2022 Ride Guide

Photo by Emily Steele

Photo by Suresh Badam

Photo by Peter Glaser

Hey Friend!

It’s never too early to start planning some adventures by bike! Our 2022 Ride Guide highlights some fun, organized rides around Illinois and in nearby states. To learn more about the events in the Ride Guide – and even more events from other bike clubs and organizations – go to rideillinois.org.

Ride Illinois shares our annual Ride Guide with over 10,000 individuals and 200 local bike shops. This is just one way that we are working to promote safe cycling for recreation and transportation in Illinois!

As the statewide advocacy organization, Ride Illinois is dedicated to making Illinois more bike-friendly. We are advocating for better road design, creating municipal bike plans, promoting trail development and funding, pushing for favorable legislation, and educating both motorists and cyclists about safely sharing Illinois roads so you can get out and Ride Illinois!

If you are already Ride Illinois member – thank you! The work we do would not be possible without your financial support. If you are not a Ride Illinois member yet, please join today! Together, we will make Illinois a safer, more enjoyable place to ride a bike for recreation and transportation! Contact us at info@rideillinois.org with your suggestions, concerns, thoughts and questions. Thanks!

Your Bike Friends, Dave, Gina, Ed and the Ride Illinois board

Photo by John La Fave

Ride Illinois is a member-supported nonprofit organization dedicated to making biking better across Illinois!

Here are a few facts that measure our impact over the past 30 years:

Since 1992, we’ve worked diligently on behalf of cyclists of all ages and abilities.

Provided technical assistance to dozens of communities – from Rockford to Carbondale!

Helped craft policies: 3-foot passing law, Dutch Reach, and bikes on transit.

Our free, online BikeSafetyQuiz has been completed by over 180,000 people in Illinois!

Go to rideillinois.org to learn more about Ride Illinois and the ways we’re working to make bicycling better and safer in Illinois. If you value what we do, become a member or make a donation today to support our efforts. Together, we can do more!

Education from League Cycling Instructors

• Do you want to learn to how to ride a bike?

• Do you want to improve your skills and confidence?

• Do you want to learn how to ride safely with traffic?

There are more than 50 League Cycling Instructors in Illinois that have been certified through the League of American Bicyclists. Learn more about Smart Cycling classes and find other useful resources at rideillinois.org/safety/education.

Making Illinois better through biking!

Ride Illinois appreciates the support of the following businesses, foundations, and organizations for their generous contributions. Corporate Members help us promote bicycling for all ages around the state and assist with our bike advocacy efforts. Platinum

Freeman Kevenides Law Firm - Chicago, IL

2022 Routes to Ride

Sure, organized rides are lots of fun. But do you sometimes get that itch to break away and explore a new route – either on your own or with friends and family?

Ask and you shall receive! Several Ride Illinois members were happy to share some fun, interesting routes to explore by bike! Heck, they even included some must see destinations to enhance your experience. The routes that we curated, with input from members, can be found at bit.ly/Routes2RideIL. Enjoy!

Got feedback on these routes or want to share another route? Contact us at community@rideillinois.org with the details.

Making Illinois better through biking!

2022 Routes to Ride

Chicago Loop to Lake Geneva, WI

Biking from Chicago to the scenic shores of Lake Geneva, WI is well worth the trip! Cruise along car-free trails much of the way.

• Distance: 88 miles

• Surface: road, paved trail, dirt/ crushed limestone trail

• Type of ride: urban, rural, seasonal

• Break time: many markets and convenience stores can be found along the way to rest and refuel

• Must see: awesome views of the Fox River trail that runs for many miles along its eastern banks Download Route

Niles to Edison Park

This casual route connects the North Branch Trail to Edison Park in Chicago. The short distance makes for a great family ride! Branch out a bit and pedal into Park Ridge or downtown Chicago.

• Distance: 5 miles

• Surface: road, paved trail

• Type of ride: city, family-friendly

Intersection at Harlem Ave and Cleveland St along the route.

Sanders

• Break time: Edison Park has plenty of restaurants to enjoy

• Must see: restaurants and entertainment in Edison Park Download Route

Photo by Steve

The route winds through leafy forests and rolling prairies.

Photo by Brendan Kevenides

Regional Trails Connected

Fun trail ride from the Bartlett Metra station that relies solely on several regional trail networks, including the North Central DuPage Regional Trail, Prairie Path, and Great Western Trail.

• Distance: 54 miles

• Surface: paved trail, dirt/crushed limestone trail

• Type of ride: rural, family-friendly, historical

• Break time: Batavia and Wheaton offer mid ride refreshment.

• Must see: Mile Zero is a defining point of the Illinois Prairie Path. Klein Creek farm is a historic working farm. Download

Relatively flat tour of the Illinois Prairie Path and the Fox River Trail. Start in Warrenville instead of south Naperville for a shorter route.

• Distance: 66 miles

• Surface: paved trail, dirt/crushed limestone trail

• Type of ride: city, rural

• Break time: Naperville and Wheaton have plenty of options Download Route

Autumn is a gorgeous time on DuPage River Trail.

Beautiful view looking south down the Fox River in South Elgin. Photo by Terry Witt

Photo by Daryl Monge

2022 Routes to Ride

Constitution Trail

A wonderful way to experience Downtown Bloomington and Uptown Normal, including beautiful tree-lined sections. Longer rides experience the agricultural character of central Illinois, from planting to harvesting, depending on time of year.

• Distance: 42 miles

• Surface: paved trail

• Type of ride: city, rural, family-friendly

• Break time: Many restaurants, hotels, museums, parks, bike shops, breweries, ice cream shops and other points of interest (such as Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan) are within a block or two of the trail.

• Must see: Children’s Discovery Museum, David Davis Mansion, McLean County Museum of History, Sugar Grove Nature Center

Download Route

Tree-lined section of the Constitution Trail. Photo by Friends of Constitution Trail

One of several wooden bridges along Constitution Trail. Photo by Friends of Constitution Trail

2022 Routes to Ride

Little Egypt River to River Trail

Beginning at the Ohio River, the Little Egypt River to River route covers four physiographic regions (including the northernmost cypress swamp in the U.S.) and offers a rich array of scenery, terrain, and culture before it reaches the Mississippi River on the western edge of southernmost Illinois.

• Distance: 120 miles or less (end to end, so may need to be picked up)

• Surface: road, dirt/crushed limestone trail, gravel

• Type of ride: rural, historical

• Break time: sample local wines and beers, shop local markets, or experience unique features of the region’s natural and cultural history.

• Must see: Tunnel Hill State Park is a flat, car-free section through former wetlands into the Shawnee National Forest.

Download Route

Crossing one of the many bridges on the Tunnel Hill section. Photo by Katie Ancell

Riding some of the varied terrain along this beautiful route.

Photo by Katie Ancell

2022 Routes to Ride

Tunnel Hill State Trail or Shawnee Challenge

Southern Illinois is the state’s cycling paradise. Many trail opportunities, gravel roads, back roads, and plenty of nature to explore by bike.

• Distance: 45 miles for Tunnel Hill or 10 miles for Shawnee Challenge

• Surface: dirt/crushed limestone trail, single track

• Type of ride: rural

• Break time: Enjoy a blast from the past with various items left behind from the railroad days, old tractors, and even a few ghost towns.

• Must see: Shawnee National Forest and Sandburn Junction

Download Route

The Tunnel at Tunnel Hill State Trail. Photo by Shawn Gossman

Tunnel Hill Trailhead at Cache River Wetlands Center. Photo by Shawn Gossman

Support Illinois Bike Shops

Illinois has around 200 local bike shops throughout the state! Visit our regularly-updated, online Bike-Friendly Illinois map to find bike shops near you. Local bike shops and their staff have the products and knowledge for new and returning cyclists, as well as those who have been biking for many years. We encourage you to support local bikes shops whether you’re purchasing a bike, getting a bike repaired or picking up some accessories. Please support small business and shop local!

