The Dr Craig Schultz Memorial 20k-40k Time Trial, held in Cordova, IL, is a heartfelt tribute race in the Mid America Time Trial Series (MATTS), starting at the Cordova Township Civic Center (910 3rd Ave S, Cordova, IL 61242). While Cordova is a small village with limited amenities, Moline, IL – just 20–25 minutes south – offers a vibrant, cyclist-friendly base in the Quad Cities.
Why Choose Moline, IL for Your Race Weekend?
Moline, a key city in the Quad Cities along the Mississippi River, combines industrial heritage with modern amenities, making it an ideal hub for the Dr Craig Schultz Memorial TT. A 20–25-minute drive from Cordova, Moline offers comfortable hotels, diverse dining, and cycling-friendly attractions like the Great River Trail, perfect for warm-up spins or recovery rides. Local bike shops, such as D&K Bike Shop, support last-minute tweaks (e.g., 70–75 PSI for 28mm tubeless tires, per your interest), and the city’s John Deere legacy adds cultural appeal. Whether you’re a junior, master, or open-category racer chasing MATTS medallions or course records (e.g., Jeff Otto’s 40k: 52:01 @ 28.67 mph), Moline’s offerings ensure a memorable race weekend.
Where to Stay in Moline, IL
Moline’s hotels cater to cyclists with secure bike storage, early breakfast options for the 9:01 AM race start, and easy access to Cordova via IL-84. Below are top picks, ranging from budget to upscale, all within 20–25 minutes of the race venue.
1. Residence Inn Moline Quad Cities
- Location: 4600 53rd St, Moline, IL 61265 (23 minutes from Cordova Township Civic Center)
- Price: $120–$200/night
- Why Stay Here: This extended-stay Marriott offers spacious suites with full kitchens, ideal for pre-race meal prep (e.g., oatmeal, bananas) before the 7:45 AM on-site registration. Free breakfast (6:00–9:30 AM) includes healthy options like yogurt and eggs, fueling your 40k effort. The hotel’s indoor pool and 24/7 gym support recovery and warm-ups, while free Wi-Fi lets you check race updates (wiilcycle.org). Bikes are allowed in rooms, perfect for adjusting 165mm cranks or checking tubeless tire pressure (70–75 PSI for 28mm). Its location near Quad Cities International Airport (10 minutes) is convenient for out-of-town riders.
- Cyclist Tip: Request a ground-floor suite for easy bike access. Use the kitchen to store hydration drinks for the windy, exposed course.
2. Holiday Inn Express Moline – Quad Cities
- Location: 2100 69th Ave, Moline, IL 61265 (22 minutes from Cordova Township Civic Center)
- Price: $90–$160/night
- Why Stay Here: A budget-friendly option with free breakfast (6:00–9:30 AM, grab-and-go for early race travel), free Wi-Fi, and an indoor pool for post-race relaxation. Complimentary parking and bike-friendly policies allow in-room storage for your TT bike’s deep-section wheels and aero bars. The hotel’s proximity to John Deere Pavilion (5 miles) and the Great River Trail (3 miles) offers pre-race sightseeing or warm-up rides. Ideal for juniors or masters racing the 20k.
- Cyclist Tip: Book early for race weekend availability. Test your rear red blinker (recommended for the open-traffic course) in the parking lot before heading to Cordova.
3. Element Moline
- Location: 316 12th St, Moline, IL 61265 (24 minutes from Cordova Township Civic Center)
- Price: $130–$220/night
- Why Stay Here: This eco-friendly hotel in downtown Moline offers modern rooms with kitchenettes, free breakfast (healthy options like granola), and a fitness center for pre-race stretching. Its bike-friendly vibe includes secure storage, ensuring your TT bike with 50/34T gearing is safe. Located near the Great River Trail and Bent River Brewing Company, it’s perfect for recovery rides or post-race celebrations with MATTS medallion winners. The hotel’s proximity to I-74 simplifies the drive to Cordova.
- Cyclist Tip: Request a river-view room for a calming pre-race atmosphere. Visit D&K Bike Shop (4 miles) for latex inner tube swaps or chain checks.
Where to Eat in Moline, IL
Moline’s dining scene, shaped by the Quad Cities’ eclectic culture, offers cyclist-friendly options from quick, carb-heavy breakfasts to refuel for the 20k/40k TT to hearty post-race meals. These spots, within 5–10 minutes of downtown hotels, cater to racers’ needs with healthy and indulgent choices.
1. Steel Plow Burger Company
- Location: 2180 53rd St, Moline, IL 61265 (23 minutes from Cordova Township Civic Center)
- Cuisine: American, $10–$20/meal
- Why Eat Here: Ideal for a pre-race dinner, Steel Plow serves grass-fed beef burgers, salads, and massive shakes, perfect for carb-loading before the 9:01 AM start. Try the “Plow Burger” with fries or a quinoa salad for lean energy. Post-race, celebrate your 40k effort with a chocolate shake, a local favorite. The welcoming atmosphere and top-notch service make it a hit for racers and families. Outdoor seating and nearby bike racks accommodate your TT bike.
- Cyclist Tip: Reserve a table for Friday night to avoid crowds. Pair your meal with electrolyte water to prep for the windy course’s pacing demands.
2. Milltown Coffee Co.
- Location: 3800 River Dr, Moline, IL 61265 (24 minutes from Cordova Township Civic Center)
- Cuisine: Café, $5–$15/meal
- Why Eat Here: A race-morning go-to, Milltown offers riverfront views and quick breakfast options like avocado toast, bagels, and oatmeal, ideal for fueling up by 7:00 AM before the 20–25-minute drive to Cordova. Their artisan coffee keeps you alert for the open-traffic course’s safety needs (e.g., ride right, use a rear blinker). Post-race, grab a pastry to enjoy with snacks at the air-conditioned Civic Center. Bike racks are available for quick stops.
