KCC bike guide 2016

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FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016 | www.FoxRiverBikeTrails.com

INSIDE 30

4 BIKE AND BRUNCH

Trailside destinations for bacon, eggs and bloody marys

8 BIKE SHOP TALK

Local bike shop owners and staff share cycling insight, talk trails

10 BEAN SCENE

4

Satisfy your caffeine cravings at these coffee shops along the trails

18 I SPY

From a historic windmill to a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home, the bike trails offer a slew of stop-worthy attractions

23 ADVENTURE CYCLING

Bike basics for long-distance trips

24 ROAD TRIP

14 GOING THE DISTANCE

Bike-able itineraries to push your ride beyond routine

16 TRAIL MAP

Meetup groups for avid riders and social cyclists

St. Charles resident relives his 70-mile trek on the Fox River Trail Discover the Fox Valley on two wheels

26 JOIN THE CLUB

29 RIDING REFUGE

St. Charles Park District installs Bike Plaza at Pottawatomie Park

30 CALENDAR

A lineup of upcoming bike races and rides

park your bike

at mcnallys for lunch or dinner

109West WestMain MainSt. St. •630.513.6300 630.513.6300 109 St. Charles, IL 60174 • www.mcnallyspub.com www.mcnallyspub.com St. Charles, IL 60174 Open Mon - Sat. 11am • Sun Open 10am

like ireland. only closer.

www.FoxRiverBikeTrails.com | FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016

3

NSEE NITY GE

Bike and Brunch

Trailside destinations for bacon, eggs and bloody marys

T

Campton Hills Rd.

By STEPHANIE KOHL-MCCORD

ville

Kane

he aptly named Fox River Trail hugs the Fox River, offering a scenic route for riders meandering through Kane County. The Kane County portion of the trail runs from AuroraPECK to Algonquin and passes through nature FARM preserves and quaint towns, such as St. Charles, Geneva and Batavia.

64 On the weekends, the Fox River Trail transforms into a thoroughfare for cyclists on the hunt for brunch. And with a bevy of restaurants in such close proximity to the trail, bacon, eggs and bloody marys have never been easier to come by.

St.

64 7th St.

3rd St.

31

2nd St. 1st St.

Wheeler Park 31 South Ave.

7th Ave.

Pottawatomie Park

State St.

Fabyan Pkw.

St. Charles

38 FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016 | www.FoxRiverBikeTrails.com FERMI LAB

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Main St.

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Illinois Av Oak St. Prairie St.

Hamilton

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â NORTH The Finery & Blacksmith Bar Buttermilk Gammon Coach House

Dean

Fabyan Pkw.

88

64

Bloody mary at The Finery & Balcksmith Bar in St. Charles

Buttermilk 7 W. STATE STREET | GENEVA | 630-845-0820 Buttermilk is open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily, making them a great weekend brunch stop.

Here are three, Tri-City trailside brunch spots to check out on your next ride.

The Finery

& Blacksmith Bar 305 W. MAIN STREET ST. CHARLES 630-940-2380

Located a couple blocks from the Fox River Trail, The Finery & Blacksmith Bar opened its doors last year. The restaurant serves brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays and is located within a historic building.

Co-owner David Reyes says that many of the Finery team members are cyclists themselves, and that they not only welcome the crowd, but also allow cyclists to store their bikes inside if necessary.

Brunch offerings are a mix of traditional items – but elevated – and the chefs make their own bacon. You won’t find anything run-ofthe-mill at The Finery & Blacksmith Bar, says Reyes.

“Our fare is not the common fare,” says co-owner Pete Kostopoulos, who opened the restaurant last year. “There’s a little twist and turn from what you can get at the typical place.”

Although their menu offers traditional breakfast offerings, it also features items people don’t typically make at home, such as cinnamon roll pancakes and smoked salmon eggs Benedict.

Kostopoulos sees so many cyclists at Buttermilk, he has asked the city of Geneva to provide a bike rack near his restaurant.

Buttermilk’s entire menu is available all day.

Its coffee bar menu also features specialty cocktails, such as its signature bloody mary, mimosas, beer, wine and more.

Find more at www.buttermilkgeneva.com.

The B & G, Add the E at Buttermilk in Geneva

“We like to take things to the next level,” he says, adding that his dishes put an emphasis on flavor and detail.

Brunch consists of bloody marys and mimosas and menu items like Crème Brulee French Toast, Wild Mushroom Omelets and Banana Walnut French Toast. In addition to the brunch menu, two dinner items and a full bar are available during brunch. Reservations are not only accepted, but encouraged.

