What we’re about
Anyone interested in bike riding is welcome to join this group. This group is for people age 40+ who love to ride, see the sites of Chicago and its suburbs, and socialize. We also do rides in Wisconsin, Iowa, and Indiana. Our group consists of casual, intermediate, and advanced cyclists. We currently host at least 3 rides every week. We have Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday after work rides and always have a Saturday ride. We also often do Sunday rides.
Worried about being too slow, or not experienced enough? We usually break our rides up into groups, with the fast riders going first, then medium speed riders, then the slower folks.
Past rides included trips to the Botanic Gardens, the Bahai Temple, Navy Pier, Promontory Point, Northerly Island, plus exploring the Greenbay Trail, North Branch Trail, Great Western Trail, 606 Trail, Des Plains River Trail, and the North Shore Trail. We also do muti-day rides like a Lake Geneva group tour, Ragbrai, and Pedal Across Wisconsin!
Want to learn more about bikes, equipment, and clothing- come to one of our rides. Bring any type of bike and we'll help you get the most from it! We will bike together on area trails and roads throughout Chicago and the suburbs at a casual to moderate pace (10-16 mph) for 15-50 miles at a time. We start out at a slower pace and shorter distances at the beginning of the year and increase the distance and pace as we get more riding in. We never leave anyone behind. Many rides include both beginner and intermediate riding options. Choose what's best for you.
This coming year some of our riders are training for a bike tour from Spain to Portugal!
By joining the Let's Ride meetup group you agree to all of the following:
1. Your profile must include at least your first name and a picture of YOU.
2. Helmets are required.
3. No head phones or music.
4. No guns or weapons of any kind may be carried or in your vehicle.
5. Everyone rides at their own risk.
6. Bring the following on every ride- helmet, water, lock, cash, ID, emergency contact name & number, and insurance.
7. If you RSVP for a ride and can not come, please CANCEL your RSVP. Everyone has to wait for no shows! Ride leaders determine how long to wait for people who are late, typically no more than 10 minutes. If you have more than 2 no shows (without cancelling your RSVP) you will be removed from the group.
You should also bring the normal accouterments (ID, emergency contact name & number, and Insurance cards, spare inner tube, pump, etc.), proper attire based on the weather forecast, facemask, hand sanitizer, water, sunscreen, sunglasses, money for food and/or beverage, a bicycle lock and a good attitude!
Check us out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lets.ride.40plus/
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Beginner Ride Highland Park to Lake Bluff (Do not sign up for Intermediate Ride)Highland Park East Parking Lot, Highland Park, IL
THIS IS THE BEGINNER RIDE (shorter & slower). THIS RIDE STOPS FOR LUNCH IN DOWNTOWN LAKE BLUFF!
PLEASE READ THE FULL DESCRIPTION BEFORE SIGNING UP!
This is a no drop ride, HOWEVER, Please make certain you are capable of riding 22 miles at an average pace of 11 mph or better!
As there are two rides posted for this date, please only RSVP to either the beginner or intermediate ride.
This ride is 22 miles (total) round trip. It is mostly a ride on paved trails but we will be on city streets passing through Highland Park, Fort Sheridan, and Lake Bluff.
ROUTE: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49794908
There is a 40 mile intermediate ride (faster riders) riding from the Wilmette Train station to the Panera Bread in Lake Bluff. THE BEGINNER RIDE STOPS FOR LUNCH IN DOWNTOWN LAKE BLUFF! If you wish to continue on to Panera Bread you may do so.
Here is a link to the intermediate ride from Wilmette:
https://www.meetup.com/lets-ride-ages-40-fun-fit-social-riding/events/306362056/
We will pedal our way up through Historic Fort Sheridan and make two stops for "photo-ops" at scenic overlooks of Lake Michigan. We will continue through the neighborhoods of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff including a tour along some of the ravines. We will rest and luncheon in downtown Lake Bluff where there are MANY choices for food and refreshment. A list of establishments is at the end of this post.
We welcome a variety of riders and bike types who can maintain an 11 MPH average ride pace. Depending on the size of the group, we may divide into 2-3 groups based on rider ability.
A HELMET IS MANDATORY for all Let's Ride bicycle rides. Also required, a working and properly maintained bicycle that will allow you to travel the distance and pace you have elected to ride.
As 'situational awareness' is critical to safe bicycling, EARBUDS, EARPHONES and LOUDSPEAKERS will NOT be ALLOWED on this ride.
