Flock Off the Block - Huge Bike Camping Trip - August 2023

Art: evanart.com - @evandrawsthings

Come Flock Off the Block with us! This is one of OOFD's biggest rides ever. We rented the entire Camp Shabonna in South Holland, IL including 17 campsites, the group site, and 4 cabins. Also, we have the most excellent partners on this one, both Patagonia and Specialized!

We will have a van that can haul your camping gear too. We'll be at On Tour Brewery in West Town the night before from 5pm-10pm so you can stop by and drop your gear off. You certainly are welcome to haul your own gear on your bike as well.

This is a family friendly party. It's our first time combining the Adult and Family Programs in one overnight bike camping trip. It includes a catered dinner, live music at the campsite and so much more!

We will have a variety of start points around the city with very short to longer mileage options. General OOFD overnight pace of 10-12 mph though certainly will be accommodating a slower pace for those with families.

$100 for adults. $50 for kids. ​

Partners

We are so honored to be partnering with a few of the most supportive and premier outdoor gear and bike shops in the city on this one. Both Specialized and Patagonia have provided support in the planning and in helping to pull this event off with such style! 

Starting Points and Mileage

1. North Side: Cog Cycles (3217 W. Bryn Mawr) - 40ish miles
2. Central: Specialized Fulton Market (925 W. Lake) and then Patagonia Mag Mile (48 E. Walton) - 30ish miles
3. West Side: Bikes N' Roses (4600 W. Palmer) - 35ish miles
4. South Side: Small Shop (4250 S. Cottage) - 25ish miles

Saturday Activities 
This will be a fun day of riding with three day time activities to choose from en route to the campground. 

1. You can spend some time at Whihala Beach in Whiting, IN
2. Hang for a few hours at 18th Street Brewery in Hammond
3. Go for some extra miles and ride out to The Indiana Dunes and back to the campground. This adds about 70 miles on to the day so potential for a century depending on your starting point for the ride.

We'll all meet at 18th Street Brewery throughout the afternoon and have OOFD guides small groups of folks for the final 4 miles to the campground.

Upon arrival to the campground, there will be time to settle in, and OOFD guides to help you set up camp if you need a hand. You can check out the Sand Ridge Nature Center which is right next to the campground. Their rangers will be leading an educational hike. Or you can kick back and simply enjoy the park and company. 
Dinner and beverages will be provided followed by a bonfire and live music....Yes, live music!

Sunday Activities and Return
Wake up easy. Enjoy a morning campfire. OOFD will provide a basic breakfast and coffee.

There will be three options for your return. 

1. If you prefer to have a guide get you back to this city - plan to head out with some OOFD guides and ride back to the city right after breakfast. Any gear we haul can be returned to you at the starting point location that you departed from on Saturday.
   
2. If your feeling like spending some time in the area, head across the street and spend some time at the outdoor Green Lake Family Aquatic Center. After some time playing in the lazy river and water slides, you can ride a couple miles to the South Shore Train in Hammond back into the city (or ride home to the city if you prefer as well).
   
3. If you can't get enough and want to have a Sunday funday - ride to an after party at Blue Island Beer Company which is only about 12 miles from the campground. From there, you can decide to take a Metra home or ride the 20 or so miles back into the city.
   

*Any gear we haul for you in the van can be returned to you at the starting point location that you departed from on Saturday. 

Camp Shabonna
The facilities at Shabbona Woods are excellent. Campground features a fire pit, picnic tables, full-service bathrooms with showers, dining pavilions with electrical outlets for device charging, and camp store with concessions.

Campsites and Cabins

We will stay at Camp Shabbona Woods (Cook County Forest Preserve) located 15810 S. Torrence Ave, South Holland IL, 60473 (map)
Families will be in the group site which is a bit tucked away and thus will be able to leave the festivities and put the kids to bed or have a more chill campfire at the family site away from the big bonfire/main gathering area. 

There also are 4 basic cabins with 4 bunk beds (8 beds) in each cabin. You can register for a cabin bed if you prefer to sleep off the ground and not have to set up a tent. No extra cost for a cabin bed.

To learn more about the region we'll be traveling through, check out the Wetlands Initiative page on the Calumet Region - http://www.wetlands-initiative.org/the-calumet-region

This really is going to be a one of a kind event! Can't wait to adventure with you!