For more information, visit thefineryrestaurant.com.

-Continued on page 6

www.FoxRiverBikeTrails.com | FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016

5

-Continued from page 5

Gammon Coach House 3 S. BATAVIA AVE. | BATAVIA

Gammon Coach House serves up American comfort food and craft beer. Brunch is offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the weekends. Though a short jaunt from the Fox River Trail, Gammon Coach House has long been a dining stop for cyclists along the trail.

“We have a very diverse breakfast menu,” says Owner Jon With. “It’s fairly simple, but covers all the basics.”

Gammon Coach House also has an outdoor patio and a full beer menu. A bike rack also is available for cyclists.

Among its menu items, With says that the Gammon Sausage & Biscuits and the Gammon Garbage Omelet are particularly popular.

Gammon Coach House in Batavia

“What we believe in is comfort food and craft beer, so our breakfast menu reflects that,” With says.

The Gammon Coach House bar has a lot of offerings, and the bloody mary is especially popular.

For more information, visit gammoncoachhouse.com.

GAMMON COACH HOUSE

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Breakfast: Saturdays & Sundays • 11 – 2 pm

Your neighborhood pub & eatery 40W290 LaFox Rd., St. Charles • 630-513-4240 • www.otpwasco.com 6

FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016 | www.FoxRiverBikeTrails.com

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Good friends.

Great food.

COME IN WITH YOUR BIKE HELMET & RECEIVE * Has something for everyone! 10% OFF YOUR BILL

Pal Joey’s

Best Patio in Kane County 31 N. River Street 630.593.6600 *Lunch only. One coupon per group. Exp: 8/31/16. Excludes alcohol and tax.

Pizza • Sandwiches • Salads • Pasta

paljoeys.com

Stop Next Door and Relax with a Glass of Wine, Martini or Cold Beer at

27 N. River St. –(Next to Pal Joey’s)– www.FoxRiverBikeTrails.com | FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016

7

BIKE SHOP TALK ¢ LIAM DOYLE, Mechanic

¢ BRUCE HEIDLAUF, Owner

PRAIRIE PATH CYCLE SHOP 160 W. Wilson St. | Batavia 630-406-9749 prairiepathcycles.com

MILL RACE CYCLERY 11 E. State St. | Geneva 630-232-2833 millrace.com

TOWN OF RESIDENCE: West Chicago

TOWN OF RESIDENCE: Geneva

BIKE I LOVE: Emonda S6 (road bike)

BIKE I LOVE: Specialized Roubaix (road bike)

FAVORITE TRAILS: Saw Wee Kee Trail, the Fox River Trail and the Great Western Trail.

The Saw Wee Kee Park trail because it’s a singletrack mountain bike trail located along the south shore of the Fox River in Oswego.

FAVORITE TRAIL: The Fox River Trail and the lesser-known Virgil Gilman Trail in Aurora.

WHY I LOVE BIKING: “It’s my time to decompress from the day. It’s me time; a time when I can be alone, and I can detach from everything.” ¢ MATT KNOWLES, Owner ALL SPOKED UP Batavia location: 3 Webster St. | Batavia 630-326-9625 Aurora location: 14 W. Downer Place | Aurora 630-801-9005 | allspokedup.com TOWN OF RESIDENCE: Batavia

WHY I LOVE BIKING: “I like the exercise. The adventure of trying different trails, and I like the social aspect of riding in a group.” ¢ BRIAN DONLEVY, Mechanic THE BIKE RACK 2930 Campton Hills Drive St. Charles 630-584-6588 thebikerack.com

BIKE I LOVE: Cannondale Slate (adventure bike)

TOWN OF RESIDENCE: St. Charles

FAVORITE TRAIL: Fox River Trail

FAVORITE TRAIL: Fox River Trail

WHY I LOVE THE TRAILS: “The sites, the views, the variation of the terrain; it’s not overcrowded. You can go for a very long period of time without actually having to hit roads.”

WHY THE FOX RIVER TRAIL IS MY FAVORITE: “It’s the most scenic and … it’s more engaging. It’s a very huge trail; you can go all the way to Wisconsin and south of Oswego, and it connects also the Chicago trails from there.”

WHY I LOVE BIKING: “It’s something you can do with a group or by yourself.”

8

WHY THE FOX RIVER TRAIL IS MY FAVORITE: “I like the proximity to all of the different towns up and down the river. I like all the places that you can go to eat right on the trail. It feels like you’re out in the middle of the country but you’re still in suburban Chicago.”

