What we’re about
Check out our rides and events at www.windycitycyclingclub.com.
About Us
Windy City Cycling Club (WCCC) is Chicago's LGBTQA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, allies) cycling organization that is open to all and encourages camaraderie through biking and social events. We offer weekly club rides, unique routes exploring interesting parts of the city, multi-day trips around favorite cycling destinations and group participation in other organized cycling events. In 2022, WCCC celebrates 30 years in the Chicago community, and we hope you'll join us for many more years of cycling fun!
Club Membership
WCCC is a reflection of its members and what each individual brings to the club. All members are encouraged to organize and host rides or events they're interested in. This Meetup helps introduce non-members to the club, but it's only a small part of what WCCC offers. Learn more about the events & benefits available to members and how to join (membership is only $25 per year).
Rider Guidelines
Both members and non-members of WCCC are welcome to join our open rides. Additional rides and events are available with club membership. Non-members will be asked to sign a waiver form prior to riding. Choose rides that are right for your ability and interests (use the ride descriptions, or contact the organizer if you have questions). Arrive well before the start of the ride. Rides will depart on-time. Approved helmets are required. Earphones are not permitted. It is a good idea to carry identification. In most cases, bikes should have a water bottle, pump and spare tube, but members will gladly pitch in if help is needed on a ride. For some urban rides, a lock and CTA/Metra fare or rideshare access will do in a pinch. WCCC asks all riders to comply with local Covid-19 guidance, including wearing a mask and social distancing if you have not been fully vaccinated. Know about bicycle safety and rules of the road. See safety web links.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Casual Saturday (Recreational Ride)Kwa-Ma-Rolas, Chicago, IL
Welcome to Casual Saturday, our weekly lakefront ride to Hyde Park. Looking forward to seeing you!
WAIVER & MEMBERSHIP
Anyone who’s not a paid member of Windy City Cycling Club must complete and submit a Liability Waiver before riding. Joining WCCC gives you access to member events and additional perks. The membership fee (only $25/year) also covers insurance and club administrative costs.RIDE DETAILS
- Time: 9 a.m. (arrive a few minutes ahead)
- Location: Addison St. and the Lakefront Trail (Kwa-Ma-Rolas / totem pole)
- Pace: 12-15 MPH average (moderate, depending on the Lakefront Trail traffic)
- Length: ~26 miles (full route)
- Description: This is a social ride. All are welcome and inviting friends is encouraged. Come ready to make new connections! Feel free to enjoy the full route or join the group at Queen’s Landing (~9:30 a.m.) for a shorter option.
- Route: south to Queen’s Landing in Grant Park (across Lake Shore Drive from Buckingham Fountain), continuing on to Hyde Park (generally for a Medici Bakery or smoothie stop), and back to Queen’s Landing, where riders break off as needed
LAST MINUTE UPDATES
Check this event on the morning of the ride. If weather conditions are poor or there’s not a ride host available, it may be canceled or changed.WHAT TO BRING
- Your bike (prepared for riding 20-30 miles)
- A helmet (required)
- Water bottle
- Materials for fixing a flat (there’s usually someone who can help, but you’ll need to be prepared)
- A snack (such as a power bar)
- Money for a bakery/smoothie stop (and for public transit, a convenient way to get back if you’re tired or your bike has malfunctioned)
- Bike lock (optional – there’s usually someone to watch bikes while you grab a snack)
For club information and our full events calendar, visit windycitycyclingclub.com.
- 18th Street Brewery RideKwa-Ma-Rolas, Chicago, IL
[NOTE: This ride replaces our normal ride to Ft.Sheridan this week]
We're heading to the patio at 18th Street Brewery for food and drink before heading back to Chicago.
We'll meet at the Totem Pole and leave promptly at 8:00AM (arrive earlier). We will have a brief stop at Queen's Landing (across from Buckingham Fountain) ~8:30AM if that works better.
It's about 66 miles round trip if you ride both ways. (but there's beer and food in the middle!) 15-18 mph average pace with rolling speeds up to 22 mph. If desired, you can shorten the trip there by ~9 mi.** And the South Shore Line in Hammond (~1 mile from 18th Street) would really shorten your miles if you didn't want to ride home after brewery.
Add the route to your device and print a cue sheet if desired.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33283480
Ride will be cancelled/postponed if high chance of rain.
**For a 9 mi. shortcut, continue (S) on Burnham Ave. (do not exit right on exit ramp)...
Turn L at Pulaski Rd. (bec 154th St.)
Take that to the end (at hospital) and go around block/hospital (straight thru if you could) and you'll see Douglas St.
Go (E) to 18th Street brewery.------------------------------------------
***Please note that any rider who is not a paid member of Windy City Cycling Club must complete and submit the following waiver at this link before riding: https://forms.gle/BfSfpE46z4MGNnLx9
To become a member (for only $25/year), click here and follow the prompts: https://wccc.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=60&club_id=770347&sl=875903113. The cost of an annual membership helps pay for club insurance and gives you access to other club perks and private events.Paid memberships to the club also have access to the club account on RidewithGPS, which allows members to download any routes in the WCCC library with turn by turn directions. If you'd like a cue sheet for ride, please print and bring along the route.
