Bourbon Burn

Course and Routes Have Not Been Updated for 2025.

Please note that The Burn Route Team is diligently working to reconfigure and refresh the 2025 routes as part of our commitment to continuously improving quality. As such, the routes have not been confirmed for The Burn 2025, but here is an overview of what you can expect.

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.

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?”

No. Unfortunately, not all routes reach a distillery. We’ve asked them to move closer to Bourbon Base Camp, but they just won’t budge. 

You want to bike to a distillery. We get that. Our suggestion to you: Recruit some non-riding friends to be your personal shuttle from the distillery to Base Camp. You can ride the one-way distance to the distillery where you'll meet your friends for a tour and tasting. Then, shuttle back to Bourbon Base Camp with your crew. 

Another popular option: Enjoy a shorter ride option, grab a shower and some lunch, and then head to the distillery by car.

Of course, we always encourage you to expand what you've previously considered as possible and train for a longer route that pushes you personally and physically. Earn The Burn.

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 (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 hotel!

Accommodations At The Burn:

Not to worry, we have something for everyone. 

(And tent camping is always included in your registration).
 

Kentucky Horse Park Campground
Lexington, KY 
 

Camping Accommodations

Tent Camping

• Primitive tent camping in Bourbon Base Camp (Kentucky Horse Park Campground) is INCLUDED with your registration. (Must provide your own tent camping equipment.)
• Tent campers DO NOT have to make a camping reservation.
• Tent camping spots are available on a first come, first serve basis with plenty of room for everyone.
• Free tent camping does NOT include access to electrical hookups.
• Camping equipment NOT provided. Must bring your own camping gear.
• Modern bathroom and shower facilities are available at no additional charge -- only a short walk away.
• Small campfires are allowed at your campsite, including camp stoves & small grills.
• Parking is located nearby with direct access available whenever needed.
• If you prefer a tent campsite with an electrical hookup, please book a premium RV spot via the campground store (see below).
• If you require a campsite with a CPAP Hookup for a medical need, please email us directly at Info@BourbonCountryBurn.com. We will do our best to accommodate with the limited spaces that we have. Please book early.

 
RV & Camper Information

In order to accommodate all of our riders and the various means of camping accommodations in a comfortable manner, all RVs and campers must reserve a spot within the Kentucky Horse Park Campground.  Reservations must be made through the KY Horse Park Campground store (more info below). 

Please note that while there is ample space for all of our RV camping participants, reservations won’t last forever. Please plan to make your reservations promptly. 

What do we consider a RV/camper?

RVs, camping trailers, pop-ups, tear-drop campers, roof-top tents and all other non-tent camping vehicles, regardless of size, class, or need for water/electric hookups. Basically, if what you are sleeping in has wheels and you want an electric/water hookup, then you need to reserve a spot.

Please note:

1) All RV/camper reservations must be handled directly through KY Horse Park Campground Store. The process is still super easy. Dial the KY Horse Park Campground store at 859-259-4257, option 2 and tell whomever answers the phone that you are with the Bourbon Burn 2024 and want to book an RV site. If no one answers, be sure to leave a message.

2) Because of limited space, we will no longer be offering a Basic RV camping option within the perimeter of Bourbon Base Camp. 

RV/Camper Reservation:

Anyone is welcome to book an RV site, even if you are just planning to camp in a regular ol’ tent and simply want to have access to electricity. So, how can I book this reservation? 

A Premium RV Reservation can be booked by calling the KY Horse Park Campground Store at 859-259-4257, option 2 and tell whomever answers that you are with the Bourbon Burn 2025 and want to book an RV site. If no one answers, do the old-fashioned thing and leave a message. They will be sure to get you squared away.

Premium RV Reservation Benefits:

• Individual water and electric hookups (50/30/20 amp)
• Limited spots available. Be sure to call around the time of registration!
• Adjacent to Bourbon Base Camp
• Short walk “home” each night
• Short walk to shower house (less than 0.25 mi.)
• Site neighbors are other Burn participants
• Spacious, shaded sites available
• 55’ paved back-in site

Primitive RV/Camping Reservation:

For those seeking more solitude and space, you are welcome to book a primitive RV/camping site, even if you are just planning to camp in a regular ol’ tent. This camping area does not offer any electric/water hookup and is located a longer distance away from the bathroom amenities (still comfortable walking distance). So, how can I book this reservation? 

A Primitive RV Reservation can be booked by calling the Ky Horse Park Campground Store at 859-259-4257, option 2 and tell whomever answers that you are with the Bourbon Burn and want to book a primitive camping site. If no one answers, do the old-fashioned thing and leave a message. They will be sure to get you squared away.

