In 2014 I rode the Tour of Saints one-day ride. There are two distance choices, 35 miles or 50 miles so it is a good ride to break into long distance rides.
The ride starts and ends at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, MN (thus the “Tour of Saints” name), takes place in the middle of July, and goes through very pleasant farmland and hilly woodlands. It is close enough to other Minnesota locations so participants can drive to it, ride it, and drive home. An overnight is not necessary for most.
The views are beautiful and the organizers do a great job at having great snacks and treats at each of the rest stops. It is advertised as a ride that is not a race but a pleasant ride through the countryside. It all made for a very nice day-ride.
