Chicago Recumbent Riders: North Branch Trail & Picnic
We’ll ride on the iconic North Branch Trail from the parking lot at Linne Woods in Morton Grove (off Dempster) to the trail end at Dundee Road at Skokie Lagoons. We’ll stop at the Chicago Botanic Garden for a mid-ride picnic and a bit of socializing mid-ride, along lakeside views of the Japanese Gardens (there’s no admission fee for stopping at the picnic glade).
Highlights:
The North Branch Trail is surely a gem among Chicagoland's network of bicycle trails. It has everything a great bike trail should have: distance, scenery, variety, along with excellent pavement conditions and generally well-designed street crossings. The NBT will take you through woodland and prairie, along the river and its adjacent wetlands, ending at the Skokie Lagoons (before we double back for the return trip), which can almost make you forget that you are still in the big city.
Details:
Sunday, June 7 we’ll meet at the Linne Woods parking area off Dempster in Morton Grove (see map) at 9:45 am for a 10 am departure.
At Dundee Rd. we’ll ride into the Chicago Botanic Garden for a mid-ride picnic.
Riding distance about 24 miles. End time approximate.
Facilities available trailside.
Ride Guidelines:
These rides are somewhat exploratory in nature. We have not pre-ridden all of the trails, and while we are on the lookout for announced trail closures and obstructions, there can a bit of guesswork involved. Sometimes, we rely on other riders who are more familiar with the trails for guidance. Please maintain the spirit of curiosity and open-mindedness about last-minute route tweaks.
These are NO-DROP rides. We ride with participants with widely differing abilities, and it is our goal to keep a cohesive group. We will stop periodically throughout the ride to allow everyone to catch up. If you need to make an unplanned stop, the group will wait for you at the next rest stop.
If you prefer a faster pace, please let us know at the start of the ride that you will be going ahead without us.Please observe trail etiquette by staying in the right lane except when it is safe to pass.
Ride at your own risk
What to bring:
Your recumbent bike or trike
Picnic food for yourself (but feel free to bring something to share if the spirit moves you 🙂).
Weather:
We’ll ride in any weather, except steady downpour. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Saturday, June 6.
Registration is recommended for this event:
Brompton Social: North Branch Trail Picnic
Join us for a midsummer Brompton Social Ride on Saturday, July 11 along the southern part of North Branch Trail with a visit to historic Old Edgebrook, and an evening picnic at a scenic spot along the trail.
We’ll gather at Cosmic Bikes at 4pm for a 4:30pm departure. This will be a low-key, no-drop social ride of about 8-10 if you complete the loop back to the shop with us.
No worries if you don’t have a Brompton. ALL BIKES WELCOME!
End time approximate
You may ride with us back to the shop, or head home on your own.
What to bring:
Helmet
Lights
Portable seating (or blanket)
Food and beverage of your choice to enjoy at our picnic spot.
Ride at your own risk.
No Brompton? No problem! Join us with the bike you have, or text us to check loaner Brompton availability (min 48 hour notice required).
👇 Please RSVP to participate 👇
Chicago Recumbent Riders: Old Plank Road & Hickory Creek Trails
This week we’ll ride on one of our favorite local trails: the Old Plank Road from Matteson (see parking info below), to the scenic Hickory Creek Trail detour, and back, for a total of about 28 miles. To avoid the mostly-uphill return on Hickory Creek, we’ll take a shortcut along the un-scenic Route 30 Bikeway back to OPRT.
OPR Trail ins a linear rail-to-trail and offers views of oak trees and sugar maples, prairie grasses, and wildflowers, as well as opprtunities to view wildlife (including bald eagles!) while passing through nature preserves adjacent to the trail.
If we return back in time, those who wish can stop with us at the Farmers Market in Frankfort for snack and refreshments.
Highlights:
The trail passes over an award-winning, arrowhead-shaped suspension bridge, which takes trail users over US 45. Frankfort, the trail's physical and spiritual center greets riders with an archway overhead emblazoned with the trail's name.
Details:
Sunday, July 12 meet at 9:45am for 10am departure. Parking and route details coming soon. Ride end time is approximate.
Riding distance about 28 miles
Facilities available trailside.
Ride at your own risk
What to bring:
Your recumbent bike or trike (no recumbent? your regular bike is welcome!!)
Helmet
Snack/Water
Money for farmer’s market purchases if you decide to join us.
Weather:
We’ll ride in any weather, except steady downpour or dangerous snowy/icy conditions. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Saturday, July 11.
REGISTRATION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS EVENT:
Chicago Recumbent Riders: North DesPlaines RT
Join us for a very nice ride Des Plaines River Trail from Independence Grove in Libertyville to Half Day Forest Preserve for a total distance of about 23 miles, with the scenic loop around the lake at IG, and a ride finale at the Beer Garden for those who wish to join.
The trail is unpaved, but consists of smooth crushed gravel and dirt. It’s well maintained and very wooded in sections so there will be leaves, acorns and other droppings from trees and greenery in some areas. The trail is not striped or divided into two way traffic. On a Sunday there will be a fair amount of cyclists and pedestrian traffic. Possibly a person or two on horseback.
Details:
Sunday, October 12 we’ll meet at Independence Grove parking area K ($6 entrance fee for non-lake county residents) 16400 Buckley Rd, Libertyville, IL 60048 (see map) at 9:45 am for a 10 am departure.
Riding distance about 23 miles. End time approximate.
Facilities available trailside.
Ride at your own risk.
What to bring:
Your recumbent bike or trike
Funds for refreshments if you decide to join us at the Beer Garden after the ride.
Snack/Water
Sunscreen
Ride Guidelines:
These rides are somewhat exploratory in nature. We have not pre-ridden all of the trails, and while we are on the lookout for announced trail closures and obstructions, there can a bit of guesswork involved. Sometimes, we rely on other riders who are more familiar with the trails for guidance. Please maintain the spirit of curiosity and open-mindedness about last-minute route tweaks.
These are NO-DROP rides. We ride with participants with widely differing abilities, and it is our goal to keep a cohesive group. We will stop periodically throughout the ride to allow everyone to catch up. If you need to make an unplanned stop, the group will wait for you at the next rest stop.
If you prefer a faster pace, please let us know at the start of the ride that you will be going ahead without us.Please observe trail etiquette by staying in the right lane except when it is safe to pass.
Ride at your own risk
Weather:
We’ll ride in any weather, except steady downpour. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Saturday, Oct. 11.
Registration is recommended for this event:
Brompton Social: Skokie Valley Trail to Sketchbook Brewing
We have a great ride coming up for our Brompton Social Ride on Saturday, August 1. We’ll ride front he shop to Sauganash and follow the linear Skokie Valley Trail straight to the welcoming front door of Sketchbook Brewing in Skokie.
We’ll gather at Cosmic Bikes at 4pm for a 4:30pm departure. This will be a low-key, no-drop social ride of about 7 miles one way, 14 if you complete the trip back to the shop with us.
No worries if you don’t have a Brompton. ALL BIKES WELCOME!
End time approximate
You may ride with us back to the shop, or head home on your own.
What to bring:
Helmet
Lights
$ for beverages and snacks
Ride at your own risk.
No Brompton? No problem! Join us with the bike you have, or text us to check loaner Brompton availability (min 48 hour notice required).
👇 Please RSVP to participate 👇
Chicago Recumbent Riders: Erie Lackawanna Trail, IN
Join us for the ride on the Erie-Lackawanna Trail in NW Indiana. We’ll start at the Indiana Welcome Center at 7770 Corinne Dr, Hammond, IN 46323, which has convenient parking and restrooms (and a very interesting building). We’ll ride to the southern trailhead in Crown Point, with a short detour at the Ivan Gatlin Nature Preserve, for a total distance of about 24 miles.
Brewery lunch option: on the return trip, anyone who want to can join us for lunch and refreshments at Fuzzyline Brewing Co., which is just off the trail, less than a mile south of our starting point.
Details:
Sunday, August 9 meet at 9:45am for 10am departure. We’ll gather at the Indiana Welcome Center at 7770 Corinne Dr, Hammond, IN (see map)
Riding distance about 24 miles
Rest stops: We will make regular stops where facilities are available trailside, and we will wait there for any riders who may have stopped at other points.
End time approximate
Ride at your own risk
What to bring:
Your recumbent bike or trike
Helmet
Snack/Water
Funds for lunch if you decide to join us
Ride Guidelines:
These rides are somewhat exploratory in nature. We have not pre-ridden all of the trails, and while we are on the lookout for announced trail closures and obstructions, there can a bit of guesswork involved. Sometimes, we rely on other riders who are more familiar with the trails for guidance. Please maintain the spirit of curiosity and open-mindedness about last-minute route tweaks.
These are NO-DROP rides. We ride with participants with widely differing abilities, and it is our goal to keep a cohesive group. We will stop periodically throughout the ride to allow everyone to catch up. If you prefer a faster pace, please let us know at the start of the ride that you will be going ahead without us.
Please observe trail etiquette by staying in the right lane except when it is safe to pass.
Ride at your own risk
Weather:
We’ll ride in any weather, except steady downpour or dangerous snowy/icy conditions. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Saturday, Aug. 8.
REGISTRATION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS EVENT:
Chicago Recumbent Riders: Oak Savannah Trail, IN
The details of this ride are still in the works. Stay tuned!!
Full Moon Ride to Gillson Park
Ride with us to greet our Lonely Satellite as he makes his monthly full-face appearance over the waters of Lake Michigan.
