ROCK PORT, Mo. (AP) — Towns along U.S. 136 in northern Missouri are putting out the welcome mat this week for about 1,000 bicyclists.

The cyclists are participating in the Bike Across Missouri race, known as The Big BAM.

It’s the first year of the race, which is modeled after a similar event in Iowa.

It covers about 300 miles. It began Monday in Rock Port in the west.  Tuesday bikers will travel from Maryville to Albany.  The treck will end Friday in Canton in eastern Missouri.

The cyclists will make several stops as the race winds through 22 towns, anywhere from about 15 to 80 miles apart.

The towns have been preparing for the race for months. Cyclists will be welcomed with live music, food and alcohol vendors and lots of good company.

(AP with Post Contributions)