Chicago Recumbent Riders: Robert McClory Bike Path
This week we will take the McClory bike path along Chicago’s swanky North Shore taking in architecture, area history and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.
We’ll park near Ft. Sheridan Metra station (see below), go through Ft Sheridan and then head north on the trail through Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. We’ll ride through quaint downtown Lake Bluff toward the lake and then circle back to the trail for a total of about 25 miles.
The path is extremely well maintained, is paved asphalt and concrete and most have just been repaved. The surfaces are smooth with very little elevation change. There are several places for rest stops and bathroom breaks.
Highlights:
Allow me to quote directly from our volunteer ride leader Al:
“The ride inside the Fort Sheridan Reserve will be on some trails and some streets. That will give everyone a flavor of the area and the history. There are outlooks with posted signs of the history for those that are interested and would like to take pictures. I'll plan on driving on some streets that show the types of housing dating back into the 1800"s and how they have been transformed for today's living.
From the reserve, we'll head back onto the dedicated "bicycle and pedestrian only" McClory Trail which takes us north along one side of Sheridan Road, through downtown Lake Forest, back along Sheridan Road, by downtown Lake Bluff and north up to the entrance of Great Lakes Naval Base. On the way back south, I like to go off the trail into downtown in Lake Bluff, by the train station and head east about a half mile to the lake. It's very scenic and shows the housing stock in the area, everything from early 1800's to today. The area is very wooded and most of all, very charming. I'll guide everyone back to the trail and head back south to where our cars are parked.”
But wait, there’s more!
“If anyone would like to stop for some lunch, there's a "very" casual and fun restaurant that I like called "The Mean Wiener" in Highwood that's about another half mile south of the parking lot on Old Elm Road. We can ride our trikes there by taking the dedicated bike path south, along Sheridan Road, right to the restaurant. It's very good fast food...hot dogs, hamburgers, beef sandwiches and really good Mexican! It has lots of indoor and outdoor tables. There's ample parking for those that want to load their trikes and take their cars.”
Details:
On Sunday, August 23 we’ll meet at the Fort Sheridan Metra "overflow" Parking lot located at the northwest corner of Sheridan Road and Old Elm Road at 9:45, for a 10am departure. This lot is across the street from the larger Metra Parking lot on the south side of Old Elm Road. It's right on the trail. According to Google, it is free on Sundays, but just in case, be prepared to pay a small fee. (See map and screenshot for location.)
Ride end time is approximate.
Riding distance about 25 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 lunch if you decide to join us.
Weather:
We’ll ride in any weather, except steady downpour or dangerous heat/air quality. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Saturday, Aug. 22.
REGISTRATION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS EVENT:
Chicago Recumbent Riders: Oak Savanna/Prairie Duneland, Indiana
We’re back to NW Indiana this week to ride portions of Oak Savanna & Prairie Duneland Trails, portions of which have been recently repaved, and boast butter-smooth pavement.
We’ll park at Oak Ridge Prairie & Oak Savannah Trail Park, and ride east into Portage with a mid-ride picnic lunch stop at Olson Memorial Park just off the trail, for a total of about 25 miles.
Highlights:
These trails follow old rail lines through restored nature corridors that connect small towns and suburban developments in NW Indiana. The trails pass through restorred oak savanna, and skirt portions of Indiana Dunes NP featuring woodlands, prairies, wetlands and several natual and man-made bodies of water. There’s plenty of shade along the trail, and in September, we may start to see some foliage change colors.
Olson Memorial park will be our turn-around point. Bring along a sandwich or snack to enjoy picnic-style before heading back to the starting point.
Details:
On Sunday, September 13 we’ll meet at main parking area at Oak Ridge Prairie & Oak Savannah Trail Park (near playground and gazebo). This is accessible from S. Colfax & Municipal Dr. in Griffith, IN (see screenshot & map).
Ride end time is approximate.
Riding distance about 25 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
Food/Water
Weather:
We’ll ride in any weather, except steady downpour or dangerous heat/air quality. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Saturday, Sept. 12.
REGISTRATION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS EVENT:
Chicago Recumbent Riders: Northwest DuPage County Trail Loop
A rare loop ride: 25-plus miles without retracing our steps!!
We’ll link together sections of three scenic rail trails in northwest DuPage County: Illinois Prairie Path Elgin Branch, Geneva Spur, and the Fox River Trail. The ride offers a great mix of natural areas, downtowns with trail amenities, and nature galore.
Click here to see our approximate route.
Highlights:
Large blocks of natural open space along the trail provide corridors for wildlife movement and seed dispersal, and fosters a refuge for breeding populations of animals, such as sandhill cranes, herons and turtles. This land contains the remnants of one of the most diverse natural systems that ever graced the Illinois landscape, the tall grass prairie and its associated communities.
Details:
On Sunday, October 18 we’ll meet at Timber Ridge Forest Preserve parking located at 1N600 County Farm Rd, West Chicago, IL 60185. As usual, we’ll meet at 9:45, for a 10am departure. (See map and screenshot for location.) From here, we’ll ride the short connector trail to the IPP.
Ride end time is approximate.
Riding distance about 25 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 lunch if you decide to join us.
Weather:
We’ll ride in any weather, except steady downpour or dangerous heat/air quality. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Saturday, Oct. 17.
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: 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 or dangerous heat/air quality. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Saturday, Aug. 8.
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 be plenty of shade. 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, July 26 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 or dangerous heat/air quality. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Saturday, July 25.
Registration is recommended for this event:
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. We’ll start and end the ride at the parking lot of the old Target at 4647 Promenade Way in Matteson, IL (see map and screenshots)
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 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:
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: