From Terry Witt, long-time Active Trans member, volunteer and the advocacy director at Spin Doctor Cyclewerks in Bartlett:
Spin Doctor Cyclewerks is sponsoring a free ride through the West Suburbs on Sunday July 25th. Named "SDC Bike the Rails," it is aimed at the Chicago bicyclist who would love to ride in the far western suburbs if they knew where to ride. This route developed during our many rides for the Chicagoland Bicycle Map 5th edition. Follow the Map as you ride to see how many more rides you could come back to in the future. We are always available to help you plan your route except we are closed on Wednesdays and Sundays for family.
Now is your chance to catch the Milwaukee District West Line from Union Station with your bike to arrive Bartlett at 9:29AM. If you missed it, Metra has worked with Active Trans to increase the number of bikes allowed on Metra from three to five. Spin Doctor Cyclewerks is one block north of Metra on Hickory Ave and will be open from 9:30 to 10am to register riders, preview the ride, and list sponsoring restaurants and businesses. We also have plenty of car parking in the Metra lot next to the store. Although there is no SAG, we will be riding the route and have cell phones for contact.
Enjoy a 56-mile ride through six forest preserves, a state park, on five regional trails, across three counties and with two other Metra stations along the way. Mostly hard surfaces with occasional crushed stone, the pace will be 13-14 mph. No one will be lost. Enjoy the fine dining in downtown Bartlett before choosing from several trains back to Union Station.
Contact [email protected] for more information. Visit our website at www.spindoctorcyclewerks.com and our facebook page. The route is http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/il/bartlett/107126965207553502
We also ride every Wednesday morning from the Metra. See our facebook or the Active Trans calendar for weekly ride information. Enjoy life, ride often!