Please check this event on the morning of the ride for any last-minute updates.
WHAT TO BRING:
- ID
- Lock
- Your bike
- A helmet (this is required)
- Water bottle(s)
- Materials to fix a flat (in the event of a flat tire, there will usually be someone who can help you, but it’s good to be prepared)
- A snack (such as a power bar)
- Money for beer/food, public transport if you think you may need it
See http://www.windycitycyclingclub.com for more information about the club and to see our full member calendar.
- Casual Saturday (Recreational Ride)Kwa-Ma-Rolas, Chicago, IL
Welcome to Casual Saturday, our weekly lakefront ride to Hyde Park. Looking forward to seeing you!
WAIVER & MEMBERSHIP
Anyone who’s not a paid member of Windy City Cycling Club must complete and submit a Liability Waiver before riding. Joining WCCC gives you access to member events and additional perks. The membership fee (only $25/year) also covers insurance and club administrative costs.RIDE DETAILS
- Time: 9 a.m. (arrive a few minutes ahead)
- Location: Addison St. and the Lakefront Trail (Kwa-Ma-Rolas / totem pole)
- Pace: 12-15 MPH average (moderate, depending on the Lakefront Trail traffic)
- Length: ~26 miles (full route)
- Description: This is a social ride. All are welcome and inviting friends is encouraged. Come ready to make new connections! Feel free to enjoy the full route or join the group at Queen’s Landing (~9:30 a.m.) for a shorter option.
- Route: south to Queen’s Landing in Grant Park (across Lake Shore Drive from Buckingham Fountain), continuing on to Hyde Park (generally for a Medici Bakery or smoothie stop), and back to Queen’s Landing, where riders break off as needed
LAST MINUTE UPDATES
Check this event on the morning of the ride. If weather conditions are poor or there’s not a ride host available, it may be canceled or changed.WHAT TO BRING
- Your bike (prepared for riding 20-30 miles)
- A helmet (required)
- Water bottle
- Materials for fixing a flat (there’s usually someone who can help, but you’ll need to be prepared)
- A snack (such as a power bar)
- Money for a bakery/smoothie stop (and for public transit, a convenient way to get back if you’re tired or your bike has malfunctioned)
- Bike lock (optional – there’s usually someone to watch bikes while you grab a snack)
For club information and our full events calendar, visit windycitycyclingclub.com.
- Cycling for Sausage & PierogiKwa-Ma-Rolas, Chicago, IL
Join co-ride leaders (ScottD and Ryan) on this moderately paced journey from our usual Saturday meeting spot for a ride to Scott’s family house in Whiting, Indiana for Pierogi Fest. The pace willl be an advanced social ride speed with sag (Alexis G.) located 1/2 way (Steelworker’s Park) for a brief refreshment to allow the slower folks to catch up before we head onward to Whiting.
Scott’s family (mom and sisters) will provide authentic Pierogis, Sausage & Kraut, along with water and seltzers. Bathroom on-site. (Donation bucket onsite for those so inclined). We will walk to the fest for a few hours, while the bikes are watched by Scott’s family. After a bit, we will head back to the City.
Estimated distance a nice 25 miles each way. Sag in both directions for anyone needing a drink or having issues.
Guests of members must sign a liability waiver.
RSVP’s STRONGLY encouraged a week ahead of the ride so that enoughh food and refreshments are available.
WAIVER & MEMBERSHIP
Anyone who’s not a paid member of Windy City Cycling Club must complete and submit a Liability Waiver before riding. Joining WCCC gives you access to member events and additional perks. The membership fee (only $25/year) also covers insurance and club administrative costs.RIDE DETAILS
- Time: 9 a.m. (arrive a few minutes ahead)
- Location: Addison St. and the Lakefront Trail (Kwa-Ma-Rolas / totem pole)
- Pace: 12-15 MPH average (moderate, depending on the Lakefront Trail traffic)
- Length: ~23 miles (each way)
- Description: This is an advanced social ride because of the distance (not the speed). All are welcome and inviting friends is encouraged. Come ready to make new connections! Feel free to enjoy the full route or join the group at Queen’s Landing (~9:30 a.m.) for a shorter option.
- Route: south to Whiting, Indiana along the lakeshore path, one short stint through Shore Shore Drive (not LSD) before riding through parks (US steel workers park, Calumet park, and Whiting park)
LAST MINUTE UPDATES
Check this event on the morning of the ride. If weather conditions are poor or there’s not a ride host available, it may be canceled or changed.
WHAT TO BRING
- Your bike (prepared for riding 20-25 miles each way).
- A helmet (required)
- Water bottle (there will be a sag with water 1/2 way, each way)
- Materials for fixing a flat (there’s usually someone who can help, but you’ll need to be prepared)
- A snack (such as a power bar)
- Money for a donation to the sag, food, and refreshments at scott’s or the fest (and for public transit, a convenient way to get back if you’re tired or your bike has malfunctioned)
- Bike lock (optional – there will be someone to watch the bikes while we are walking around the fest)
For club information and our full events calendar, visit windycitycyclingclub.com.
