5 minute read
WeAreDG
Back In the Saddle
Downers Grove Bicycle Club promotes exercise, awareness, and camaraderie.
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BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN
Cycling 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.
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.
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 members. The whole point of this ride is to be social.
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.
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
MEMBERS OF THE DOWNERS GROVE CICYCLE CLUB GATHER AT MCCOLLUM PARK IN AUGUST FOR A WEEKLY RIDE
with local parks and trail areas. For riders who wish to build up endurance, the weekly Wednesday Night Frontage Road ride encourages speed improvement. It’s also ideal for cyclists wanting to ride competitively. Although there is no designated leader on this ride, it always follows the same route and “members are happy to lend advice and encouragement to others new to this style of riding,” Bolam says.
There is a contingency of die-hard mountain bikers who primarily ride at the Palos Triangle in Willow Springs, continuing with fat tires during winter months to roll over snow.
A half dozen leisurely community rides geared toward residents of any age, from senior citizens to young children, take place from May through October, with a stop for ice cream along the route. Riders are welcome to bring their families to this event. It’s either a six- or twelve-mile route that kicks off from Goldfinger Brewery. Riders choose which path to follow that day. Check the website, info@dgbikeclub.org, for upcoming dates.
While the club’s primary goal is to promote bicycles as transportation, as well as fun and safe riding, there is also a social aspect. Meetings are typically held the second Tuesday of each month, at Goldfinger Brewery in the warm weather, and Emmett’s Pub when it’s time to move inside. An annual postholiday party in February at a local pub and a fall picnic in September round out the social calendar and give members a chance to catch up.
Interested? “Anyone is welcome to come to a ride or two to check us out,” says Bolam. “After that, the club appreciates your joining and paying dues.” Dues are $25 a year for a single membership and $30 for a family.
Should you need your bike tuned up or some new riding clothes or accoutrements, the club endorses RTT Cycle Shop, 5116 Main St, Unit B (entrance around back in the alley, just east of the DG Public Library), for outfitting and advice. Trekk Cycle, at Ogden and Douglas in Downers Grove, is another great option.
Downers Grove is a beautiful town, worthy of close-to-the street exploration. Experienced mountain bikers to those who just rode around the block as kids, are invited to check out the Downers Grove Bicycle Club. Don’t worry about how long you’ve been away; it’s like riding a bike! ■
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