Events we ride
Individually, we take on rides from Colorado's Triple Bypass to climbs in the French Alps to local criteriums, sanctioned either by American Bicycle Racing or USA Cycling. A number of Park Ridge Cycling members ride in the events listed below as well as others.
Rough Road 100: April 11, 2026 in Morris, IL
A 100 km/62.1-mile spring classics style race. Starting and finishing in the welcoming town of Morris, Illinois about an hour outside of Chicago with some classic farm country roads. You'll face some short punchy climbs, wind on the open portions, and a run into the finish on the Historic I&M Canal tow path. Route is 63% road and 37% gravel. A road bike with 32 mm tires is fine for this race.
Georgia Cycle Camp: April 16-24, 2026 in Helen, GA
Since 2005 a group of riders has been returning to the Bavarian-themed town of Helen, located in the mountains of north Georgia, for several days days of early-season cycling. Typically, the group is 20–30 men and women of various capabilities.
Gran Fondo New York: May 17, 2026 in New York, NY
An intense, European-style fondo for lovers of green kits.
Horribly Hilly Hundreds: June 13, 2026 in Mount Horeb, WI
With up to 10,000 feet of elevation gain, the Horribly Hilly Hundreds presents one of the Midwest’s toughest challenges for the serious cyclist. Route options of 50 km, 100 km, 150 km, and 200 km are offered.
KeyBank Gran Fondo: June 27, 2026 in Grand Rapids, MI
A very well-run, timed event that offers 12-, 25-, 40-, and 80-mile routes, with the longest running from downtown Grand Rapids to the shores of Lake Michigan. Lots of rest stops and a great after-ride party.
Ride Across Wisconsin: July 11, 2026 in Eau Claire, WI
Start and finish on the riverfront at Phoenix Park and choose the distance that fits your goals — from a family-friendly 10-mile loop, metric century, century to a full 175-mile epic.
RAGBRAI: July 18-25, 2026 through Iowa
This legendary week-long tour through Iowa has something for every rider, no matter how casual or hardcore. Pork Belly Ventures is one of a handful of tour operators that will make your RAGBRAI experience memorable,
Dairyland Dare: August 1, 2026 in Dodgeville, WI
Hilly, bucolic Wisconsin splendor in serving sizes from 50 km to 200 km.
Race the Lake: August 16, 2026 in Fond du Lac, WI
It's a 88-mile race around Lake Winnebago. Fast or chill with different wave speeds and start times, from 25 mph down to fat-tire bikes.
Bike the Drive: September 6, 2026 in Chicago, IL
DuSable Lake Shore Drive as it ought to be—and a key fundraiser for safer and more equitable non-car transportation in Chicago. Combine coupon code LastMin10 with an Active Transportation Alliance membership for best pricing. A group of us ride from Pickwick to the north entrance of DLSD, then bike home after the event.
Door County Century: September 13, 2026 in Sturgeon Bay, WI
An overnight or weekend. A regular one for PRC stalwarts. This one sells out early!
North Shore Century: September 20, 2026 in Wilmette, IL
Pay money to ride our usual routes... but in support of a good cause! Ride starts and ends in Gilson Park in Wilmette. A crew from PRC usually rides together from the Pickwick to the starting line before the century.
Apple Cider Century: September 27, 2026 in Three Oaks, MI
Tour the backroads of Michiana before the cycling season wraps up.
Hot Chocolate Ride: Usually the Sunday after Thanksgiving, weather permitting. No need to sign up for anything—it's just some PRC folks braving the cold weather together to wrap up the season. And drink cocoa.
Where we chat
Need a buyer for your old ride, or a partner for an impromptu ride? Got a photo to share? Join Park Ridge Cycling's Facebook group. Not an email fan? You'll see our weekly ride times posted here, too.
You can follow every cyclist in town—or just join our Strava club. Club rides will appear in your feed separately from the activities of you and folks you follow individually. Discover new local routes or simply add a post. You can specify whether your rides are visible to the club, to your followers, or just you. Strava's club FAQ is here and privacy details here.
Park Ridge Cycling sponsors
We'd recommend these spots anyway.
That's why we're so proud to have them as sponsors!
Wheel & Sprocket — Our very own LBS. Great service and bikes of every type. Large stock on hand, plus access to anything at Wheel's other Illinois and Wisconsin shops. Village Green Shopping Center, 672 N Northwest Hwy, Park Ridge.
Beer on the Wall — End point of our Monday rides. Extensive beer list, a friendly vibe, and fine food from their next-door companion, Off the Wall Café.
Hansa Coffee Roasters — Beloved Lake Bluff and Libertyville café stops. You're independent. So why drink chain-store coffee?
Other places we go
Lee Physical Therapy Chicago — One-on-one PT. Deep experience with athletes to address injuries and their underlying cause. Arlington Hts., Chicago, and home visits.
Peregrine Bicycle Studio — The best bike fitter in Chicago, plus road bike sales and service. Set up a new bike or get to love your old ride more.
Active Transportation Alliance — Advocate for safer and more equitable non-car transit throughout the Chicago area and, of course, Bike the Drive's organizer.
Biking in Park Ridge — Local route map and a city plan for better biking.
Pothole or other danger? Report a road hazard to the Park Ridge public works dept.
Ride Illinois — Advocate for biking statewide. Maps, bike laws, and more. Check out their safety quiz. R.I.'s list of local Illinois clubs is here.
