2frys.bike Ride of the Phenix

Open in the App

Willard, MO, US

Show 6 more photos

Route Overview

2frys.bike

Inclusion, Group Rides, Ride On Your Own

29 mi.

1,139 ft.

This ride is on paved roads and paved trails. It begins and ends at the Willard Middle School, 205 Miller Rd, Willard, MO 65781

Send to Device Advanced Export View Standard Route (with cuesheet)

Route Details

The Ride of the Phenix (not a typo) is an all paved route that includes a bit of flat greenway and then county roads with some medium climbs. You will get a workout but you will be rewarded with the scenic beauty of the route and the historic sites along the way! I prefer spring or fall, but you should enjoy it any time!

The route begins in the city of Willard at the middle school. It is adjacent to the @slice[Frisco Highline Trail](d,84.67,1549.65) which is an awesome rails-to-trail trail that runs for 35 miles from Springfield to Bolivar. Part is paved, part is gravel. You'll only be on the paved portion on this ride... Immediately after heading out you'll pass a @poi[great mural](54180154) on the right and the @poi[Frisco Bike shop](54180155) on the left that is made from storage containers!

After leaving the trail you will travel on county roads to the community of Cave Spring. I really enjoy the gradual @slice[descent](d,5734.68,7896.28) down Farm Road 81 but then it turns west onto Farm Road 52 and @slice[the hills begin](d,8370.27,9695.33).  At about 10.5 miles in you will turn to the north and it gets really good here!  After crossing @point[Sugar Creek](d,17642.77) watch on the left side for the @poi[Leaky Roof Train Corridor](54180157) which is a good photo op. You are now in the @poi[Phenix Quarry](54180160) area. A few more great photo ops are here with the @poi[Phenix sign](54180159) and an old strucutre on the right not far past the sign. You might want to stop and catch your breath, hydrate, whatever you need because the most challenging hills are coming up.

If you're still with me, you'll come to a @poi[convenience store](54180153) about 17.5 miles in. A great place to get a refill or snack.  You're not finished yet though. If you have extra time you might want to ride north on Highway V to see the Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead. Nathan was the son of Daniel Boone. This will take you about 2 miles off course, and then of course 2 miles back to the route. The driveway at the historic site is gravel, so you may choose to walk your bikes on it. I rode mine, but carefully...

The route also goes right through old downtown @poi[Ash Grove](54180162) and there are some great buildings and a @poi[mural](54180163) there that are worth admiring!

After Ash Grove there several more scenic views and yes, hills. You may hate me while you're on the route, but I think you'll love me when you've finished!

Willard has a few convenience stores and restaurants if you feel the urge.  Please email me with your thoughts, comments, and photos you take along the way!  r@2frys.com

Interested?

Want to ride this?

Put it on your bucket list and we'll help you celebrate.

Add to bucket list

Just save a link

Getting back to this route is easy with pinning. ()

Add to pinned

Share and promote

2frys.bike would love your help bringing this route to a wider audience.

2frys.bike Ride of the Phenix - Ambassador

Route Overview

Route Details

Interested?

Want to ride this?

Just save a link

Share and promote

Other routes by 2frys.bike

2frys.bike Ride of the Phenix - Ambassador

Route Overview

Route Details

Interested?

Want to ride this?

Just save a link

Share and promote

Other routes by 2frys.bike

2frys.bike Sculpture Ride - Ambassador

2frys.bike - Gravel Pie - Ambassador

Sign Up

Share link

Share via email

Embedded widget

Get the Ride with GPS mobile app!