Day Rides
Adult Day Ride: Nature of the Northwest
Did you know the first rail-to-trail conversion in the country occurred just a few miles away from Chicago?! Once an interurban railroad and freight service that connected Chicago to the western suburbs, the Chicago Aurora and Elgin Railroad (CA&E) became the Illinois Prairie Path (or IPP) when a Ravenswood resident, UChicago graduate, and Morton Arboretum naturalist and educator wrote an inspiring letter to editor of the Chicago Tribune.
Today, IPP is a beloved trail system in the region that connects a network of communities, businesses, and trail systems. In our first Nature of the Northwest, together we will explore both IPP and Fox River Trail (FRT), two of the arguably most historic and scenic trails in the area. Expect dedicated bike paths, wide curves, tree canopies, pedestrian bridges, waterfalls, riverbanks, stunning river views, and wildlife such as herons, geese, and bald eagles. Come join us. :)
We will meet at the Wheaton French Market at 9:45am. At the market, you'll be able to find food, water, coffee, and bathrooms. We will ride west on IPP towards Geneva, then catch the FRT north to Elgin for lunch, then ride back to Wheaton on the northern section of IPP. There may be an optional post-ride hang after the ride at the new Maplewood Public House in Glen Ellyn.
TRIP DETAILS
- Total mileage: 50ish miles
- Support: Self-supported – you carry all of your own gear on your own bike.
- Pace: 10-12 mph — a casual and conversational pace
- Trail conditions: Crushed limestone, pavement
- Type: Adult (21+)
- Start: Wheaton French Market
- End: Wheaton Metra Station (2min ride from start point)
- Optional post-ride hang: Maplewood Public House (15min ride)
WHAT TO BRING
- Your bike!
- High energy snacks
- Helmet
- Photo I.D. and Emergency Contact Info
- Cash/Debit/Credit Card for your food and drinks
- 2 spare inner tubes and tools to replace a flat (guides will be able to assist)
- At least 2 full water bottles
- Lock for your bike
- Sunscreen
- Welcoming, adventurous, can-do attitude!
INCLUDED
- Supportive guides assisting and leading you from the start to the endpoint
- Education about our local history and nature
NOT INCLUDED
- Transportation to the start point
- Metra tickets
- Food and drinks
Note, your $5 ticket holds your space on the ride and allows us to support the community partners that we work with.
ABOUT THE GUIDES
Our guides are part of a community of volunteers that believe in adventure and helping others find adventure right out our front door. They exude a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive spirit which are foundational values at OOFD. They have love and appreciation for their home and like sharing knowledge about that home with others, thus helping the riders to develop a stronger sense of gratitude for our local history and nature.
The guides will be set with the route and an extensive script about the area you’ll be riding through with intentionally chosen breakpoints along the way.
They are more than someone to follow on the ride. They are trained and will be there to encourage and support you as well as support with mechanicals that may arise.
RADICAL INCLUSIVITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION AGREEMENT
This is included in your registration form. Showing up with a welcoming and inclusive spirit is crucial and expected of everyone that rides with us.
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