One of my favorite past times is riding my bike on the lakefront in Chicago and participating in organized bike rides in Illinois.
Right now, I haven't been biking in the house to get ready for the cycling season. I'm really out of cycling shape. Last year on Sunday and one time during the week, I would train on my stationary bike to prepare my lungs and legs for the spring, summer and fall season. I will start today but with that said, below are some of my favorite organized rides around the state.
May 26, 2019 May Bike the Drive (Chicago)
This is my first bike ride of the season and it is a big one. Every year the city of Chicago closes down the iconic Lake Shore Drive to cars to allow a morning of biking the drive. It starts at 5 am and you can start anywhere on the lakefront or at the starting line which is in Grant Park, downtown Chicago. It is open to anyone from children to advanced cyclists. The total miles is 30 but some people will do it twice to get in longer mileage. You can also do less than 30 miles, you can stop anytime you like. Register online
June 23, 2019 Swedish Days Ride (Maple Park IL)
This year will be the Fox Valley Bicycle and Ski Club's 50 year anniversary. Most of the tour is on quiet, scenic, paved country roads. Bring extra cash because they will be selling their 50th-anniversary moisture wicking t-shirts and cycling jerseys. Routes include 25-Miles, 50-Miles, 62-Miles (Metric Century), 100-Miles (Century), and 124-Miles (Double Metric). All distances are approximate and subject to change until early June. Register online
July 4, 2019 Fourth of July Century (Plainfield IL)
The fourth of July Century is my favorite thing I do on the holiday. It is also in the country and you are cycling on quiet small town roads. This year's course has been finalized and it is 30, 50, 75, and 100-mile routes. One of the best ways to start on the 4th of July before you check out any picnics or barbeques. Register online
July 14, 2019 Biking with Beanzie ((DeKalb IL)
This bike ride also consists primarily of flat rural roads but with some rolling terrain. I think I have done it one time a while ago but as I remembered it was enjoyable. Routes go through scenic DeKalb, Ogle, and Lee County windmill farms and the Beanzie offers 3, 5, and 8-mile family-friendly, community bicycle pathway routes as well. The longer routes are 25, 64, 80 and 101 miles Register online
August 4, 2019 Two Rivers Century (Kankakee IL)
I haven't done this one but I heard a lot about it. If you would like to see a two Frank Lloyd Wright homes, two rivers the Kankakee and Iroquois, barn quilts and more then this is the one you must do. Miles: 22-128 Register online
August 18, 2019 Bike Psychos Century (Coal City)
Like many of the above bike rides, the Bike Psychos Century is a majestic journey through the fertile fields and back roads of America's small country towns. I have always wanted to do this one too but something always came up that week. Routes: 35, 50 75 100, 124-mile route to choose from. Register online
September 14, 2019 North Shore Century (Evanston IL)
This one I have done twice. It is through some of the most scenic and ritziest neighborhoods north of the city of Chicago. However, when I did it years ago there was no fundraising commitment to the tour. If you don't mind raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, a noble cause, then you should do this one especially to see some of the magnificent homes that are in the North Shore. $1,600 - Entry Fundraising Routes: 25, 50 62, 100 miles Register online
September 28, 2019 Venus de Miles (Wilmette IL)
This one I WILL do this year. It is a bike ride for just women! It is also a fundraiser and the minimal amount is $350. If you like the idea of biking and staying fit in sisterhood, grab a few friends and do this one in the autumn. Routes: 25 and 64 miles Register online
October 6, 2019 Pumpkin Pie Bicycle Rike (Ottawa IL)
The last time I did this one, they promised hot chocolate, chili, and some comfort food to keep you warm for this autumn ride. However that day, it was hot as hades and I stopped after 15 miles. It was in the nineties and I don't think it has been that hot for that ride since. Anyway, I think this will be my last ride of the season. Ride to see the start of the changing of the leaves. Routes: 27, 42, 63, or 103 miles Register online
