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- WCCC Sunday Morning (Training Ride)West Foster Drive & Lakefront Trail, Chicago, IL
Welcome to WCCC Sunday Morning... looking forward to riding with 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: 8 a.m. (arrive a few minutes ahead)
- Location: Foster Ave. and the Lakefront Trail (circle of benches)
- Pace: 16–18 MPH average (we may break into groups of different speeds, depending on interest and ride host availability)
- Length: 40–45 miles
- Description: north to Highland Park, continuing on to Fort Sheridan (depending on interest), and back (generally there’s a coffee stop along the way)
- Route: ridewithgps.com/routes/36052515 (view or send it to your device*)
* Paid members have access to WCCC’s RideWithGPS club account, which provides turn-by-turn directions for routes in our library. If you'd like a cue sheet, please print one and bring it along.
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 40-45 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 coffee stop (and for public transit, if you think you might need it)
AFTER THE RIDE
Option to join any riders rolling on to a north side establishment for drinks/food and socializing. Details TBD.For club information and our full events calendar, visit windycitycyclingclub.com.
- Busse Woods Elk Ride5030 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL
We will meet at Winnemac Park for an on-time 8AM rollout so please arrive earlier. We meet in the park by the Damen parking lot entrance (N Damen Ave and W Winnemac Ave). Look for other happy and excited riders congregating on the sidewalk near the south end of the parking lot.
We will pedal out to Busse Woods and then ride most of the 8-mile loop there, stopping briefly to see the majestic elk if they choose to grace us with their presence! There will be a Starbucks coffee stop in Arlington Heights at mile 23 and a brief stop at Mitsuwa Japanese Market at mile 34. Expected pace 16-17mph average with rolling speeds a tad higher.
53 mile route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39663579
Since 1925, a small elk herd has inhabited a 17-acre enclosed pasture in Busse Woods. Originally, nine cows and one bull were delivered by train from Yellowstone National Park. The size of the herd has fluctuated over time and every 3-4 years new males are introduced to maintain genetic diversity. There are currently 4 elk at Busse Woods.
Ride will be cancelled/postponed if high chance of rain. It's no fun to ride in the rain and few things smell worse than wet elk.
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***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
- 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 or two (such as a power bar)
- Money for coffee/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.