This is a new format team ride. We will have multiple groups each at a different pace all doing basically the same route. Each group will be no-drop. There will be 2 starts, one in Kenosha at Anna's on the Lake, the other in Evanston for those interested in a little less mileage.
The entire route features all the great bicycle trails of Chicagoland. From the McClory to the North Branch, the Northshore, the Wolf Memorial and more - this route has it all. During the summer, it may be busy so the other advantage of a team ride is hopefully a safer way to navigate. The group lunch stop will be Skyway Doghouse near the Indiana border. 3 states in one ride! It's also Star Wars Day! May the 4th be with you. Suggested to come up with some kind of nod to the play on words! It will be fun!
Relatively flat route from Woodstock west to Kingston (no relation to current treasurer). We then duck south a bit and curve around to South Elgin. The next 40 odd miles are on the Fox River and Prairie Path Trails to Richmond. Then back to the roads to Woodstock. A very pleasent and social route.
The Rider's Choice 200k is a special 200k ride that happens every weekend from April thru most of October that does NOT already have classic brevets running. Unlike most club rides, the route is not set ahead of time, rather the first rider to sign up will pick from the list of 200k routes in our route library. Routes follow quiet roads or use bicycling infrastructure where safe and possible.
The start of a Rider's Choice is electronic or via a start volunteer. If there is no start volunteer, participants must upload a photo of themselves wearing their helmet and reflective gear to the Ride Day Slack Channel (contest at the end of the year for most photogenic!). A brevet card is attached to every registration that includes stops along the way and key phone numbers. Rider’s should print this card and bring it along.
Routes for the Rider’s Choice start in Delavan (WI), Oregon (IL), Whitewater, Woodstock (IL), Evanston (IL), Fond du Lac, Wisconsin Rapids, Green Bay, Hampshire and others. All club members are free to contact the club about submitting new rides!
This is a version of Jim Krep's Original Baraboo ride adapted to start in Whitewater. It's a hilly ride ascending the Baraboo Bluff and with a chunk of the driftless in the middle. It then flattens out to Columbus before returning to rolling back to the finish at Whitewater.
There are several places to stay in Whitewater with the most inexpensive being the TriCounty Motel and the Super 8 (more expensive). A room is highly recommended for a 400k before and after the ride.
Fun ride from Whitewater to New Glarus and back. Low Key with some hills to challenge
This is a super scenic 600k route out of Wausau, Wisconsin. The biggest climbs are in the first 40 miles with the rest being gradual to rolling. Day 1 features the entire St Germain Bike Path which is paved and about 40 miles long. The stretch from Presque Isle to Iron River is another beauty with lakes and stunning scenery to Land O Lakes. We are taking some of the most beautiful roads the Northwoods has to offer. The stars in this area are amazing along with pristine lakes and low traffic.
The first real overnight option is at Iron River - 220 miles, though Eagle River at 260 is also an option. This area gets really busy in the summer so if you want a hotel overnight, best make reservations early. The Kwik Trip in Eagle River is 24 hour but the Iron River Circle K closes at midnight so the early start figures that in. Boulder Junction to Eagle River has NOTHING 24 hour.
Good plan is to have capacity to carry plenty of food and water for that section. There are lots of options early to tank up.
RUSA #881 - This is the classic 200k from Delavan to Brodhead, Evansville, Oregon and Edgerton. Rolling terrain and no serious climbing.
For many years, this was the beautiful (and perhaps feared) early 300k. It features the Driftless heavily - we do the "5 tops" and ride by the Blue Mound (no ascent necessary!). Finish is in Delavan with lower cost options for a place to stay in nearby Janesville if desired.
Lollipop route up to Eagle and back to Woodstock. About 4,700 ft of climbing so challenging without being obnoxious. Start at 7:00 am means reflective gear is needed!