- Cyclist Tip: Order online for faster service on race morning. Bring a banana for potassium to prevent cramps on the 40k’s flat, fast stretches.
3. Bent River Brewing Company
- Location: 500 13th St, Moline, IL 61265 (24 minutes from Cordova Township Civic Center)
- Cuisine: Brewpub, $12–$25/meal
- Why Eat Here: Perfect for post-race celebrations, this brewpub in Moline’s historic district serves craft beers (try the Mississippi Blonde) and hearty dishes like Baked Mississippi Mac N Cheese or pulled pork sandwiches to refuel after the 20k/40k effort. The relaxed vibe and live music (check schedules) complement the race’s community spirit at the Civic Center. Outdoor seating is cyclist-friendly, with bike parking nearby.
- Cyclist Tip: Arrive early for dinner to secure a table. Opt for a light meal (e.g., salad) if racing the next day to avoid sluggishness on the cornfield-lined course.
Where to Visit in Moline, IL
Moline’s attractions blend cycling infrastructure, cultural sites, and outdoor spaces, offering racers and families ways to prepare, recover, or explore during the race weekend. From bike shops for TT tweaks to trails for warm-ups, these spots enhance your experience.
1. Wright Cycles
- Location: 2018 16th St, Moline, IL 61265 (24 minutes from Cordova Township Civic Center)
- Why Visit: A cyclist’s haven in the Quad Cities, Wright Cycles offers tune-ups, tire swaps (tubeless or clincher with latex inner tubes, per your interest), and accessories like rear red blinkers (recommended for the open-traffic course). Mechanics can adjust tire pressure (70-75 PSI for 28mm tubeless, per the SILCA calculator) or fine-tune 165mm cranks for high-cadence efforts (90-100 RPM). The shop’s proximity to the Great River Trail makes it ideal for test rides. Staff are knowledgeable about local racing, including MATTS events.
- Cyclist Tip: Visit Friday for a pre-race tune-up (e.g., check aero bar alignment, chain for the 25–30 mph course). Ask about tubeless setups for smooth pavement.
2. Great River Trail
- Location: Accessible from Ben Butterworth Parkway, Moline, IL 61265 (24 minutes from Cordova Township Civic Center)
- Why Visit: This paved, scenic trail along the Mississippi River is perfect for warm-up or recovery rides, mirroring the TT course’s flat terrain and wind exposure. The Ben Butterworth Parkway section offers open views and smooth pavement, ideal for practicing TT pacing or testing 50/34T gearing. The trail’s cyclist-friendly design suits tubeless tires, reducing puncture risks in cornfield-like conditions. It’s a short drive from downtown Moline hotels, making it convenient for pre-race spins.
- Cyclist Tip: Ride 5–10 miles on Friday morning to test your TT bike’s setup (e.g., rear blinker, aero position). Bring a water bottle for hydration in August heat.
3. John Deere Pavilion
- Location: 1400 River Dr, Moline, IL 61265 (24 minutes from Cordova Township Civic Center)
- Why Visit: A cultural highlight, this interactive museum showcases John Deere’s legacy, Moline’s industrial backbone. Free admission and hands-on exhibits (e.g., tractor simulators) make it a fun post-race stop for racers and families, complementing the Civic Center’s award ceremony. The pavilion’s location near downtown dining (e.g., Bent River Brewing) and the Great River Trail adds convenience. Bike racks are available for secure parking.
- Cyclist Tip: Visit Saturday afternoon to unwind after the race. Walk from the pavilion to Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse for a hearty post-race meal.
Additional Tips for a Great Race Weekend
- Race Prep: Arrive at Cordova Township Civic Center by 7:45 AM for on-site registration ($30 adults, $15 juniors, +$10 day-of). Check tire pressure (70–75 PSI for 28mm tubeless) and test 165mm cranks on the Great River Trail Friday to ensure comfort on the windy course.
- Timing: Book hotels early, as August draws visitors to Moline’s events (e.g., TPC Golf Classic). Visit D&K Bike Shop for parts (e.g., latex inner tubes) to avoid race-day issues.
- Local Cycling Community: Connect with Stray Kats Racing or Wisconsin-Illinois Cycling Association (wiilcycle.org) for race tips. Follow @WIILCycle on social media for updates.
- Post-Race: Gather in the air-conditioned Civic Center for trophies, MATTS medallions, and snacks, then head to Bent River Brewing in Moline to celebrate your 20k/40k finish.
- Budget: Expect $90–$220/night for hotels, $5–$25/meal for dining, and $10–$50 for attractions (e.g., bike shop services). Reserve $50–$100 for bike tune-ups or upgrades (e.g., tubeless tires).
Final Thoughts
Moline, IL, is the ideal base for out-of-town riders at the Dr Craig Schultz Memorial 20k-40k Time Trial in Cordova, IL. With cyclist-friendly hotels (Residence Inn, Holiday Inn Express), diverse dining (Steel Plow, Milltown Coffee), and attractions (D&K Bike Shop, Great River Trail), Moline offers everything to prepare, race, and recover. Whether you’re a junior, master, or open-category racer, Moline’s Quad Cities charm will make your race weekend unforgettable. Pack your bike, book your stay, and honor Dr. Schultz’s legacy with speed and spirit!