Events - Event View

Get out of Dodge and into the country with zero carbon emissions. Avg. speed of ride leader (excluding stops) will be 14-16 mph (so rolling speeds of 16-18 mph). All riders of all paces welcome and detailed map, cue sheet provided.

 

We’ll meet at the Irving Park Metra station and head Northwest to the end of the line. Of course the Metra goes whether we’re on it or not so those emissions don’t count.

 

An $8 weekend pass (purchased on train) covers entire roundtrip Metra trip.  Bring a bungee cord or something to tie up your bike inside your train car.  Each train allows up to 20 bikes on board so there should be no issue getting everyone on.  More info about bikes on Metra trains. The Union Pacific NW Line train leaves at 8:43am, Irving Park station (3931 N Avondale which is just west of Pulaski), arriving at Harvard 10:20am.

 

The bike ride will travel through Sharon, Beloit, and Poplar Grove on asphalt roads and bike paths. There is about 4 miles of crushed limestone on the Stone Bridge Trail which has, you guessed it, a stone bridge. New this year: This section can easily be detoured around and is noted on cue sheet/map if you don't want to ride on limestone.  Either way, a road bike will be fine on this ride.

 

Click for route: www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/446981964

Download route Map to your phone (handy if you make a wrong turn).  Print Cue Sheet.

Lunch in Beloit has your choice of 2 places which are side-by-side: Bagels & More or Bushel & Peck's. We can dine out front and watch the bikes so no need to carry a heavy bike lock unless you want a better workout!

 

Return trains leave Harvard at 3:35pm, 5:35, 7:35, 9:35, arrive Irving Park 5:05, 7:05, 9:05, 11:05pm

Fast riders can make the 3:35 train home (ride leader plans to catch this) but the 5:35pm train will allow for a more leisurely ride and/or longer lunch break.

 

Obviously, those who have the means can also drive to Harvard but you may be ridiculed for not being “green.”

 

Ride will be cancelled/postponed if high chance of rain.

There is no SAG on this ride so be sure your bike is in good working order. A bike computer is helpful for following cue sheet in case we get separated. Recommend you bring 2 water bottles, spare tube, CO2 or pump, sun screen, snacks (for pre- and post- lunch breaks), camera, and adventurous spirit.

Questions?  Just ask.