a high level overview of where the routes ventured in 2023:
Overview
With Bourbon Base Camp at the Kentucky Horse Park as your hub, spend three blissful days exploring Central Kentucky's Bluegrass Region, which is home to beautiful fields of rolling Bluegrass, world famous bourbon distilleries, charming small towns and world class Thoroughbred horse farms.
We release the official event routes approximately two weeks before the event. The routes for 2024 have NOT been confirmed as of registration opening in 2024, so please use the information below as an example of what you might be able to expect in Fall 2024.
for a little sample of our event routes, Here is an example of what was offered in the past:
Routes will be finalized and released for download in mid-September 2024.
In the meanwhile, hopefully this whets your palette and provides enough insight to hone your training plan for The Burn 2024!
The Terrain. Give it to me straight.
"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!
Example of Daily Mileage options | Start time: 7:30-9 am
1,000 - 2,000 ft.
Perfect for those looking to get a later start or earlier ending. Rolling fields of bluegrass beckon as you pedal past picturesque horse farms, where former and future Derby winners graze in pastures nearby. Snag a selfie with a pony before making your way back to Bourbon Base Camp with plenty of time to wash up and wind down, or drive to a nearby distillery, before the evening festivities kick off.
Historically the Short Option routes have not visited any distilleries due to the distilleries being too far to make a round-trip in less than 20-40 miles. However, we are currently exploring options to add distilleries to the Short route. Stay tuned!
1,800 - 3,000 ft
For those wanting a somewhat longer option, this route features many of the same rolling fields of bluegrass and picturesque horse farms as the Short Option, plus a little extra Burn. The extra rollers will make our Support Stop goodies taste that much better and the bourbon that much smoother once you’ve returned to Bourbon Base Camp.
Historically some Medium Option routes have not visited any distilleries due to the distilleries being too far to make a round-trip in less than 35-60 miles. However, we are currently exploring options to add distilleries to the Medium route. Stay tuned!
3,000 - 4,300 ft.
Bourbon distilleries, horse farms and small towns — quintessential Kentucky!
This is the most popular route option, as it provides all-day adventure, stunning scenery and access to most of the on-route distilleries. Challenge yourself to 60-80 miles of rolling bluegrass fields divided by seemingly endless miles of creeks and rivers, and punctuated by charming small towns of yesteryear. And, of course, lots of distilleries!
Additional Routes Offered during The Burn:
Easy. No climbing, all fun!
0-25 miles. Out and back.
Want an easy day of riding and some time to explore on your own? Hop on the Legacy Trail, a nine mile paved bike path, which leads straight from Bourbon Base Camp to a couple of our favorite Lexington haunts: Bluegrass Distillers and West Sixth Brewing. Then, opt to bike the city streets (or head back to Base Camp) and check out nearby Town Branch Distillery. This option is wonderful for those wanting to stay close to Bourbon Base Camp and spend the day exploring beautiful Lexington, KY.
5,000 - 6,000 ft.
For those wanting to earn The Burn so later you can savor the flavor, this option is certain to challenge your endurance. Bourbon doesn’t live in ugly places, and apparently it doesn’t live in flat places either! With distilleries, horse farms, small towns, bluegrass fields, and rugged beauty, THIS is the ride with which to challenge yourself, and then raise a well-earned glass back at Bourbon Base Camp.
“The fog, the crisp, clean air, the rolling hills, the tree lined roads that looked as if you were riding through a tunnel was magical. Not to mention the majestic horse farms and distilleries along the route!! A beautiful, challenging ride that should not be missed!”