When six-time National Cyclocross Champion Tim Johnson wanted a change on venue for his fourth annual bike tour benefiting PeopleForBikes, he looked to the “Best Trails State.”

This is an exciting year for our ride. Riding from Kansas City to Chicago, I’m looking forward to engaging people from the racing community and meeting new faces involved in advocacy,” he said.

Johnson’s Ride on Chicago (formerly Ride on Washington) will pedal 550 miles from Kansas City, through St. Louis, and on to Chicago, from May 29 to June 2. The tour will feature Johnson and 24 other riders, including world-champion athletes, journalists and business executives.

A special reception will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on May 30 at St. Louis Bicycle Works in St. Louis and will include beer provided by New Belgium Brewery, as well as bike-related raffle prizes from Cannondale, Strava, Abus, Mad Alchemy and more. Suggested donation at the door is $20.

This year, the ride is moving west from its former route that started in Boston and ended in Washington D.C. Riders will pedal an impressive 100 to 130 miles per day to complete their journey from Kansas City to Chicago in only five days. The riders will pass through four stopover cities and towns: in Sedalia, Springfield and St. Louis, Mo., and Joliet, Ill.

Founded in 2011, the ride has raised nearly $200,000 for the national bike nonprofit PeopleForBikes. It has also increased awareness for bike advocacy amongst the racing and enthusiast communities.

Ride sponsors include SRAM, Cannondale, ABUS Locks, Firefly Bicycles, Whole Foods, Skratch Labs, Volkswagen of America, Strava, New Belgium Brewing, Skoop and Tenzing Wine & Spirits.

On June 2, the public is invited to pedal the final miles with the group as it rides through Chicago and finishes in Millenium Park. To learn more about the ride or see a detailed route, visit RideOnChicago.org.

Photo by Jamie Kripke, courtesy of Ride On Chicago