Join us for our traditional July 4th ride, this year with a twist.
Instead of driving out to Barrington (which you can still do and meet us at lunch), we’re leaving 7:45AM from Chicago (Foster and lakefront trail). This will be a full day with 77 miles and food, drink and hills in the middle and end. After ride, we’ll take the Metra home from Barrington, catching the 3:18PM train. ($7.75 fare to Ogilvie Station)
https://metrarail.com/riding-metra/bikes-trains
This ride is open to all but riders should expect 16-18 mph rolling speeds (on level roads with no wind).
You’ll cycle up and down through the Barrington countryside amongst rolling hills, lakes, and beautiful scenery.
At mile 24, there will be a snack break at a BP station
At mile 49, lunch will be at the Broken Oar, 614 Rawson Bridge Rd, Port Barrington, IL (opens at 11am)
At end of ride, we’ll stop for a beer at Flesk Brewing, 200 Applebee St, Barrington, IL (hours 11am – 4pm)
(This is just west of the Jewel)
If beer’s not your thing, there are plenty of restaurants in Barrington. Or grab some food at Jewel just before Metra departure.
Those with cars are welcome to drive out and ride one of the 3 routes from past years (self-guided, no leader, just follow the cue sheet or GPS route in your device). All of these options go right by our lunch stop at the Broken Oar in Port Barrington so time your departure to join us there at/near 11AM. I expect we’ll be there until 11:45 or so...
The drive takes an hour or so from north side of Chicago. Park in the Jewel parking lot just west of the Catlow Theater, 116 W. Main Street, Barrington, IL (in a spot without a 2 or 3 hour time limit sign). There's a restroom inside Jewel and a water fountain to fill up water bottles.
The Fourth of July parade will be going on downtown, starts at 10AM, so keep that in mind if driving.
Again, just to be clear, there is no leader for the 3 shorter “arrive by car” options. Leave a comment after registering to coordinate with other drivers.
Ride will be cancelled/postponed if high chance of rain.
As usual, helmets required. Bring an ID, lock, spare tube/tire change kit, a bungee cord for Metra, snacks, and money for food, drink, Metra fare.