Arrival Time: 5:30 pm
Departure Time: 6:00 pm SHARP
End Time: 8:00 pm
Ride Leader: Bill Gaston,  708-205-0467/williamgaston64@gmail.com and Brenda Dixon,  (773) 474-0944/drbmdixon@gmail.com
Start Location:

Parking Lot near head of I&M Canal Trail. Just off Archer near Willow Springs Road and 87th Street. Next to parking lot for Willow Springs Metra station. Nearby brewery is Imperial Oak Brewing, 501 Willow Blvd, Willow Springs, IL (for GPS).

To get to trail parking lot, traveling south on Archer, go past Willow Springs Road (near 87th St) to the next right, Willow Blvd. (Short street that comes up quick). Follow Willow Blvd around to the right near brewery, then turn left, cross the train tracks and turn into the first lot PAST the tracks.

Distance/Time Duration: 25 miles or less. 2 hours. (Will turn around at 1 hour mark)
Average Speed and Rolling Speed: 18-20 A/ 12-15 B
Drop/No Drop: No Drop, at the paces listed above. No rider left behind
Route and Description of the ride: I&M Canal / Centennial trail Southwest to 135th st and back. This is a well-maintained, protected, flat route with only two “hills” (overpasses), very few street crossings and starts/ ends steps from a popular brewery! (Imperial Oak Brewing) There is an option for hills at the end that adds about 6 (hard) miles to the ride, but I will leave that up to each individual.

HELMETS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL MAJOR TAYLOR CHICAGO RIDES!

As always... check the MTC3 Listserv on the day of the ride for any updates on weather, etc. To join the listserv, sign up for our Yahoogroup!

http://majortaylorchicago.com/ride-rules/

WHAT TO BRING TO AN MTC3 RIDE:
Part of being a good cyclist is having the tools and accessories necessary to be self-sufficient, safe, and ready to ride. Below is a general list of items to bring and a to-do list to be ready for an MTC3 ride.
• Gear Bag: buy a gear bag (saddle bag is recommended) and stock it with the basics – extra tube,tire tools, a small multi-tool, and either a mini-pump or a CO2 cartridge set.
• Tire Pressure: pump your tires up before coming to the ride, or bring a floor pump that you can use in the parking lot before the ride. If you need help, MTC3 ride leaders will be there to help you learn.
• Your bike: Give it a quick inspection. Spin the wheels to make sure they aren’t rubbing. Do the gears shift accurately and easily? Does everything seem to be in order? This is called an ABC check. (Air, Brakes, and Chain)
• Hydration/Food: Remember to bring water/sports drink and maybe an energy snack (bar, gel, banana, etc).
• Optional items: The following will make your ride more enjoyable, but aren’t absolutely necessary. Cycling gloves, sunglasses, cycling shoes and clipless pedals, padded cycling shorts.
• Be on Time: MTC3 rides leave promptly at the advertised time. Get to the start of the ride with plenty of time to get yourself and your bike ready to roll with soul!