Primitive RV Reservation Benefits:

• Please note: NO ELECTRIC/WATER HOOKUPS AVAILABLE
• Comfortable walking distance from bathroom amenities
• Ample open space to choose from
• Spacious, shaded areas available on first come, first serve basis
• Adjacent to Bourbon Base Camp
• More privacy (located further away from Bourbon Base Camp)

Glamping Accommodations

Don’t want to miss a minute of the fun at Bourbon Base Camp? Want to avoid all of the hassles of lodging or setting up your own equipment? Don't worry, Padre's Cycle Inn has you covered. When you arrive, you'll find your reserved, high-quality tent already set up for you with a comfy air mattress inflated inside. Park your bike, have a seat in your reserved camping chair, help yourself to the complimentary snacks and refreshments, and enjoy the festivities! You can even charge your electronics at Padre's exclusive charging station. All you have to do is cycle in. Padre's does the rest! 

 Register for Padres Here!  

Hotel Accommodations
.
If your camping days are over, not to worry. Our partner hotels in Lexington and Georgetown offer exclusive pricing for our riders. (2024 hotel partnerships and rates are currently in the works)

Please note, this is a busy weekend in Lexington. Please be sure to book your hotel accommodations as soon as possible!
 

Know someone who might enjoy the festivities, but riding a bike just isn't their thing? Not to worry! They can enjoy the opportunity to participate in the non-biking festivities of the Bourbon Base Camp as a Non-Riding Participant.

Non-Riding Participants can still partake in all of the fun and camaraderie of the Bourbon Base Camp, without all of the sweating and pedaling to get there.

In 2025, we've continued the Non-Rider experience, including bourbon tastings, meal tickets & all complimentary base camp happenings for our non-riding friends.

NON-RIDER REGISTRATION FEES:

 $239.99

NON-RIDER REGISTRATION INCLUDES:

• Bourbon Burn event t-shirt
• Event swag bag
• Access to Bourbon Base Camp festivities and entertainment 
• Inclusion in all bourbon festival happenings
• Tent camping at the Bourbon Base Camp (BYO tent)
• 4 Bourbon tastings each evening
• Meal tickets for Friday & Saturday evenings' meal offerings
• Access to all Fireside Chat presentations
• *Please note that Non-Riders must be the guest of a Burn riding participant

To register as a Non-Riding Participant, a registered rider must select the Non-Rider Registration option as an "add-on" to their registration.  This can be done at the time of registration, or at any point through August 31, 2025.

Registered riders, follow these steps to add a Non-Rider Participant to your registration:

• Go to www.runsignup.com
• Login to your registration, using the email and password created at the time of registration.
• Click "Profile" at the top of the page
• Click "My registered races"
• Click "Manage registration"
• Click "Add-Ons"
• Choose the Non-Rider Registration add-on option.
• Finish Checking out. 

Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@bourboncountryburn.com if you need help adding a Non-Rider to your registration. 

Burning Questions - FAQ for The Bourbon Burn 2024!

Do I have to provide my own tent for overnight camping at the Kentucky Horse Park? Is there a glamping option or other full-service option?

Tent camping is 100% free at The Bourbon Burn and included in your registration. However, you must bring your own camping gear with you. Camping is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis in a large open, camping area. How do I snag the best camping spot? You arrive early and claim it.

If you would like to have camping equipment provided for an additional charge, our partners at Padres Cycle Inn can take care of all your camping needs. You can learn more about Padre's here.

Will we be able to camp on Thursday before the ride begins on Friday? Also, may we camp on Sunday evening after the ride is over?

Yes, you are welcome to camp on both Thursday and Sunday evenings! In fact, we will host a welcome ride and kick-off party on Thursday evening and encourage you to attend. All three-day Bourbon Burn registration and two-day Friday/Saturday registrations includes tent camping on Thursday

Three-day Bourbon Burn registrations and two-Day Sat/Sun registrations also include camping on Sunday. But please keep in mind that there will be no food service or activities available at Base Camp on Sunday night. The Kentucky Horse Park requires all campers to be checked out by no later than 10:00 AM Monday morning.

I'm not interested in camping at Bourbon Base Camp. Does The Burn partner with any local hotels in the area?

Yes, we have three partner hotels that are all less than 15 minutes away which offer exclusive pricing for our riders. Since this will be a busy weekend in Lexington, we suggest that you book any hotel accommodations as soon as possible! More information on our hotels can be found here.

Do you offer shuttles between the partner hotels and Bourbon Base Camp at The Kentucky Horse Park?

Yes, there will be a complimentary evening shuttle available running regularly to and from our partner hotels from approximately 5:00 PM through -10:00 PM on Friday & Saturday evenings.

Can we keep our bikes on site at Bourbon Base Camp? Will there be a Bike Corral?

Everyone is welcome to leave their bikes overnight at Bourbon Base Camp! There will be a bike coral lockup area on site that's free for all to use. Just be sure to bring your own lock. 

If I don't want to camp, may I just sleep in my car/ truck/ SUV in the parking lot?

