International Women’s Day

 

We’ve got a big weekend ahead and with the fantastic forecast, we’ll be able to enjoy every moment. Spring is right around the corner and with the time change this weekend, we’re edging even closer. Don’t forget to move your clocks forward on Saturday evening and start enjoying a little more daylight in the evenings. Check the listings below for riding options in our area and get outside!

Events:

International Women’s Day Ride – Plan to celebrate International Women’s Day with a bike ride. Women from around the world will be participating in this global event and you can be connected! For more information on the worldwide event, click here.

If you’re looking for a local group instead of going solo, there are three local options. If you live in the northern suburbs, join the Highland Park Trek Women’s Group. They’ve mapped out a 50K ride and all are welcome. For ride details, click here.

If you’re a city dweller, you can join the Women’s group at the Rapha Clubhouse Chicago. They’ll be heading out on a 45-mile loop. For more information, click here.

Also, in the city, BFF Bikes is leading a 25-mile ride from their shop to Promontory Point and back. For more information, click here.

ABD’s Indoor Time Trial #3 – This is the third and final indoor time trial of the season. Make it your best effort yet and build on that competitive momentum to get prepared for the outdoor racing season. For more information, click here.

WTF Track Cycling Night – Curious about track cycling. Attend this social event at Rapha Chicago on Tuesday, March 10. There’ll be a short presentation on track cycling followed by a question and answer period. You’ll learn all about this exciting sport and get a chance to mingle with racers. For more information, click here.

Coming Up:

Spring Training Races – The Kenosha Velosport team presents the 41^st edition of this spring training series. For three consecutive Sunday’s you can test your racing season readiness. It’s a new 1.1 mile course with a slight incline. For more information, click here.

Have a great weekend!

Welcome March!

It’s been another roller coaster weather week, but as we head into the first few days of March, things are looking warm and bright! The road may be the best option for clean cycling, but whatever you choose, just make it outdoors. Check the listings below for a few options in our area.

Events:

Hugh Jass Fat Bike Race #6 – It’s the season finale for this fat bike series. This race will be held at the Sand Valley Golf Course in Nekoosa, Wisconsin. The course includes hilly terrain and plenty of sand. For more information, click here.

West Town Bikes Open Swap – This weekend there’s one more opportunity to get a good deal on that cycling equipment you’ve been searching for. The bike swap is at West Town Bikes, which is a non-profit bike shop that specializes in youth programs.  For more information, click here.

Coming Up:

International Women’s Day Ride – Plan to celebrate International Women’s Day with a bike ride. Women from around the world will be participating in this global event and you can be connected! For more information on the worldwide event, click here.

If you’re looking for a local group instead of going solo, there are two local options. If you live in the northern suburbs, join the Highland Park Trek Women’s Group. They’ve mapped out a 50K ride and all are welcome. For ride details, click here.

If you’re a city dweller, you can join the Women’s group at the Rapha Clubhouse Chicago. They’ll be heading out on a 45-mile loop. For more information, click here.

ABD’s Indoor Time Trial #3 – This is the third and final indoor time trial of the season. Make it your best effort yet and build on that competitive momentum to get prepared for the outdoor racing season. For more information, click here.

WTF Track Cycling Night – Curious about track cycling. Attend this social event at Rapha Chicago on Tuesday, March 10. There’ll be a short presentation on track cycling followed by a question and answer period. You’ll learn all about this exciting sport and get a chance to mingle with racers. For more information, click here.

Have a great weekend!

Frostbite 40

The frosty temps of this week will give way to mild, almost spring-like weather. Leave the trainer for another day and get outside and enjoy a little sunshine and change of scenery. Take part in a group ride, race or go solo, but don’t miss out on this great weather weekend.

Events:

Chicago Bike Swap – Searching for a good deal on cycling equipment or gear? Head out to Harper College on Saturday for this annual bike swap. The event goes from 9:30am until 3:30pm. For more information, click here.

Frostbite 40 – It may barely be frosty at the start of this race, but the course will still provide plenty of challenges. You can choose from either a 30, 40 or 50 miles. The course is mostly gravel with some rolling hills. The race begins at the American Legion Post 197 in Pecatonica. For more information, click here.

Coming Up:

Hugh Jass Fat Bike Race #6 – It’s the season finale for this fat bike series. This race will be held at the Sand Valley Golf Course in Nekoosa, Wisconsin. The course includes hilly terrain and plenty of sand. For more information, click here.

West Town Bikes Open Swap – One more opportunity to get a good deal on that cycling equipment you’ve been searching for.  For more information, click here.

Plan Ahead:

International Women’s Day Ride – Plan to celebrate International Women’s Day with a bike ride. Women from around the world will be participating in this global event and you can be connected! For more information on the worldwide event, click here. If you’re looking for a local group instead of going solo, join the Highland Park Trek Women’s Group. They’ve mapped out a 50K ride and all are welcome. For ride details, click here.

