Downers Grove Magazine | #WeAreDG
Back In the Saddle Downers Grove Bicycle Club promotes exercise, awareness, and camaraderie. BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN
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ycling is a great way to exercise, clear your head and unwind, no matter the season. If you’re looking for a way to get to know your community better, both physically and socially, The Downers Grove Bicycle Club is a great place to start. “Whether you’re a once-a-month casual rider or an avid cyclist, there’s a ride for you,” says club president Jeff Bolam. The club began over coffee one Saturday morning in 2006, while President Jeff Bolam and member Chuck Keenley were waiting for their daughters’ ice-skating lessons to finish. The two began chatting about their shared passion, and it was all downhill from there! About thirty or so people showed up to the inaugural information meeting. Since then, the club has
evolved to roughly 125 single and family memberships.
members. The whole point of this ride is to be social.
Regardless of skill level, members have a great time riding through town, parks and sometimes rougher terrain. All rides are “no drop” rides, meaning that nobody gets left behind. If someone is struggling, the group adjusts the pace. Most rides are led by a designated “ambassador” member.
Alternatively, newer riders are also invited to join intermediate riders on the Thursday Night Escape, the club’s most popular ride. Thirty or so riders break into groups and work on riding skills and gaining speed. The trip begins in McCollumn Park and travels to surrounding areas, including paved trails or adjacent roads. The ride moves inside as a virtual ride on Zwift, with group chat on Discord, when weather begins to force the issue, sometime in October. This way, riders of every ability can stay together, riding as a group all year long without losing ground.
Beginners, or those who have been out of the saddle awhile can show up to the weekly Monday evening ride, departing from Fishel Park. Usually about 10-15 miles in length, this is a low-key ride through less-busy local streets. This jaunt is perfect for women looking to get into group riding or back into the sport. Experienced riders are welcome as well; a stop at a local pub before returning to the park provides a great time to meet 24
DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE
BRambles, or Bike Rambles- riding to and exploring local bike trails- are a popular choice in warmer months, for those wishing to get better acquainted