When: Friday, August 28 from 5 pm to 8-ish pm
Where: Meet at Cosmic Bikes for a ride to Gillson Park on the lakefront in Wilmette. We’ll aim to be rolling at 5:30.
Pace: Moderate pace, no-drop social ride.
Route: Approx. 24 miles round-trip. We'll use a combination of the North Shore Channel trail and local streets. You may ride with us back to the shop, or head home on your own.
What to bring: Your bike, helmet, lights, lock, BYOB and cash for emergencies.
Ride at your own risk. Ending time is approximate.
Registration is recommended for this event:
Chicago Recumbent Riders: Ride Location TBA
The details of this ride are still in the works. Stay tuned!!
Chicago Recumbent Riders: Ride Location TBA
The details of this ride are still in the works. Stay tuned!!
Brompton Social: Halloween Ride!!
We’re planning a special Halloween themed Brompton ride for the season finale.
As usual, we’ll gather at Cosmic Bikes at 4pm for a 4:30pm departure. This will be a low-key, no-drop social ride, but with some extra Halloween festivities. Stay tuned!
Recumbent Ride UPDATE: Cal-Sag Trail
👉 PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF RIDING LOCATION DUE TO RECENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECT ON THE PENNSY GREENWAY
INSTEAD, we will ride on the Cal-Sag Trail from Alsip west to Archer Ave and back, with a stop at the scenic Katherine Lake Nature Center on the return trip for a little picnic.
The trail passes the Channel Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, the Sag Quarries Nature Preserve, where old stone quarries have been converted to lakes, and several wooded stretches with lightly rolling hills.
Details:
Sunday, May 3 meet at 9:45am for 10am departure. We’ll gather at the parking area at the eastern trailhead in Alsip off Cicero and W. 131st St. (aka. Freedom Park)
Riding distance about 22 miles
Facilities available trailside
End time approximate
Ride at your own risk
What to bring:
Your recumbent bike or trike
Helmet
Sandwich/Picnic/Beverage
Weather:
We’ll ride in any weather, except steady downpour. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Saturday, May 2.
Registration is recommended for this event:
Full Moon Ride to Gillson Park
THIS RIDE HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
Ride with us to greet our Lonely Satellite as he makes his monthly full-face appearance over the waters of Lake Michigan.
When: Friday, May 1 from 5 pm to 9 pm
Where: Meet at Cosmic Bikes for a ride to Gillson Park on the lakefront in Wilmette. We’ll aim to be rolling at 5:30.
Pace: Moderate pace, no-drop social ride.
Route: Approx. 24 miles round-trip. We'll use a combination of the North Shore Channel trail and local streets. You may ride with us back to the shop, or head home on your own.
What to bring: Your bike, helmet, lights, lock, BYOB and cash for emergencies.
Ride at your own risk. Ending time is approximate.
Chicago Recumbent Riders: Lakefront Trail South
Join us for a recumbent ride along the lower half Chicago Lakefront Trail. Please park in Jackson Park at the parking lot at 6308 E Hayes Dr, Chicago, IL 60649 (east of LSD, right next to 63rd St beachhouse). It is metered parking.
👉👉👉 UPDATE: We’ll meet at the park adjacent to the parking lot with views of Lake Michigan, and start with freshly brewed coffee before the ride at 9am. We’ll bring everything needed to make coffee including our camp coffee making paraphernalia (you can bring yours too if you’d like). So bring your mug, and perhaps something edible to share if you’d like.
The ride will start at 10 am after coffee
We’ll head west through Jackson Park with a stop at the Japanese Garden about a mile in. Bikes are not allowed inside the garden, but will will take a a quick stroll because it’s a must-see.
After this detour, we’ll rejoin the Lakefront Path, snake around Promontory Point, and then head north to Solidarity Drive, and make a loop around Northerly Island, where —weather permitting— we’ll stop for photos and conversation (bring a snack if you’re still hungry after our coffee extravaganza 🙂).
Highlights:
Japanese garden is a gem, as the The Point. The whole lakefront is a highlight, but viewing the Chicago skyline from Northerly Island perspective, and riding through the beautifully naturalized sections of the trail is a real treat.
Other Details:
Riding distance about 20-22 miles. End time approximate.
Facilities available trailside.
Ride at your own risk.
What to bring:
Your recumbent bike or trike
Coffee mug. We’ll bring everything needed to make coffee including our camp coffee making paraphernalia (you can bring yours too if you’d like). You can also bring something edible to share if you’d like.
Sandwich or snack and a beverage for mid-ride stop.
Weather:
We’ll ride in any weather, except steady downpour. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Saturday, April 25.
Registration is recommended for this event:
Brompton Social: North Branch Trail to Superdawg 🌭
No worries if you don’t have a Brompton. ALL BIKES WELCOME!
