Forest Preserve’s Rec Bike Club Rides Roll Again

The Forest Preserve District of Will County has scheduled six bike rides as part of a special Rec Bike Club series this fall. Participants will bike a range of five-to-10.5 miles on trails throughout the district.

“The mileage for each route varies, with our shortest ride at the end of the season, since the sun will be setting earlier,” said Em Wilcher, the Forest Preserve’s recreation coordinator, who will lead the rides.

Registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org and is required for each ride. Participants may register for as many rides as they want, from one to all six. Those who complete all six rides will get a t-shirt. The rides are for ages 16 or older.

Saturday rides are from 9 to 11 a.m., while Wednesday rides are from 3 to 5 p.m. Here is the Rec Bike Club ride schedule:

• Saturday, September 21 – Wauponsee Glacial Trail South, Forked Creek – Ballou Road Access, Wesley Township; 9 miles
• Wednesday, September 25 – Rock Run Greenway Trail – Black Road Access, Joliet; 7.5 miles
• Saturday, October 5 – Old Plank Road Trail – Washington Street Access, Joliet; 10 miles
• Wednesday, October 9 – Wauponsee Glacial Trail North, Sugar Creek Administration Center, Joliet; 10.5 miles
• Saturday, October 19 – Hickory Creek Preserve – Hickory Creek Barrens, New Lenox Township; 9.5 miles
• Wednesday, October 23 – Messenger Marsh, Homer Glen; 5 miles

The Rec Bike Club was on hiatus due to staff transitions in 2023, so Wilcher said there has been interest and momentum building, with a core group of biking enthusiasts from across the county  interested in programs like this.

“I’m looking forward to getting out on the trail with some of those folks, along with fresh faces,” she said. “The camaraderie and community we’re building through these programs is a lot of fun.”

Three of the rides are on crushed limestone, and three are on paved paths.

“The pace will be comfortable for a group, including riders who have less experience, so this is a great entry point for anyone who has considered trying a program but is not confident they can take on longer distances,” Wilcher said.

After the final ride at Messenger Marsh, there will be a social event to wrap-up the rides and the program.