WTF Track Cycling Night – Curious about track cycling. Attend this informational/social event at Rapha Chicago on Tuesday, March 10. For more information, click here.

Have a great weekend!

Goldsprint Championships

We’ll start the weekend off with some pretty chilly temps, but that won’t prevent riders from getting out and enjoying a little winter fun. Bundle up and head outside or grab your towel for some indoor intensity. There are some exciting events coming up, check the listings below for a few options.

Events:

Atwood Fat Bike Race #4 – Head out to Rockford’s Atwood Park on Saturday for fat bike fun. The races will be held on the phase I trails. The series has both beginner and expert race categories. For more information, click here.

Official (Unofficial) Illinois State Goldsprint Championships – The Northbrook Cycle Committee presents the 6^th annual sprint competition which will be held at Chrome Chicago on Saturday at 6pm. For more information, click here.

A Night in Las Vegas – Head out to Washington Park Velodrome’s Casino Night. The event will be held at the Kenosha Moose Lodge from 6-10pm on Saturday. For more information, click here.

Coming Up:

Chicago Bike Swap – Searching for a good deal on cycling equipment or gear? Head out to Harper College next Saturday for this annual bike swap. The event goes from 9:30am until 3:30pm. For more information, click here.

Frostbite 40 – It’s hard to predict what the weather conditions will be next Saturday, but no matter what the conditions, there will be a race. Riders can choose from either 20, 40 or 50 miles on a course that is mostly gravel with some rolling hills. The race begins at the American Legion Post 197 in Pecatonica. For more information, click here.

Have a great weekend!

Snow Rides

This weekend there’s plenty of cycling fun to be had. If you want to ride outside, the trails or a fat bike event may be your best bet. If you’re trying to keep your focus on the road, you can stay inside and compete in the indoor time trial series. Lot’s of fun ahead. Check the listings below for events nearby.

Events:

Hugh Jass Race #5 – This week the series heads to the Blackhawk trails in Madison, Wisconsin.  With the recent snowfall, this should be a fat bike extravaganza. To add to the fun, you can earn bonus points for wearing a toga or flannel. For race information, click here.

ABD Indoor Time Trial Event #2 – It’s round two for this indoor series. It’s a great way to test your current fitness level and/or satisfy your competitive cravings. The course is 10K of rolling hills, plenty of elevation to put you in the pain cave. For more information, click here.

Alpine Valley Snowblast Downhill Bike Race – This race is all about downhill speed. Each rider will descend, one at a time, trying to build speed for the lowest possible time. For event details, click here.

Coming Up:

Atwood Fat Bike Race #4 – Head out to Rockford’s Atwood Park on Saturday for fat bike fun. The races will be held on the phase I trails. The series has both beginner and expert race categories. For more information, click here.

Official (Unofficial) Illinois State Goldsprint Championships – The Northbrook Cycle Committee presents the 6^th annual sprint competition which will be held at Chrome Chicago on Saturday, February 15^th at 6pm. For more information, click here.

A Night in Las Vegas – Head out to Washington Park Velodrome’s Casino Night. The event will be held at the Kenosha Moose Lodge from 6-10pm on Saturday. For more information, click here.

Have a great weekend!

Welcome February!

Who knows what Punxsutawney Phil will predict for the remainder of winter, but we’re heading into February with some pretty terrific weather? Your road riding plans should be a piece of cake, but any off-road adventures might be a little sloppy. Whatever you decide to do, be sure you do it outdoors. Check the listings below for a few options.

Events:

Braver Than the Elements WTF Group Ride – Looking to get in some road miles with a few local cyclists? Join this group for a 50-mile round trip departing from the Rapha Clubhouse Chicago at 8:30am with a pickup at 9am at Backlot Coffee in Evanston. From there the group will head north to Highwood for a stop at Tala Coffee Roasters before heading back to the city. For ride details, click here.

Chicago Cyclocross Cup Awards Party – Reminisce and celebrate a great 2019 cyclo-cross season. Join your friends and fellow racers at the Rapha Clubhouse at 7pm on Saturday. For more information, click here.

Slip N Ride Relay – This relay race takes on an interesting twist by adding a sledding element to the mix. Pair up with two of your buddies and head out to Silver Lake Park in Salem Wisconsin. For more information here.

Coming Up:

ABD Indoor Time Trial Event #2 – It’s round two for this indoor series. It’s a great way to test your current fitness level and/or satisfy your competitive needs. The course is 10K of rolling hills, plenty to put you in the pain cave for a few minutes. For more information, click here.

Plan Ahead:

Official (Unofficial) Illinois State Goldsprint Championships – The Northbrook Cycle Committee presents the 6^th annual sprint competition which will be held at Chrome Chicago on Saturday, February 15^th at 6pm. For more information, click here.

Have a great weekend!

