2023 Recap - Family Overnight Program

This year, we had unprecedented success for our Family program. All 4 rides sold out far in advance. That is 107 family riders this year who went on a local adventure vacation via bicycle this summer! Up from only 66 riders in this program last year. 

These rides are always beautiful as a group of mostly strangers build a community together. Kids become friends. Meals, nature hikes, and campfire time is shared. There’s usually a stop at a water park on the off day. Mileage ranged from 15-30 miles a day. We even fully integrated our Adaptive Program into our Family Program, making all of the rides accessible to families with a youth with an adaptive need. There were 3 such families on each of the 4 rides!

Major props to the Family Program Director Joseph Brignon and Assistant Program Director Hope Williams for making the program happen this year as well as Adaptive Program Director Bradley Fisher for helping to integrate the Adaptive Program into the Family Program.  Also, props to the lead guides Sarah Anderson, Hope Williams, Bradley Fisher, and Ben Blair for leading those adventures and the crew of volunteer guides. ​

And thanks to our partners at the Chicago Park District (North Park Nature Center), Dupage County Forest Preserves (Blackwell Family Campground), and Cook County Forest Preserves (Camp Shabonna and Sullivan) for the campsites! Most of all, thanks to all the awesomely adventurous families that made this program so special this year!