About us
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 typically break our rides up into groups, with the fast riders going first, then medium speed riders, then the slower folks. We always have a "sweep" to make sure no one gets left behind.
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! For international bike rides, we've done France, the coast of Portugal, Italy's Tuscany, just finished biking through Vietnam, and will be doing a ride from Vienna to Budapest in June.
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.
By joining the Let's Ride meetup group you agree to all of the following:
- By attending (or RSVPing) to this event, you consent to the risks inherent in group cycling—including falls, collisions, road hazards, traffic, and weather—and agree to participate at your own risk. You are responsible for your own safety, equipment, and decisions while riding. All riders must wear a helmet and obey all traffic laws. By participating, you release Let's Ride and its organizers and ride leaders from any liability arising from participation.
2 Your profile must include at least your first name and a picture of YOU.
3. Helmets are required.
4. No head phones or music.
5. No guns or weapons of any kind may be carried or in your vehicle.
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
33
Nueve de Mayo Ride & Fiesta!
Crank Revolution Bike Shop, 1744 Algonquin Road, Hoffman Estates, IL, USNOTE: Crank Revolution Bike Shop MOVED! It is now located one shopping mall west of where it was previously.
Crank Revolution New Location:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8b4jvMy5h55kMKs77Join us Saturday, May 9, 2026 to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and the beginning of the Crank Revolution Bike Shop Social Ride Season.
9:00 a.m.: 7.7 Mile Beginner Ride (self-lead ride)
9:00 a.m.: 30+ Mile Intermediate Ride (Morthond Vale)
9:15 a.m.: Mountain Bike Basics Clinic & 8+ Mile Ride
10:00 a.m.: 20+ Mile Intermediate Ride
12:00 p.m.: Food & Refreshment (Tacos, Burgers & Dogs)
This ride offers it all. Choose from a 7.7 mile, no-drop, beginner ride on the paved Paul Douglas Trail. Afterward, a 20+ mile "intermediate ride" out on the road. Or, bring your mountain bike and catch the Mountain Bike Basics Clinic and then ride single track trails in Paul Douglas Forest Prerserve. For those wanting a hotter pace and longer road ride, Lake County Cycling Collective will lead a 30+ mile ride extending the 20+ mile route.
Afterward, enjoy tacos, fresh homemade guacamole, burgers and hot dogs (while supplies last)! Bring a chair and a beverage of your choice. If you like, bring something to add to the smorgasbord (bufé en Mexico).
One "beginner" loop of the paved trail takes about 35-45 minutes.
Plan for at least 1.5 to 2 hours to ride the single track.
The intermediate ride will take at least 1.5 hours to complete the 20ish miles at 14-15 mph average pace.The intermediate route will change depending on who is leading and who attends the ride. The average pace of the intermediate ride is, typically, 14-16 mph.
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 afterward) 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:
By attending (or RSVPing) to this event, you consent to the risks inherent in group cycling—including falls, collisions, road hazards, traffic, and weather—and agree to participate at your own risk. You are responsible for your own safety, equipment, and decisions while riding. All riders must wear a helmet and obey all traffic laws. By participating, you release Let's Ride and its organizers and ride leaders from any liability arising from participation.11 attendees
Intermediate Ride Wilmette to Lake Bluff (Do not sign up for the Beg Ride)
Wilmette Metra Station, 722 Green Bay Rd, Wilmette, IL, USAs there are two rides posted for this date, PLEASE ONLY RSVP TO EITHER THE BEGINNING OR INTERMEDIATE POSTED RIDE.
This ride is 40 miles round trip with an average speed of 13-15 mph. IF YOU CANNOT MAINTAIN THIS PACE, SIGN UP FOR THE BEGINNER RIDE. We will have lunch with the other group (that is starting in Highland Park) at Panera Bread in Lake Bluff before returning.
The ride will follow the Green Bay Trail, pass through Fort Sheridan and continue on the McClory Trail. NOTE: 20% of this ride is on roads and there WILL be some hills. We will also be riding the road for a few miles. IF YOU DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE RIDING THE ROAD, SIGN UP FOR THE BEGINNER RIDE). Here is the link for the route:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27696672
This is an intermediate ride. Please do not sign up unless you can maintain a 13 MPH ride pace, are comfortable riding on roads, and can ride for 40 miles.
HELMET IS MANDATORY, as is a properly maintained bike. Moreover, we do not allow earbuds, earphones, or speakers on this ride.
Other things to bring: (1) photo ID, emergency contact info & insurance card, (2) spare tube & pump/CO2 (3) water bottle. Goes without saying but please dress for weather including sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, rain poncho. While this is a daylight ride, headlight and taillight are recommended to make you more visible.
Contact ride organizer with any questions.
NOTE:
By attending (or RSVPing) to this event, you consent to the risks inherent in group cycling—including falls, collisions, road hazards, traffic, and weather—and agree to participate at your own risk. You are responsible for your own safety, equipment, and decisions while riding. All riders must wear a helmet and obey all traffic laws. By participating, you release Let's Ride and its organizers and ride leaders from any liability arising from participation.10 attendees
Beginner Ride Highland Park to Lake Bluff (Do not sign up for Intermediate Ride)
Highland Park East Parking Lot, 1590 Sheridan Rd, Highland Park, IL, USTHIS 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:
By attending (or RSVPing) to this event, you consent to the risks inherent in group cycling—including falls, collisions, road hazards, traffic, and weather—and agree to participate at your own risk. You are responsible for your own safety, equipment, and decisions while riding. All riders must wear a helmet and obey all traffic laws. By participating, you release Let's Ride and its organizers and ride leaders from any liability arising from participation.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.
7 attendees
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