We’ve seen a large number of people deciding to commute on their bicycles this year. More likely due to the nearly $4 a gallon gasoline than to any large scale fitness program... But for those of us not riding our bikes to work each day, here are some suggestions in the form of a list of some of the remaining organized “invitational” rides. Most of the rides have fees. I have included mileage options and contact information. These rides are sponsored by bike clubs and various charitable organizations, and can be a lot of fun and a great way to meet other bicyclists. So, get your calendar and start planning before the riding season eludes us..
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Sept 30 to Oct 2= Northern Illinois Metric Tour, Union Il = 73/51/72 - $349 ContactJim Clark 815 477-8425 info@weekenderbicycletours.com
Oct/ 1 =Fall Festival Bike Ride Lebanon Il 11/15/31/47/66 $ contact 618-808-0109 ridgeprairietrailhead@gmail.com
Oct 1 =Fall Beautiful Southern Ride Carbondale Il 15/30/62 $15 self or $40 3 + beautifulsouthernride@gmail.com
Oct 1-Cruise the Creek Bike Ride and Fest 2011 New Lenox Il 6/11 free Contact Jim McFarland 815-727-8700 webmaster@fpdwc.org
Oct 1 GOAT oberfest Galena Il 50/100k $30 Contact Mark Einsweiler 815-777-2032 markeins@yahoo.com
Oct 1-2 Mississippi River Trail Weekend, McGregor Ia/Mn/Wi 800-675-2295
Oct 2 Pumpkin Pie Ride Ottawa Il road 28/63/103 or trail $25 830-4291 arvedrockcycling@yahoo.com
Oct 2 Prairie Pedal. Decatur Il 20/40/62 $25 pre $30 day of 217-423-7708
mccd@maconcountyconservation.org
Oct 2 Pumpkin Pedal St. Charles Il 10/20/28/45 $30 by 9/23 Sandy Hutchins 630-377-7250 shutchins@soill.org
Oct 3 Ride to the Depot. White Heath Il 16/35/110 $18 Contact Brent 217-365-0383 can_b_peace@yahoo.com
Oct 0 Blood, Sweat and Gears Highland Park Il 20/45/62/100 $40 Contact Jessica
312[568-7739 Jessica.Hatcher@lls.org
Oct 22 Firefighter's Fall Fifty, Richmond Il 20/26/36/50/62 $20 online $25 day of Contact Jay Marshall 815-370-4894 jmarshall@richmondfire.com