Fourth Annual Tour of Hermann Brings Riders from 10 States

Tour of Hermann riders begin the ascent to Stone Hill Winery.

By Jim Grebing

Director of Tourism

Cyclists from 10 states will gather in Hermann this weekend (April 9-10) for the 4th Annual Tour of Hermann, which is becoming one of the premiere events of its kind in the Midwest. The Tour of Hermann is well known for its challenging courses through Hermann Wine Country and the overall quality of the event. Hermann's Jeff Yielding, who coordinates the event, has assembled a talented committee to plan and direct the event and a great group of volunteers to ensure the safety of riders as they travel area roads.

Approximately 300 athletes are expected, representing Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Some riders have already been to Hermann the past few weeks testing out the routes of the three stages, creating a buzz about the upcoming Tour of Hermann. Participants will begin arriving Friday afternoon to register and by Saturday morning the town will be full of cyclists, their support teams and fans. Not only is the presence of 300 riders quite a spectacle, the three stages also offer an opportunity to see top athletes competing on challenging race courses.

The best event for spectators is the Stage 2 Criterium, which is seven different races between 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday along a 1.2 mile course through Hermann's residential streets with a hilltop finish at Stone Hill Winery, the major sponsor of the Tour of Hermann. The course starts at the winery and runs along Stone Hill Highway to west 8th Street, to Washington Street, to West 9th, to Goethe, and across 12th Street to the climb up to Stone Hill. Races will last from seven laps to 19 laps for the Men PRO/ 1/2, which is the final race of  the day at 4:40 p.m.
Earlier Saturday the Stage 1 Time Trial will run on a new 14 mile course -- 7 miles out and 7 miles back -- on the rolling hills of Highway 100, west of Hermann. This stage will start at Hermann High School on Highway 100 and riders will take off in 30 second intervals between 8 and 10:15 a.m.

Sunday's Stage 3 will be a Road Race through the hilly Hermann Countryside covering 30 miles. Some categories of riders will do one lap, some two laps, and the Men PRO 12 will cover three laps. Starts will be from 10:30 - 11:10 a.m. and the course begins with a neutral one mile route through Downtown Hermann, offering the best viewing opportunity for spectators. This stage starts at 4th and Gutenberg Streets, by the Hermann Amphitheater. The course will leave Hermann along Highway H toward Stony Hill and then follow along Highways E and VV and then finish up on Highway 100 back into town.

 One new feature this year for support crews and spectators is that live music will be featured at the amphitheater throughout the hours of the Road Race, featuring the Bluff-tones, a group of talented local performers. There is no charge for the music and it is open to anyone; bring a blanket or lawn chair.

Take some time to enjoy the Tour of Hermann this weekend. You will be amazed at the quality of the athletes displaying their talents. Some of the top cyclists in the Midwest will be here. Hopefully this event will continue to grow and become one of the many things Hermann is known for.

Cycling is a big part of Hermann's tourism efforts; on most days you will see bicycles throughout town. Events like the Tour of Hermann in April, the Hermann Cross in September, and our proximity to the Katy Trail, make Hermann a great destination for cyclists with all levels of experience. Cyclists also spend a lot of money in Hermann at our shops, restaurants and wineries, and many stay overnight in our wonderful lodging places. This is just one of many things that makes Hermann a special place to visit and live.

Time Running Out to Take Advantage of Inncredible Lodging Deals

Many of the lodging places in Hermann have been offering Inncredible Winter Getaway Deals, but time is running out to take advantage of these great offers. In fact, the current promotion ends March 23.

Not only are great deals being offered on lodging, but anyone who stays two nights will receive $20 in Hermann Bucks that are just like cash at most Hermann businesses. By booking one of these deals you can save money on your stay and have extra cash to spend as well. Visitors from all over the Midwest have taken advantage of this promotion so far.

This is a great time of the year to visit Hermann, whether you are looking for a quiet getaway with a loved one or a fun getaway with friends. There are a wide range of lodging options in all price ranges and all of our innkeepers are committed to providing you the best experience possible.

We have seven scenic family-owned wineries in or near Hermann, which are open every day, many good restaurant choices, and plenty of shops and galleries to enhance your visit. And the scenery this time of the year is still good as winter begins its transition to Spring.

If you have questions about our many lodging choices feel free to call the staff at the Hermann Welcome Center at 800-932-8687.

 

Hermann Wurstfest Offers the Best of Missouri's Wurst

By Jim Grebing

Director of Tourism

The Wiener Dog Derby
on Sunday afternoon
is a Wurstfest favorite. 

One of Hermann's oldest and most popular festivals--Wurstfest--is drawing near, and now is the time to start planning to attend. The 32nd annual Hermann Wurstfest will be held March 26 and 27 at Stone Hill Winery Pavilion and the Hermannhof Festhalle. Sponsored by the Hermann Area Chamber of Commerce, this event is a time when local sausage makers, wineries, B&Bs, museums, restaurants and shops reaffirm Hermann as the "Sausage Capital of Missouri."

Wurstfest visitors will have a chance to sample and purchase products from 10 professional sausage makers from around the area. A complete list of participants will be announced later this month. Amateur sausage makers can also enter their products to be reviewed by a panel of distinguished judges. On the evening of March 26, an awards ceremony is held to recognize the "Best of the Wurst" as amateurs and professionals learn how they stacked up against other competitors. 

Sausage making demonstrations will be held both Saturday and Sunday, there will be a display of antique sausage making equipment and plenty of German music. Admission is just $6. On Sunday at 1 p.m. the ever-popular Wiener Dog Derby will be held at the City Park, offering dachshund owners an opportunity to enter their dogs in relay races, talent and costume contests. This is a fun event with plenty of excitement.

Wurstfest is not only a great day trip but also a wonderful way to spend a weekend. In addition to Wurstfest activities, all of the wineries, shops and restaurants are open; the Deutschheim State Historic Site and Historic Hermann Museum at the German School are also both open that weekend. There are plenty of rooms to choose from in a variety of price ranges. Don't wait too long to make reservations because this is a popular weekend in Hermann.

To get a feel for what Wurstfest is like, take a look at this video filmed last year by our Vista worker, Katie McBride:

       

We hope you will make plans to attend our 2011 Wurstfest. Saturday hours are from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. If you enjoy sausage you will love this event.