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Welcome to Mixed SOIL

Mixed Soil fosters a community-led network of mixed terrain gravel & bikepacking routes throughout the Southern Illinois corridor. We also focus some volunteer efforts to an urban compost initiative in downtown Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Deep down, we’re rooted in a shared love for the history of the soil, the local food producers within it, and a burning passion to help folks explore it all by bicycle.

Mixed Soil sprouted with a mission to reconnect cyclists to the soil they ride on as well as connect local growers & land managers to the cycling community. Together, we believe both communities can not only support one another, but work together in educating others about sustainable recreation and preservation of the space around us.

Our evolving Route Libraries highlight mixed terrain / gravel cycling routes of assorted lengths, accommodating for all riders with varying levels of experience and interests.

The “SOIL Route Library” encompasses all corners of the Shawnee National Forest, and the greater Southern Illinois region. The “SEMO Route Library” is part of a greater bi-state partnership with the Ozark Gravel Cyclists and currently covers the Southeast Missouri corridor of greater Missouri Ozarks. The “Multi-Sport Packrafting Route Library” is currently focused on expeditionary routes within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, but will soon grow to include some of our favorite one-day trips in both Southeast Missouri & Southern Illinois.

These libraries include routes of all distances and difficulties – whether it’s a new 1-2 hour route you’re looking to squeeze in after work, a 4-5 hour weekend-warrior adventure, a sub-24 hour bikepacking trip, or a multi-week bike touring expedition, there’s plenty of Mixed Soil to go ’round.

We helped foster a bicycle-powered curbside compost collection service and community in downtown Cape Girardeau, Missouri. While we no longer offer this service, we do provide helpful resources to continue our mission of eliminating food waste in our community, feed the soil, and connect our community with ways to get involved.