BIKE I LOVE: Trek Superfly (mountain bike)

WHY I LOVE BIKING: “It’s very therapeutic.

It’s a good form of exercise. It’s a good way to get out there. It’s fun with people or by yourself.”

FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016 | www.FoxRiverBikeTrails.com

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9

COFFEE SHOP STOPS ALONG THE BIKE TRAILS

By KELSEY O’CONNOR

Whether you’re embarking on a morning ride or an afternoon jaunt, satisfy your caffeine cravings at these trailside coffee shops.

THE CORNER GRIND 2 S. Main St. | Elburn | 630-448-1133

LIMESTONE COFFEE & TEA 8 W. Wilson St. | Batavia | 630-454-4556

Located a few blocks off of the North Grasslands Trail, The Corner Grind is a cozy café and a great place to start or end a ride.

The coffee shop serves deli sandwiches, soups and salads, and the vanilla donuts are a standout. Grab an iced coffee or smoothie to cool down before jumping back on your bike to explore the nearby Elburn Forest Preserve.

Limestone is the perfect place for a caffeine pit stop. Visitors can choose from a rotating selection of coffees, teas and a full espresso bar. Regulars love Limestone’s signature coffee drinks – one favorite is “The Bull Dog,” which blends together dark chocolate and peanut butter. The family-owned business is located just over the bridge from the Fox River Trail and has outdoor seating with river views.

RIVER’S EDGE CAFÉ 18 W. Downer Place | Aurora | 630-897-3343 Venture off the Fox River Trail and onto Stolp Island to find this lovely café. The menu is full of creative coffee and beverage options, like “The Edge” – an espresso drink with caramel, steamed milk and whipped cream. Take your drink and head out back to the large patio, which offers beautiful, panoramic views of the Fox River.

JAKE’S BAGELS 220 N. Broadway | Aurora | 630-906-0332 This riverfront bagel shop and deli is located just steps from the Fox River Trail, and offers a mouthwatering array of bagels, from classics like sesame and cinnamon raisin to more original choices like banana nut and jalapeño egg. The shop has a self-serve coffee bar with all of the fixings and an outdoor deck with river views.

10

CHAPTERS COFFEEHOUSE & CAFÉ 10 S. Batavia Ave. | Batavia | 630-406-8005 This cozy café is nestled inside the Batavia Public Library, just off of the Fox River Trail.

They specialize in picture-perfect coffee drinks that rotate seasonally.

Popular frappe options include turtle and Oreo mint. If you’ve worked up an appetite, the café also whips up sandwiches, soups, salads and a variety of baked goods.

The colorful frosted sugar cookies are a best-seller.

-Continued on page 12

FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016

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-Continued from page 10 EARLY LIGHT CAFÉ 11 E. State St. | Geneva | 630-296-6690 Cyclists can get a quick tune up and bite to eat at this seasonal café, which is attached to Mill Race Cyclery. Located less than a halfmile from the Fox River Trail and the Illinois Prairie Path, patrons can enjoy items like paninis, ice cream and coffee on the outdoor patio while taking in views of the adjacent Fox River. The window-service café offers an extensive gluten-free menu that changes daily.

ARCEDIUM COFFEEHOUSE 60 Indiana St. | St. Charles | 630-444-0610

of beans from around the globe, all roasted fresh daily. The shop also serves breakfast sandwiches, salads, baked goods and has a dessert bar.

ELGIN BOOKS AND COFFEE 66 S. Grove Ave. | Elgin | 847-695-2680 Elgin Books and Coffee, situated in the downtown area, right along the Fox River Trail, is a hidden gem of a coffee shop.

Housing a large selection of used, hard-tofind and out-of-print books, the shop has a café-like indoor seating area that is perfect for chatting with friends or kicking back with a good book and a salted-caramel latte.

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Arcedium continues to top annual lists of best local coffee shops – and it’s easy to see why when you visit. Just over the bridge from the Fox River Trail, the coffeehouse is always buzzing with locals and visitors alike.

Coffee-lovers can choose from a wide variety

12

FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016 | www.FoxRiverBikeTrails.com

GREAT PLACE TO COOL DOWN & REFUEL! Ice Cream • Smoothies Smoot Shakes • Hawaiian Shave Ice S Frozen Cappuccino Cappucc Ice Coffee Drinks • Sodas Cakes for All Occasions Occa Ice We Sell Dry Ic

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13

GOING THE DISTANCE St. Charles resident relives his 70-mile trek on the Fox River Trail

By STEPHANIE KOHL-MCCORD

In July 2012, Brian Donlevy decided he wanted to bike from his hometown of St. Charles to his family’s cabin just north of Lake Geneva.