You should also bring the normal accoutrement (ID with Emergency Contact and Insurance cards, spare inner tube, pump, etc.), proper attire based on the weather forecast, water, sunscreen, sunglasses, money for food and/or beverage, a bicycle lock (to secure your bike) and a good attitude!
Feel free to contact me with any questions. Please make certain you have "email communication turned on" in your meetup account settings.
NOTE: All riders participate and ride at their own risk, meetup.com, Let's Ride and/or its organizers are not responsible for your safety or well being.
Food & Refreshment in Downtown Lake Bluff*:
Bluffington's Cafe
Hansa Coffee and Wine Sellers
Lake Bluff Brewing Company
Maevery Public House
The Other Door Tacqueria
Reverie Petit Cafe* At the time of this writing these establishments will be open for business when we arrive in downtown Lake Bluff.
- Sunday Morning Road Ride | Hawthorn Woods StartHawthorn Woods Community Park, Hawthorn Woods, IL
* WEATHER PERMITTING
* 30 MILE ROAD RIDE: ZONE 2 • 12-13 PLUS MPH AVERAGE SPEED
* ONE REST STOP
* 30 MILE "FAST" OPTION AVAILABLE 15+ MPH AVG
* NO DROP - ADVANCED BEGINNER OR INTERMEDIATE RIDERS
* ROLL AT 10:00 AM
* FRONT & REAR LIGHTS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
* BRING A CHAIR FOR AFTER THE RIDEMEET at HAWTHORN WOODS COMMUNITY PARK
Join us for a 30 mile ride on the winding roads of Lake County!
30 Mile "Slow" Route
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50255664There is also a 30 mile, 15+ mph average, ride for those interested.
30 Mile "Fast" Route (hosted by LC3)
https://ridewithgps.com/clubs/14830-lake-county-cycling-collective-lc3/eventsThis event is cross-posted to Lake County Bicycle Group. Please only RSVP to a single event.
It's spring and time to start getting those legs moving toward whatever long distance riding goals you have; whether a century or just improving over how many miles you rode last year.
Congratulations! We have reached the final week and our distance is now 30ish miles! For the rest of the season we will work on improving speed "up to a 15+ mph average" and beyond!
This is a "no drop" ADVANCED BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE RIDE. Faster riders can ride off the front but they are on their own. We will regroup at major intersections (stoplights).
While no one will be dropped outright, you should be able to maintain a 12+ MPH AVERAGE speed.
If you invite and bring non-member guests, you are their ride leader. It's your responsibility to marshal your guests and stick with them.
If you are uncertain if you can maintain this speed over the course of the ride, please contact me to discuss your concerns.
Road, race, fitness and solid fork hybrid bikes are your best weapon of choice on this ride. We do not recommend any bikes which incorporate front, or rear, active suspension. Knobby tires are not your friend on this ride.
A HELMET IS MANDATORY for all Let's Ride bicycle rides. Also required, a working and properly maintained bicycle that will allow you to travel the distance and pace you have elected to ride.
As 'situational awareness' is critical to safe bicycling, EARBUDS, EARPHONES and LOUDSPEAKERS will NOT be ALLOWED on this ride.
You should also bring the normal accoutrement; (ID with Emergency Contact and insurance card(s), spare inner tube, pump, etc.), proper attire based on the weather forecast, water, sunscreen, sunglasses, money for food and/or beverage, a bicycle lock and a good attitude!
Feel free to contact me with any questions. Please make certain you have "email communication turned on" in your meetup account settings.
NOTE: All riders participate and ride at their own risk. Meetup.com, Let's Ride and/or its organizers are not responsible for your safety or well being.
- Wednesday Night - Extra MileageNeeds location
As an experiment we are adding a new ride offering 15 extra miles for medium and fast riders who can start riding at 4:30 PM (aren't you glad you're retired now?).
- meet in the usual Harms Woods North parking lot and be ready to start riding at exactly 4:30 PM
- ride on the trail south to Devon Avenue then turn around returning by 5:35 PM in time for the usual Wednesday night ride, giving you a total of 30 miles for the night
- the ride will be 16-18 mph (that's cruising speed not the average speed), and there will only be time for a 2 minute break at the turnaround point
- check the ride on Meetup before coming, it will be cancelled in case of rain or other unsuitable weather
Now that the weather is perfect, this will be fun for medium/fast riders, please consider joining us so you know you've earned that drink you know you are going to have afterwards!
As always, a helmet is required, bring water, riders participate and ride at their own risk, and Meetup.com, Let's Ride and/or its organizers are not responsible for your safety or well-being.