Safety Tip: ABC Quick Check

A is for Air

 Inflate tires to the pressure listed on the side of the tire

 Use a gauge to insure proper pressure

 Check for wear and tear; replace damaged and worn tires

B is for Brakes

 Inspect pads for wear and replace worn pads

 Check pad adjustment; make sure they do not rub

 Make sure you can fit your thumb between the brake lever and handlebar when the brakes are squeezed

C is for Cranks and Chain

 Pull up and down on your cranks. Tighten loose bolts

 Check your that your chain is free of rust and gunk

Quick is for Quick Releases

 Make sure all quick release levers are closed

 Make sure levers are pointing to the back of the bike

Check is for Check It Over

 Take a short ride to make sure all’s well before leaving home

Safety Tip: Scanning

Scanning allows you to avoid dangerous situations before they happen. This skill also communicates to others that you are about to maneuver to another position or change lanes.

Get comfortable looking over your shoulder to see who or what’s behind you – without swerving! Occasionally checking behind you will increase your safety when biking on roads and trails.

Making Illinois better through biking!

Photo by Peter Glaser

March

July

July 17 Tri-State Tour #1 Hammond, IN Bicycle Illinois 41

July 26-31 Michigander South Haven, MI League of Michigan Bicyclists 31

July

Aug

Aug 6-12 SAGBRAW Wisconsin Dells, WI Bike Wisconsin 41

Aug 6-13 Shoreline West Montague, MI League of Michigan Bicyclists 31

Aug 7 Two Rivers Century Aroma Park Kankakee River Bike Club 40

Aug 20 Bicycle Illinois Cairo Bicycle Illinois 41

Aug 20-21 Ride Across Wisconsin La Crosse, WI Wisconsin Bike Fed 42

Aug 20 Street Love Ride Chicago Boxing Out Negativity 22

Aug 21 The Wright Ride Oak Park Oak Park Cycle Club 22

Aug 27 Busse Woods Night Ride Elk Grove Village Friends of Cycling in Elk Grove 43

Sept

Photo credit Norvell Tolber of Norvell’s Photography

May 21-22, 2022

Busse Woods Night Ride 2022

August 27

RIDE THE BUSSE WOODS TRAIL AT NIGHT!

The Friends of Cycling in Elk Grove and Forest Preserves of Cook County are excited to host this fun, unique event. August 27 is the one and only day when your can ride the trail at Busse Woods after dark! This family-friendly fundraiser takes place at the Busse Lake Boating Center in Busse Woods.

Ride under the moonlight and stay for the party. All participants will enjoy live music, bonfires, refreshments, s’mores, food (for purchase), and more! Proceeds will be used to support biking for recreation and transportation in Elk Grove Village, the northwest suburbs of Chicago, and Busse Woods. Visit egvbikes.org/busse-woods-night-ride to learn more.

photo by Rich Howe

The Evanston Bicycle Club’s North Shore Century offers incredibly scenic biking on routes of 25, 50, 62, and 100 miles. You'll experience beautiful neighborhoods, view unique architectural treasures, pedal down tranquil tree-lined streets and feel the refreshing breezes of Lake Michigan. There are frequent, well-stocked rest stops. Sags and bike mechanics are provided. Helmets are strongly urged!!

The 2022 North Shore Century is on Sunday, September 18 All rides start and end at Dawes Park located at 1647 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois.

For more info and to register, go to www.northshorecentury.org #northshorecentury

Scan to learn more

September 9–18

Let’s Ride, Illinois is a celebration of the freedom and benefits that riding a bike offers. This event will take place in communities large and small around the state from September 9–18.

This fun, social event encourages adults and children to enjoy a casual bike ride and experience their community by bike!

Help Ride Illinois promote the many benefits of biking for recreation and transportation in your community! Visit rideillinois.org/events/lets-ride-illinois-2022 to learn more.