He was 21 years old when he decided to make the roughly 70-mile trek, which began on the Fox River Trail. Now, the 24-year-old bike tech looks back on the trip fondly. With a couple wrong turns and stops along the way, the trek took between seven and eight hours.

“The first part of the trail is my favorite part because it follows the river,” says Donlevy. “I always like going out and getting lost in the day – escape and bike away.”

14

Donlevy, who works at The Bike Rack in St. Charles, owns a road bike, two mountain bikes, a unicycle and is generally working on seven or eight project bikes. He has always been an avid biker, but he says that the trek was still intimidating for him.

For the first roughly 25 miles of the trip, Donlevy cycled at his regular pace, but, by mile 35, his screaming legs meant that he should have paced himself better. He stopped every eight to 10 miles to shake out his legs and get water.

“Once you get off the bike and sit for a while and get back on that seat, it can be brutal,” he says.

Although the ride was peaceful, after three hours the avid cyclist started to get bored.

However, the satisfaction of getting to the “finish line” kept him going, even if it meant

FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016 | www.FoxRiverBikeTrails.com

walking his bike up a hill during the last five miles of the trip. Luckily for Donlevy, his parents were already at the family’s cabin, so he didn’t have to make the ride home on his bike.

Although Donlevy’s cycling trips don’t normally cover such long distances – St. Charles to Wisconsin – he still hits the trails regularly, and sometimes he camps along the trails, too.

“It’s really fun,” he says of his cycling trips.

“You get to go two or three times faster than with your own two feet.”

For those interested in getting into cycling, especially adventure cycling, Donlevy says there are some challenges. He provided some tips for distance riding, which included conditioning, wearing sunscreen, staying

hydrated, keeping your bike in good working condition and investing in padded shorts, he says.

For the average rider, Donlevy says that the Fox River Trail from St. Charles to Batavia is flat, and very pretty. The trail from Batavia to North Aurora offers some hills and is more winding, plus it has a cave, he adds. From St. Charles to South Elgin, there is a section of the path that is gravel, but Donlevy says that the trail goes through a nice, wooded area.

Following the trail gets a little tricky in Elgin, he says, adding that riders should pay attention to the green bike path signs. The trail also gets a little tricky in the Crystal Lake area, but he says that the Google Maps app is a fantastic tool for cyclists.

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www.FoxRiverBikeTrails.com | FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016

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A ALL SPOKED UP 14 W. Downer | Aurora 3 Webster St. | Batavia B BATAVIA PARK DISTRICT 327 W. Wilson St. | Batavia C PAL JOEY’S 31 N. River St. | Batavia D BAR EVOLUTION 27 N. River St. | Batavia E GAMMON COACH HOUSE 3 S. Batavia Ave. | Batavia F BATAVIA CREAMERY 4 N. Island Ave. | Batavia G GENEVA PARK DISTRICT 710 Western Ave. | Geneva H MILL RACE CYCLERY 11 E. State St. | Geneva I GALENA CELLARS WINERY 477 S. 3rd St. | Geneva J GENEVA WINE CELLARS 227 S. 3rd St. | Geneva K COMFORT INN & SUITES OF GENEVA 2nd St. 1555 E. Fabyan Pkwy. | Geneva Q N t.

S t s 1 L STATE STREET JEWELERS O 230 W. State St. | Geneva M THE DAM BAR & GRILL Pottawatomie 65 N. River Lane | Geneva Park N ST CHARLES PARK DISTRICT 101 S. 2nd St. | St. Charles O MCNALLY’S IRISH PUB 109 W. Main St. | St. Charles P THE BIKE RACK & PROJECT MOBILITY 2930 Campton Hills Rd. Randall Rd. Randall Rd. 14

St. Charles Q 176ALLEY 64 BAR & GRILL .

Rd 212 W. Main St. | St. Charles ia n 120 i Algonquin . Virg Crystal R SKYLINE TREE SERVICE S Lake Pine Ridge Rd. 303 N. 2nd St. #23a | St. Charles West Dundee S NW PODIATRY CENTER, LTD. 31 31 234 Randall Rd. | South Elgin 31 62 T 176 OLD TOWNE PUB WASCO 14

McHenry 40W290 Lafox Rd. | St. Charles Carpentersville ¢ S.A.M.’s BIKE CO. 25 www.SAMsBike.co 120

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Stop-worthy attractions along Kane County’s bike trails

By KELSEY O’CONNOR

While riding your bike along the trails in Kane County, it’s about both the journey and the destination. From forest preserves to historic landmarks, there are plenty of stop-worth sites along the trails.