Come on out for a fun and friendly Brompton Social Ride on Saturday, April 18 exploring Mayfair, Forest Glen and North Branch Trail, ending up at the iconic Superdawg.
We’ll gather at Cosmic Bikes at 4pm for a 4:30pm departure. This will be a low-key, no-drop social ride of about 10 miles if you complete the loop back to the shop with us.
End time approximate
You may ride with us back to the shop along Milwaukee Ave., or head home on your own.
What to bring:
Helmet
Lights
$ for beverages and food
Ride at your own risk.
No Brompton? No problem! Join us with the bike you have, or text us to check loaner Brompton availability (min 48 hour notice required).
👇 Please RSVP to participate 👇
Chicago Recumbent Riders: Centennial Trail
We’ll ride round trip on the Centennial Trail from Columbia Woods FP to the historic swing bridge in Romeoville. The trail occupies a thin strip of land between the Des Plaines River and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, and courses primarily through forested areas, and several forest preserves in Cook, DuPage and Will counties.
Highlights:
A level trail with beautiful river scenery, historic swing bridge, and opportunities for wildlife viewing with a midpoint stopover at a riparian Isle a la Cache Preserve on the Des Plaines River for snack/refreshment before turning back.
Details:
Sunday, April 12 we’ll meet at the Columbia Woods parking area off Willow Springs Road & Crocoran Rd. (see map) at 9:45 am for a 10 am departure.
We’ll make stops for refreshments and bathroom breaks. At the turn-around point in Romeville, we’ll take a 3-minute detour to Isle a la Cache Preserve where we will stop to refuel.
Riding distance about 26 miles. End time approximate.
Facilities available trailside.
Ride at your own risk.
What to bring:
Your recumbent bike or trike
Snack or bagged lunch and beverage
Sunscreen
Ride Guidelines:
These rides are somewhat exploratory in nature. We have not pre-ridden all of the trails, and while we are on the lookout for announced trail closures and obstructions, there can a bit of guesswork involved. Sometimes, we rely on other riders who are more familiar with the trails for guidance. Please maintain the spirit of curiosity and open-mindedness about last-minute route tweaks.
These are NO-DROP rides. We ride with participants with widely differing abilities, and it is our goal to keep a cohesive group. We will stop periodically throughout the ride to allow everyone to catch up. If you need to make an unplanned stop, the group will wait for you at the next rest stop.
If you prefer a faster pace, please let us know at the start of the ride that you will be going ahead without us.Please observe trail etiquette by staying in the right lane except when it is safe to pass.
Ride at your own risk
Weather:
We’ll ride in any weather, except steady downpour or other dangerous conditions. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Saturday, April 11.
Registration is recommended for this event:
Chicago Recumbent Riders: Wolf Lake Coffee Outside & Ride!
👉 PLEASE NOTE UPDATED MEETING SPOT FOR THIS EVENT: EGGERS GROVE. DETAILS BELOW
We’re kicking off the 2026 season with Coffee Outside, followed by a casual recumbent group ride at Wolf Lake at the Illinois/Indiana border.
We’ll meet at Eggers Grove preserve and start with freshly brewed coffee before the ride, meet and greet any new riders and catch up on what we’ve been doing. We’ll bring everything needed to make coffee including our camp coffee making paraphernalia (you can bring yours too if you’d like). So bring your mug, and perhaps something edible to share if you’d like.
This will be a 12-15 mile ride on paved trails around Wolf Lake. Lake George and the Whiting, IN lakefront with possible smaller detours and places to stop for photos, meet other recumbent riders, chat about the season ahead, and maybe share some treats.
Highlights of the ride:
Combination of gritty south-Chicago streets, the wilder side of Lake Michigan shoreline, and boardwalk trail that spans the length of Wolf Lake alongside I-90. 99% of the ride is off-street.
Hammond Lakefront Bird Sanctuary
Whihala Beach Gazebo & Pier in Whiting, IN.
Possible swan sightings —and lots of other bird viewing— along Wolf Lake
Deatails:
Sunday, March 29 we’ll meet at the parking lot at Eggers Grove near the Field House, off 112th St. in Chicago. There are plenty of picnic tables and this is where we’ll have our coffee outside and snacks.
Confirmed: Although the building is closed, there’s a Porta-Potty available on-site 👍.
Ride will start at 10am. End time approximate.
Riding distance about 12 miles.
Ride at your own risk
Updated route is highlighted below, with possible additional detours 🙂.
What to bring:
Your recumbent bike or trike
Helmet
Coffee making supplies (or just a mug), Snack/Water
Weather:
We’ll ride in any weather, except steady downpour or dangerous snowy/icy conditions. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Saturday, March 28.
REGISTRATION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS EVENT: