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- Wednesday Night Extra MileageHarms Woods-North, Morton Grove, IL
This is the new ride that is fast becoming a Wednesday night sensation for medium and fast riders!
The ride offers an extra 15 extra miles over the usual Wednesday night ride for a total of 30 miles. Start riding at 4:00 PM returning to the Harms Woods car park by 5:30 in time to join the usual Wednesday night ride.
- this is only for riders who can maintain a 16-18 mph cruising speed.
- the route is South on the trail to Devon Ave, so there is no overlap with the 6:00 PM ride.
- check the ride on Meetup before coming, it will be cancelled in case of rain or other unsuitable weather
- please sign up so we know who's coming and whether to wait for you if you're running late
Now that the weather is perfect, this is perfect for medium/fast riders, join and earn 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, Meetup.com, Let's Ride and/or its organizers are not responsible for your safety or well-being.
- Weekly Wednesday Night "Let's Ride!"Harms Woods-North, Morton Grove, IL
Please join us for everyone's favorite Wednesday night ride!
Meet at Harms Woods North parking lot (link/map provided) and ride up & back down the North Branch Trail to either Tower (10 mi round trip) or Dundee (15 mi) Roads. Meet by 5:45 so we can roll at 6. But if you must come late, feel free to head north and catch us, it's hard to get lost on this trail!
Full 15 Mile Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37252684
We welcome a variety of riders and bike types, who can maintain a 10 MPH riding pace, and we typically divide into 2-3 groups, riders of all abilities can be comfortable!
Remember to check this Meetup the day of the ride, in case of cancellation for weather or other extenuating circumstances (message a ride leader with any questions).
Some other basic info for you: (a) HELMET IS MANDATORY (b) bring a well-maintained bike (c) no earbuds/earphones (d) bring ID/emergency contact/insurance card (e) carry spare tube/air (f) consider other items such as extra layer/raingear/bug spray/sunglasses/sunscreen/water (we're not your Mom... figure it out!). And lights always recommended.
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.
- THREE TRAILS LOOP (a different Wednesday ride)Half Day Brewing Company, Lincolnshire, IL
THIS IS NOT THE HARMS WOODS RIDE!
Click here for the "usual" Wednesday Night Ride!
* WEATHER PERMITTING
* 20 MILE GRAVEL & ROAD RIDE
* 13 - 15 MPH ROLLING PACE (11-13 AVG)
* ADVANCED BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED RIDERS
* PARK AT HALF DAY BREWING
* MEET AT THE PARKING LOT CLOSEST TO THE TRAIL
* POST RIDE SOCIALIZING ON THE PATIO AT THE BREWERYI'll be riding with our friends from Lake County Bike Group (LCBG) on one of my favorite trail rides and anyone is welcome to join me. Please RSVP to only one event.
Arrive at Half Day Brewing early enough to be ready to roll from the eastern parking lot by 6:00 pm. (see map).
We'll ride the loop counter-clockwise and return for food and beverage on the patio at Half Day Brewing.
The Route: 65% Gravel • 35% Paved
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47392063While we don't like to leave anyone behind, it is suggested that you be able to maintain a 13 - 15 mph rolling speed while traveling this 20 mile route. Hybrid or trail bikes are recommended for this ride though experienced riders can easily handle this route on a road bike.
Afterward, stay and enjoy food & beverage on the Half Day Brewing patio!
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, Let's Ride and/or its organizers are not responsible for your safety or well being.
- Greek Fest in Racine!Kenosha Marina Public Parking, Kenosha, WI
WEATHER PERMITTING
(READ TO THE END FOR IMPORTANT INFO)
PARKING: KENOSHA MARINA PUBLIC PARKING LOT (this is a map link)
- MEET AT THE RESTROOMS EAST OF THE PARKING LOT
- ROLL @ 10:00 AM
- 24 MILE SOCIAL RIDE
- 10 - 14 MPH AVERAGE PACE
- BEGINNER, ADVANCED BEGINNER & INTERMEDIATE RIDERS
This event is cross posted to Lake County Bicycle Group, ONLY SIGN UP IN ONE GROUP!
Join us for a 24 mile (total) fun ride from the Kenosha Marina up to Racine for the Annual Greek Festival hosted by Kimissis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church. The Festival is renown for great homemade greek food served al fresco under a huge tent.
There is a 60 mile option available with Lake County Cycling Collective. Please sign up on the LC3 RWGPS Group page.
We will be meeting with friends from the Kenosha area who will join us and some will assist in managing our ride. This is an awesome, fun, ride...!!!
Get to the Marina Parking Lot (north or south lots) and meet over at the restrooms just east of the parking lot. We will roll at 10:00 a.m.
This is a 25 mile (round trip) no-drop ride at a 10-14 MPH pace over paved bike trails and roadways. The 10-14 MPH pace will allow us to cover the ride up in, approximately, 90 minutes and the same on the return. We will regroup at a few places along the ride so no one gets dropped.
You MUST be able to maintain a 10 MPH average speed to join this ride. If you are uncertain you can maintain a 10 MPH average speed please contact me.
Here's the Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47332752
For those arriving in Kenosha early, bring a cooler to store some awesome fresh veg you will find at the Kenosha Harbor Market (a HUGE farmers market). Those who wish to join us afterward will find homemade ice cream and a breweries a couple blocks walk from the parking lot.
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 24 miles at the posted 10-14 MPH average pace.
As 'situational awarenesss' is critical to safe bicycling, EARBUDS, EARPHONES and LOUDSPEAKERS will NOT be ALLOWED on this ride.
You should also bring the normal accoutrement (ID 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!
Feel free to contact me with any questions.
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.
ICE CREAM AND BEER near the harbor parking lots:
Scoops Ice Cream
Kenosha Tap House (at the marina)
Public Craft Brewing Co.,
Rustic Road Brewing CompanySummary: This is a 24 mile (RT) 'fun ride' with plenty of bike path to do some sprinting for those who need to burn calories before or after dining at the fest. Handmade ice cream and a brewery or two within walking distance of the parking lot at the end. We'll also have a beverage in the parking lot after the ride for those who don't want to walk to any of the local eating and drinking establishments.