Batavia Depot Museum Photo by Mark Busch 18

A great place to start is the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve (37W700 Dean St., St. Charles). Located at the intersection of the Great Western Trail and Randall Road Trail, it’s easily accessible by bike. Popular attractions include the Creek Bend Nature Center, Pioneer Sholes School and the Durant House Museum.

“LeRoy Oaks looks very much like it has for hundreds of years,” says Laurie Metanchuk, director of community affairs at the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. “It’s gorgeous and wonderful to ride through.”

Three popular bike trails converge near Tekakwitha Woods in St. Charles; the River Bend Trail, Fox River and Stearns Road Trail all run near the forest preserve.

The woods, nestled in a large bend in the Fox River, offer lush wildlife, centuries-old oaks and forested ravines. An on-site nature center features natural history exhibits and activities for children.

Visitors can explore the area on foot or bike through the east edge of the woods, along the former ElginAurora trolley line.

Further south, cyclists on the Virgil L. Gilman Trail

FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016 | www.FoxRiverBikeTrails.com

can check out the varied landscapes of Bliss Woods Forest Preserve in Sugar Grove. The woods are home to what remains of an increasingly rare geological feature called an esker. This winding ridge was created more than 13,000 years ago by a river flowing underneath a melting glacier. Visitors can explore the diverse vegetation that lines the steep slopes as they follow the trail through the preserve.

Batavia is home to the most popular forest preserve in Kane County; that’s because the Fabyan Forest Preserve (entrances on both Route 25 and Route 31, just north of Fabyan Parkway) has plenty to do and explore. The property, situated between the Fox River Trail and the Kirk-Fabyan Regional Trail, includes woodlands, several historic sites and an island.

“Fabyan has a lot of cultural features,” says Metanchuk.

“It runs through such a vibrant area and there’s so much to see. It’s stuff you don’t typically see in a forest preserve.”

The preserve is home to the Fabyan Windmill in Geneva, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours are available

Fabyan Windmill in Geneva

on weekends from May through October. Just across the river is the grand Fabyan Villa (1511 S. Batavia Ave., Geneva). The villa, which was redesigned in 1907 by Frank Lloyd Wright, also is on the Register of National Historic Places. Now a museum dedicated to the history of the riverbank and the Fabyan family, the villa also has a beautiful Japanese Garden located on the property.

For more historical attractions, cyclists can follow the Fox River Trail to the Batavia Depot Museum (155 Houston St., Batavia).

The previously abandoned train depot, originally erected in 1854, was moved to Batavia and transformed into a museum. The restored interior looks as it did when it was originally erected in 1854. Exhibits feature artifacts and photos on local railroad history, along with a full-size train car right outside.

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for hidden treasures along the trails. Many of the bike trails are dotted with “letterboxes,” part of a scavenger-hunt style outdoor activity. These small boxes, which are hidden across the country, contain a logbook that participants stamp when they uncover a box. Online clues lead local letterboxers to Island Park along the Fox River Trail and Moore Park on the Illinois Prairie Path.

For letterboxing clues, visit letterboxing.org. u For more information on Kane County forest preserves, visit kaneforest. com.

www.FoxRiverBikeTrails.com | FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016

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FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016 | www.FoxRiverBikeTrails.com

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FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016 | www.FoxRiverBikeTrails.com

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ADVENTURE CYCLING

BIKE BASICS FOR A LONG-DISTANCE TRIP

By BRYAN VANZANTEN

If you are reading this, it means that you have the Fox River Bike Trails guide in your hands.

Since that is the case, it is a reasonable assumption that you are planning, or at least considering, a two-wheeled adventures beyond the familiar. I applaud you for even considering taking on this challenge. Some cyclists try not to venture more than a few blocks from home in case something should happen. Often, the love of cycling begins to blossom a bit farther away from home, where you are seemingly on a mission – just you and your bike. During this brief entry, I want to provide some suggestions and highlight a few considerations to help make your long-distance trip as successful and enjoyable as possible. ¢ MAKE SURE YOUR BICYCLE IS UP TO THE TASK. Some bike shops provide free safety inspections, so tell us what you are planning to do, and we can make sure your equipment is as ready as you are. ¢ TRAIN. Many people can’t just hop on a bike and ride to Lake Geneva over a weekend.

Decide how far you are going to go and then research the route on the internet. There are hundreds of different development plans to assist you in reaching your goals.

Your gear could be flawless but, if you break down, the results are often the same. ¢ WEAR THE PROPER ATTIRE AND PLAN FOR THE CONDITIONS. When you start spending more time in the saddle, you begin to understand the importance of cycling apparel. Quality padded shorts, gloves, clipless shoes, sunglasses,

windbreakers and a helmet all play a role in the enjoyment of the trip. ¢ PLAN YOUR ROUTE AHEAD OF TIME. Often different municipalities do construction on or along cycling routes. Call local bike shops along your trip route and see if there are any blockages and, if so, ask a staff member to suggest an alternate route. Carry a map in case you have to change plans on the fly. If you are planning an overnight trip, reserve your lodging in advance, and don’t forget to check the weather forecast. ¢ LEARN HOW TO DO REPAIRS. When away from civilization, knowing how to fix a flat, adjust the seat and handlebars, deal with a broken spoke and remount a dropped chain can help keep you moving. Additionally, put together a tool kit that will allow you to do these

basic fixes yourself. Talk to your bike shop for tool-kit recommendations. ¢ CARRY IDENTIFICATION AND A DEBIT/CREDIT CARD. And, before leaving, inform someone of your plans, route and timetable in the event something doesn’t go according to plan. ¢ HAVE FUN! Sure, there are physical benefits to riding but often the emotional and psychological advantages are just as, if not more, important.

Adventure cycling provides riders with a chance to get away, simplify life and live in the moment. In long-distance riding, the journey itself is actually the destination.

Bryan VanZanten, Manager of All Spoked Up in Batavia

www.FoxRiverBikeTrails.com | FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016

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ROAD TRIP

BIKE-ABLE ITINERARIES TO PUSH YOUR RIDE BEYOND ROUTINE

By JODY PAIGE

T

he scenery, bike-ability, popular summer festivals and outdoor activities are a few of the major draws of Kane County. The area is littered with family-friendly opportunities for fun, all while on the back of a bike.

Here are three bike-able itineraries to get the wheels turning for your next adventure.

GENEVA GEMS

Pick a day between June 21-26 and follow the Fox River Trail to Geneva’s popular Swedish Days festival. The trail flanks the Fox River and is appropriate for all levels of bike enthusiasts.

Off of Route 25, stop by the Fabian Villa Museum & Japanese Garden to view the 1907 Frank Lloyd Wright redesign, and check out

Asian artifacts that were part of the collection of millionaires Col. George and Nelle Fabyan.

Hop back on the bike and make your way to downtown Geneva to partake in Swedish Days. By now, you’ve likely worked up an appetite, so check out the array of local food vendors for lunch, which includes items like traditional Swedish meatballs and

potato sausage. Don’t miss the lineup for the concerts on the lawn.

The nearby Geneva Ale House, Nobel House and Stockholm’s, all located along downtown Geneva’s main drag – State Street – offer a varied selection of craft beer and microbrews. The staff favorite at the Ale House is the Grilled Cheese – with provolone, American and Chihuahua cheeses layered with tomato and bacon.

When it’s time to hit the hay, pedal down the block to The Herrington Inn & Spa, and spend the night at the European-inspired hotel, which boasts amazing views of the Fox River. When you check in, don’t forget to book an appointment in the fullservice day spa to start your day refreshed and recharged.

Swedish Days in Geneva Photo by Sandy Bressner

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FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016 | www.FoxRiverBikeTrails.com

Blues on the Fox in Aurora Photo by Thomas J. King Photography

MOVED BY BLUES

If music stirs your soul, you’ll want to coordinate a ride to the 20th annual Blues on the Fox Festival on June 17 and 18 at RiverEdge Park.

Located in Aurora, the festival features an impressive lineup of blues artists, perfect for enjoying on a warm summer night. Previous performers have included Mavis Staples and Buddy Guy. To get to RiverEdge Park, follow the Illinois Prairie Path Aurora Branch and connect to the Fox River Trail.

To refuel, take a short ride – just up the street from the music venue – for a cup of coffee or a pint at Two Brothers Roundhouse (across the street from RiverEdge Park) in Aurora. In addition to being the oldest limestone roundhouse in the U.S., Two Brothers Roundhouse has an array of brews, an expansive outdoor courtyard and live music on weekends.

Check into the Broadway Hotel Aurora/Naperville (adjacent to the Roundhouse) for a good night’s sleep.

Refuel before your morning ride by walking across the street to Jake’s Bagels & Deli.

Before getting back on the saddle, start your day with a loaded breakfast sandwich or try one of the unique flavors of cream cheese with a warm and fresh bagel.

Give your legs a rest at Rocktown Adventures on Spruce Street, where you can trade forms of transportation.

Rent a kayak, canoe or try a stand-up paddle board to take in the views and see wildlife from a different vantage point.

TASTE OF ST. CHARLES

If you love to eat as much as you love to bike, the Best of St. Charles Foodie Fest and Family Fun Day is for you.

Hop on the Randall Road Trail and cut over to the Fox River

Trail on July 30 to enjoy a food-lovers fest hosted by the St. Charles History Museum.

Small plates offer a taste of what local restaurants have to offer, as well as wine and local craft beer. Just redeveloped, the museum features an array of exhibits featuring local history.

After learning a bit about the town, follow the Fox River Trail west to Pottawatomie Park, where you can play mini golf or volleyball, have a picnic or rent a boat. You can decide if you want to kick back and relax by buying a ticket for a Paddlewheel Riverboat cruise or continue your leg workout by renting a pedal boat.

Head back to Main Street and enjoy dinner al fresco on the inviting outdoor patio at Filling Station Pub and Grill.

To delve into even more local history, bike east on Main Street to stay at the historic Hotel Baker, where Louis Armstrong performed, John F. Kennedy stayed and – more recently – St. Charles resident and TV personality Jenny McCarthy married Donnie Wahlberg of New Kids on the Block.

www.FoxRiverBikeTrails.com | FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016

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JOIN THE CLUB MEETUP GROUPS FOR AVID RIDERS AND SOCIAL CYCLISTS

By YVONNE BENSON

W

hen it comes to hitting the trails, the Tri-Cities area is a cyclist’s paradise. A flourishing community of bike enthusiasts has resulted in the inception of bike clubs and meetup groups for like-minded people in search of a great ride.

Mill Race Cyclery in Geneva has been around for 33 years, and owner Bruce Heidlauf has helped people of all ages enjoy riding. Six years ago, he started offering group rides that leave from his shop.

During the summer months, the Mill Race group rides start at 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday nights. The shop welcomes riders of all different levels, from casual cyclists to the advanced. On Thursday evenings, Mill Race also hosts a barbecue for cyclists who have completed the ride.

“People love to ride, and they love to talk about it,” says Heidlauf. “What better way to get to know your fellow bikers than to eat with them after a great ride. On Thursday evenings the group can be as large as 40 to 50 attendees, and the after party is as much fun as the bike ride itself.”

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For a more intense, fast-paced experience, the INTENT Multisport Coaches lead a ride from the shop at 8 a.m. Sunday mornings.

Individual riders split into groups based on speed and goals. Some cyclists want to socialize during the ride while others want to train for a race or a century (100-mile race) ride.

“Mill Race has riders that love speed, distance or just want to enjoy the exercise, but all riders love the social aspect of the group ride,” says Heidlauf. “Whether you want to talk while you ride or be motivated to push yourself harder, there are solid benefits of riding with other people.”

One of the reasons why Mill Race offers these rides is to help people of all ages and cycling levels enjoy a healthy lifestyle. “[We love] to hear the stories of how people have lost weight or became more healthy by riding a bike; how they have found a sport they enjoy with their spouse – a sport they can start at an any age; how they established a new group of friends; and how they trained to complete a ride they never thought

FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016 | www.FoxRiverBikeTrails.com

possible,” he says. “It really can be lifechanging.”

Some people use the group rides to meet other cycling goals, and Mill Race Cyclery encourages that.

“The group enjoys training for a variety of rides: the Swedish Days Ride, INTENT Tinley Park Duathlon, The Udder Century and Door County Century in Wisconsin,” Heidlauf says.

The 47th annual Swedish Days century ride is organized by the Fox Valley Bicycle and Ski Club.

“Our Swedish Days invitational is organized and executed by our club members, with a small group of dedicated folks who start the planning process in December,” says Barb Schinderle, president of the club. “Our route stretches from Hampshire to Kaneville on the

paved roads that run through the beautiful rolling countryside, through small towns and past cornfields and animal farms.”

The rest stops include handmade peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and homemade cookies, dill pickles, gallons of Gatorade and cold, fresh water. At the finish, there will be watermelon and ice cream.

Those interested in meeting up with other cyclists for group rides or training, can visit the Fox Valley Bicycle and Ski Club website, www.fvbsc.org. Rides often start at the Kane County Government Center, 719 S. Batavia Ave. in Geneva, or Wasco Elementary School, 4N782 School St. in Wasco.

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FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016 | www.FoxRiverBikeTrails.com

RIDING REFUGE St. Charles Park District installs Bike Plaza at Pottawatomie Park

By ERIKA YOUNG

Cyclists traveling along the miles of trails that wind along the banks of the Fox River often end up at Pottawatomie Park – a serene and scenic place that cyclists can stop for clean restrooms, tasty refreshments and shelters from sudden storms. And, with the addition of the park’s dedicated Bike Plaza, cyclists now will have a designated place to fix a flat, adjust their brakes or straighten a slanted seat.

Provided by the Making Kane County Fit for Kids Funding Consortium, two state-of-the-art bike repair areas have been installed along the Fox River Trail.

One plaza is located on the north side of the restroom facilities, adjacent to River View Miniature Golf; and the second station is located across from Langum Park, located along Route 25 on the east bank of the Fox River. Vibrant signage directs

bikers to each plaza, which also are outfitted with water bottle fill stations, benches and weather-proof bike path information holders.

“One of the scariest things for bikers is to be out on a trail and not have a way to take care of any mechanical emergencies,” says Laura Rudow, superintendent of Parks and Planning. “These bike repair stations can give riders great peace of mind.”

Each station comes equipped with numerous commercialgrade, rubber-coated, flexible cable-tied tools, including various-sized screwdrivers and wrenches, which will enable bikers to do everything from raising or lower a seat to adjusting tire alignment.

Elevated hanger arms allow the bike to be mounted at eye level to make repairs easier to manage, and an

air pump will help take care of any flat tires.

Bike Plazas also include weather-proof brochure holders with maps of the Fox River Trail, and a QR code for cyclists who prefer to download the information using a smart phone.

“The biking community is a very active, sociallyconnected network,” says Rudow. “Our Bike Plazas are helping make the park district even more of a destination for avid bikers as it provides respite to the distance biker.”

BIKE GUIDE CALENDAR 2016

UDDER CENTURY

JUNE 5 Ride 32, 50, 62, 75 or 100 miles along rolling rural routes through the dairy lands of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. mchenrycountybicycleclub.org

GRAND ILLINOIS TRAIL AND PARKS BIKE TOUR

JUNE 12-17 The six-day bike tour will highlight some of the best sections and attractions of Illinois’ Route 66 Trail and also will feature the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, the Mackinaw Valley Trail, and more. The 14th annual ride will make a loop starting and ending at Coal City High School, with stops in Oglesby, Washington, the Bloomington-Normal area and Pontiac. rideillinois.org

SWEDISH DAYS RIDE

JUNE 26 In its 47th year, the Swedish Days Ride covers 27, 45, 62, 80, 100 and 124-miles, and starts and finishes behind Central High School, near Burlington. From the high school, all routes travel quiet and scenic paved roads of rural Kane County. fvbsc.org

the route consists of flat rural roads with some rolling terrain. There also are 3, 5 and 8-mile family/community bicycle pathway routes. www.kishkiwanis.org

BIKE PSYCHOS CENTURY

AUGUST 20 The Bike Psychos Century has five rides: 30, 50, 64, 100 and 124 miles. The ride starts and finishes at Coal City High School. www.bikepsychos.net

EVERYBODY RIDES

SEPTEMBER 11 The fourth annual Everybody Rides benefit will take place at James O. Breen Park in St. Charles and will feature a 10-mile family trail ride and a 30-, 45- and 60-mile ride on quiet country roads. After the ride, Project Mobility will host a party in the park with live entertainment, food, drinks, raffles and games. www.projectmobility.org

BIKE MS: TOUR DE FARMS

JUNE 25 -26 The bike tour begins and finishes at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, and covers between 15 and 200 miles over the course of a weekend. During the post-ride festival on June 25, cyclists can celebrate their accomplishments with food, live music and a beer garden. nationalmssociety.org

BIKING WITH BEANZIE

JULY 17 Biking with Beanzie is a recreational ride presented by Kishwaukee Kiwanis Club of DeKalb and is sponsored by Kishwaukee Community Hospital. The ride covers 25, 46, 62, 80 or 101 miles and 30

PUMPKIN PEDAL

OCTOBER 2 This year’s Pumpkin Pedal will feature 10-, 20- and 26-mile trail rides on the Great Western Trail and 40- and 62-mile road rides. Routes begin at Sycamore Speedway in Maple Park. www.soill.org

FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016 | www.FoxRiverBikeTrails.com

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