Chicago’s Winter Bike to Work Rally

Winter has arrived and for those looking to have some fat-tire fun, things are looking good. The temperatures are still moderate so heading outside will be pleasant. Whether you stay inside to train or head outside, there’s plenty to do this weekend. Check the listings below for a few options.

Events:

Winter Bike Rally – Join your fellow bike commuters at this annual rally in Daley Plaza tomorrow (Friday) morning from 7 till 9am. There’ll be treats from Dark Matter Coffee and Eli’s Cheesecake to give your morning a big boost. For more information, click here.

Hugh Jass Race #4 – This event will be held at Renger Park Beach in West Bend, Wisconsin. The course offers up varied terrain including single track and open fields. Get your fat bike fix! For more information, click here.

DIY Balaclava & Gaiter Making Party – Drop in at this event and get tips and encouragement for riding through the winter months. They’ll have a workshop where you can learn how to make your own cold weather gear. The event will be held at the Bucktown/Wicker Park branch of the Chicago Public Library. For more information, click here.

Frosty Hog Fat Tire Relay Race – Partner-up for some fat tire racing fun this Sunday. The race will be held in Humboldt Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It’s a low-key race with plenty of goodies for participants. For more information, click here.

Coming Up:

Slip N Ride Relay – This relay race takes on an interesting twist by adding a sledding element to the mix. Pair up with two of your buddies and head out to Silver Lake Park in Salem Wisconsin. For more information here.

Have a great weekend!

Bike Swap

We’ve got a mixed bag of weather conditions forecasted for this weekend, but no worries, there’s plenty of exciting events to keep you busy inside or out. Check the listings below for a few options.

Events:

Atwood Fat Bike Race #3 – This Saturday head to Rockford’s Atwood Park Center for a day full of fat tire racing. You’ll race over the Phase I trails with categories from beginner to advanced. For more information, click here.

Brazen Dropouts Bike Swap – If you’re looking for a good deal or the opportunity to clear space for more cycling gear, then you’ll want to head to Madison on Saturday. Arrive early for the first pick and stay late for the best deals. Whatever your strategy, it’s worth a trip. The event will be held at the Alliant Energy Center. For more information, click here.

ABD Indoor Time Trial Series Event #1 – Looking for some friendly competition or to test your fitness level? Take part in this series of indoor time trials located at Winfield Central School in Winfield. All three indoor races feature a 10K rolling course so make plans to do the set and see how much you improve. For more information, click here.

Have a great weekend!

Hugh Jass Fat Bike Series

We’re still experiencing some incredible weather for this time of the year. This weekend the forecasted precipitation is dwindling, so outdoor riding options are increasing. Head out on the road or trails and have some fun. See the list below for options in our area.

Events:

Hugh Jass Race #3 – This Saturday head to the Illinois Beach State Park in Zion for the third race in this fat bike series. The race is included in the park’s Fatter by the Lake weekend retreat, so there’s a full schedule of fun on and off the bike. For more information, click here.

Coming Up:

Atwood Fat Bike Race #3 – Next Saturday head to Rockford’s Atwood Park Center for a day full of fat tire racing. You’ll race over the Phase I trails with categories from beginner to advanced. For more information, click here.

Brazen Dropouts Bike Swap – If you’re looking for a good deal or the opportunity to clear space for more cycling gear, then you’ll want to head to Madison next Saturday. Arrive early for the first pick and stay late for the best deals. Whatever your strategy, it’s worth a trip. The event will be held at the Alliant Energy Center. For more information, click here.

Have a great weekend!

Goal Setting Season

In a flash 2019 will come to a close and we’ll welcome in the new year. Time to reflect on our accomplishments and set new goals for the upcoming season. We’ve been blessed with some spectacular weather, so take advantage of this opportunity and get outside and ride and get a jump-start on your upcoming season.

Events:

Festive 500 – Ride 500 hundred kilometers in the eight days between Christmas and New Year’s. it’s a great way to stay focused on your goals and stay away from all the holiday treats! Ride on your own and track your progress, or join the group heading out of the Chicago Rapha Clubhouse. For more information, click here.

In an effort to elevate women’s cycling, Rapha is conducting a survey to understand why we ride. If you have a moment, participate in the survey by clicking on this link.

Bikes to Beer – This edition of Bikes to Beer will be heading to the Whiner Beer Company in the Historic Back of the Yards neighborhood. The ride will depart from BFF Bikes at 1pm on Sunday. It’s a 20-mile loop at a casual 13 to 15 mph pace. For more information or to rsvp, click here.

Coming Up:

Hugh Jass Race #3 – Next weekend, head to the Illinois Beach State Park in Zion for the third race in this fat bike series. The race is included in the park’s Fatter by the Lake weekend retreat, so there’s a full schedule of fun on and off the bike. For more information, click here.

Have a great weekend and Happy New Year!