No. The policy of the Kentucky Horse Park is that if what you are sleeping in has wheels, then you are required to book an RV camp spot. Otherwise, a standard camping site for a tent is included with your Bourbon Burn registration

Do you have spaces for RVs or campers at The Kentucky Horse Park? What kind of hookups and services are offered?

Yes! RV camping spaces are available at The Kentucky Horse Park. These spaces can accommodate any size RV or Camper and have full 30 & 50 amp hookups and are a short walk from both The Bourbon Burn starting line and Bourbon Base Camp.

Will there be breakfast available? Will there be coffee in the morning?

For those of you camping at the Kentucky Horse Park, breakfast will be available for purchase to help get you fueled for the day. If you are staying at one of our partner hotels, a complimentary breakfast will be offered each morning.

What are the food options each day?

You can read all about The Bourbon Burn's food offerings for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and all support stops here.

Are kids allowed to be a part of The Bourbon Burn?

No, since we are part bicycle ride and part whiskey festival, registration to our event is only open to riders and non-riders who are 21 years of age or older by September 25th, 2025.

What time does check-in open on Thursday, September 25th?

We will open our check-in table for rider check-in at 2:00 PM at The Kentucky Horse Park Campground.

I signed up for the 2-Day Ride, but would like to switch to the 3-Day Ride. Can I do that?

Any registered Burn rider may switch their registration to a longer or shorter number or days through August 31st, 2025.

We are always happy to upgrade any registration for riders who want to join us for all three days (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) rather than one of our 2-Day experiences. The upgrade will cost the difference between the 3-day and 2-day ticket price, plus taxes. Please email us at Info@BourbonCountryBurn.com if you would like to make this change.

I signed up for the 3-Day Ride, but would like to switch to the 2-Day Ride. Can I do that?

Any registered Burn 2024 rider may switch their registration to a longer or shorter number or days through August 31st, 2025.

3-Day Riders wishing to switch to a 2-Day ride (Fri & Sat) may downgrade their registration, but will not receive a refund of the difference in cost. 

What is the refund policy for the Bourbon Burn if I need to cancel?

You can view our complete refund policy for The Bourbon Burn here. Note that after August 15, 2025 canceled registrations will be refunded 50% of the ticket price per registrant, minus the initial RunSignUp processing fee. Initial RunSignUp registration processing fees are always non-refundable. After September 11, 2025, no refunds, no exceptions. 

Can I initiate a refund? 

Yes. Follow these steps. 

1. Sign In to RunSignUp
2. Go to your Profile
3. Click Manage Registration next to the registration that you would like to request a refund.
4. Click the Request Refund menu item.

Once under the “Request Refund” tab, you will be able to make sure that you have selected the correct registrant and event for this refund, and a breakdown of the refund, including the deducted fees, can be found below.

When you have reviewed all of the information, and you are ready to remove yourself from the event, click on the button for “Issue Refund”. At this point, a confirmation message will let you know that you have been removed from the event.

Once processed your refund will be applied back towards the original card that was used for your registration. This should post within 5 business days of the refund request. If you do not see this refund as being credited to your account within that time frame please contact finance@runsignup.com.

Are e-Bikes allowed at The Bourbon Burn? What about recumbent bikes? How about trikes? Elliptigos?

We like to say at The Burn, "If you can pedal it, you can ride it!" And that certainly includes pedal-assist e-Bikes, recumbents, trikes, unicycles and Elliptigos! We will have designated charging stations around Base Camp throughout the duration of the event where you will be able to charge your e-battery after riding. Please keep in mind that these are stations where participants charge ALL gear, so please be prepared to charge your own bike battery, if necessary.

What volunteer opportunities are available for the Bourbon Burn? How do I sign up to volunteer?

We love our volunteers! They are truly the backbone of making our event successful. We will be posting information on how to sign up for volunteer opportunities for this year's Bourbon Burn later this year. We will once again have tons of positions in all sorts of roles over the course of the weekend. Please check out the many volunteer opportunities here and sign up today to help make The Burn come to life! 

Does every route go to a distillery?

You want to bike to a distillery. We get that. Unfortunately the distilleries simply refuse to relocate closer to Bourbon Base Camp. Therefore, in some cases, distilleries may only reside on a route that is longer than you intend to pedal. No worries, we have suggestions. One popular option is to enjoy a short or medium route and then drive to some of the various distilleries in the regions. Another option is to bike the one-way distance to the distilleries and have a non-rider friend pick you up. 

What all is included exactly with a registration to the Bourbon Burn?

Entirely way too much great stuff to list here! Please check out our pricing page which breaks down all that's included with your registration.

When will the Bourbon Burn 2025 jerseys be available for purchase?

We are in the initial stages of designing this year's awesome jersey. They will be available for purchase by early 2025!

Have a question that’s not covered here?! 

Email us! Feel free to drop us a line with any questions, issues or if you just would like more information on our event: info@bourboncountryburn.com