Bike. Camp. Chicago.
Bike camping offers a completely immersive experience, where the journey is as important and as beautiful as the destination. It’s like backpacking by bike; you carry your camping gear on your bicycle. We offer beginners and experts alike an opportunity to walk out their front door and have an adventure.
A few years ago there was little out there on bike camping trips out of Chicago. That's not the case anymore. And Out Our Front Door is the home base for all things bike camping.
We lead overnight bike camping trips for adults of all levels and abilities. Along the route, we teach about the nature and history of our region. Whether you are a bike touring pro or want to try bike camping for the first time, come ride with us. And if you are interested in shorter day rides, be sure to check out our Where the Wild Things Grow ride series.
A few years ago there was little out there on bike camping trips out of Chicago. That's not the case anymore. And Out Our Front Door is the home base for all things bike camping.
We lead overnight bike camping trips for adults of all levels and abilities. Along the route, we teach about the nature and history of our region. Whether you are a bike touring pro or want to try bike camping for the first time, come ride with us. And if you are interested in shorter day rides, be sure to check out our Where the Wild Things Grow ride series.
About the Overnight Rides
We lead a variety of bike camping trips from small ones with 12 riders to huge ones 100+ riders. There are always trained OOFD guides to lead the trip and provide support along the way.
Our rides range from 40-200 miles round trip and are usually 1 or 2 nights with a couple each year that are 3+ nights. Most of the rides are self-supported, meaning you need to bring and carry your own gear on your bike including basic bike items such as spare tubes, bike lights, etc. The pace ranges from 12-15 mph depending on the skill level/distance of the ride. The routes run mainly on bike trails (paved and gravel) with some country roads and city streets mixed in.
We provide a team of really awesome, friendly, and knowledgeable guides who will help and support you throughout the ride if needed. Registration includes campsite reservations, some meals, campfire, s'mores, and a unique immersive educational experience that teaches and tells the stories of our region's history and native habitats.
Our rides range from 40-200 miles round trip and are usually 1 or 2 nights with a couple each year that are 3+ nights. Most of the rides are self-supported, meaning you need to bring and carry your own gear on your bike including basic bike items such as spare tubes, bike lights, etc. The pace ranges from 12-15 mph depending on the skill level/distance of the ride. The routes run mainly on bike trails (paved and gravel) with some country roads and city streets mixed in.
We provide a team of really awesome, friendly, and knowledgeable guides who will help and support you throughout the ride if needed. Registration includes campsite reservations, some meals, campfire, s'mores, and a unique immersive educational experience that teaches and tells the stories of our region's history and native habitats.
Goals & Impacts
1. Riders gain the skills to get out their front door, hop on a bike, and have a fun adventure in local nature. The idea is to help our community members to learn about our history and connect to the natural world.
2. Riders are educated and immersed in our local habitats and history, thus inspiring a deeper appreciation of our home and natural heritage thus helping them recognize the natural beauty of the Lower Lake Michigan Basin Area (It's not just a cool city surrounded by boring corn fields! We checked. It's not!).
3. Challenge riders to accomplish something difficult and make a memory for a lifetime. All while enjoying making friends while riding and camping with other adventurous folks.
4. The program provides an open invitation to join our community of volunteers, a most excellent group of bicycle, nature, and straight-up adventurous spirited folks. Our community offers endless opportunities to get involved in the organization after completing their ride. Come join our community. All are welcome.
2. Riders are educated and immersed in our local habitats and history, thus inspiring a deeper appreciation of our home and natural heritage thus helping them recognize the natural beauty of the Lower Lake Michigan Basin Area (It's not just a cool city surrounded by boring corn fields! We checked. It's not!).
3. Challenge riders to accomplish something difficult and make a memory for a lifetime. All while enjoying making friends while riding and camping with other adventurous folks.
4. The program provides an open invitation to join our community of volunteers, a most excellent group of bicycle, nature, and straight-up adventurous spirited folks. Our community offers endless opportunities to get involved in the organization after completing their ride. Come join our community. All are welcome.
Join Our Crew of Guides
Have you bike camped with us and want to help guide the next generation of bicycle and nature enthusiasts and join the team.
