62 miles - a Metric Century (100 KM)

Get out of Dodge and into the country with zero carbon emissions. Avg. speed of ride leader for total ride (excluding stops) will be 14-16 mph, perhaps as high as 18 mph on straight aways with a tail wind! All riders of all paces welcome and detailed cue sheets provided.

We’ll meet at the Irving Park Metra station and head Northwest to the end of the line. Of course the Metra goes whether we’re on it or not so those emissions don’t count.

 

An $8 weekend pass (purchased on train) covers entire roundtrip Metra trip.  Bring a bungee cord or something to tie up your bike inside your train car.  Each train allows up to 20 bikes on board so there should be no issue getting everyone on.  More info about bikes on Metra trains. The Union Pacific NW Line train leaves at 8:43am, Irving Park station (3931 N Avondale which is just west of Pulaski), arriving at Harvard 10:20am.

 

The bike ride will travel through Sharon, Beloit, and Poplar Grove on asphalt roads and bike paths. There is about 4 miles of crushed limestone on the Stone Bridge Trail which has, you guessed it, a stone bridge. A road bike will be fine on this ride. Click for route: www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/446981964

 

Lunch in Beloit has your choice of 2 places which are side-by-side: Bagels & More or Bushel & Peck's. We can dine out front and watch the bikes so no need to carry a heavy bike lock unless you want a better workout!

 

Return trains leave Harvard at 3:35pm, 5:35, 7:35, 9:35, arrive Irving Park 5:05, 7:05, 9:05, 11:05pm

Fast riders can likely make the 3:35 train home but most will take the 5:35pm train.

 

Obviously, those who have the means can also drive to Harvard.

As an alternative, bikers can get on the train at Ogilvie station at 8:30 or Clybourn at 8:38, or anywhere along the line that's most convenient for you.  Metra UP-NW line schedule:  Metra ride schedule

 

Ride will be cancelled/postponed if high chance of rain.

There is no SAG on this ride so be sure your bike is in good working order. A bike computer is helpful for following cue sheet in case we get separated. Recommend you bring 2 water bottles, spare tube, CO2 or pump, sun screen, snacks (for pre- and post- lunch breaks), camera, and adventurous spirit.

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Comment

Comment by DerferMark on July 21, 2015 at 5:48am

You can always eat pierogis on Sunday. ;P

Comment by This PBL dosnt make me feel safe on July 21, 2015 at 5:28am

Looks fun but can't miss Pierogifest.

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