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2 FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016 | www.FoxRiverBikeTrails.com

www.FoxRiverBikeTrails.com | FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016 3

park your bikeat mcnallys

for lunch or dinner

109 West Main St.St. Charles, IL 60174

630.513.6300www.mcnallyspub.com

like ireland. only closer.

109 West Main St. • 630.513.6300St. Charles, IL 60174 • www.mcnallyspub.com

Open Mon - Sat. 11am • Sun Open 10am

4 BIKE AND BRUNCH Trailside destinations for bacon, eggs and bloody marys

8 BIKE SHOP TALK Local bike shop owners and staff share cycling insight, talk trails

10 BEAN SCENE Satisfy your caffeine cravings at these coffee shops along the trails

14 GOING THE DISTANCE St. Charles resident relives his 70-mile trek on the Fox River Trail

16 TRAIL MAP Discover the Fox Valley on two wheels

18 I SPY From a historic windmill to a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home, the bike trails offer a slew of stop-worthy attractions

23 ADVENTURE CYCLING Bike basics for long-distance trips

24 ROAD TRIP Bike-able itineraries to push your ride beyond routine

26 JOIN THE CLUB Meetup groups for avid riders and social cyclists

29 RIDING REFUGE St. Charles Park District installs Bike Plaza at Pottawatomie Park

30 CALENDAR A lineup of upcoming bike races and rides

INSIDE

4

30

4 FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016 | www.FoxRiverBikeTrails.com 25

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AURORA BRANCH

MAIN BRANCH

MAIN BRANCH

ELGIN BRANCH

5959 Warrenville

FabyanVilla

Museum& Japanese

Gardens

Bike and

Brunch

The aptly named Fox River Trail hugs the Fox River, offering a scenic route for riders meandering through Kane County. The Kane County

portion of the trail runs from Aurora to Algonquin and passes through nature preserves and quaint towns, such as St. Charles, Geneva and Batavia. On the weekends, the Fox River Trail transforms into a thoroughfare for cyclists on the hunt for brunch. And with a bevy of restaurants in such close proximity to the trail, bacon, eggs and bloody marys have never been easier to come by.

Trailside destinations for bacon, eggs and bloody marys

By STEPHANIE KOHL-MCCORD

â NORTH� The Finery &

Blacksmith Bar� Buttermilk� Gammon

Coach House

�

�

�


� The Finery & Blacksmith Bar 305 W. MAIN STREET ST. CHARLES 630-940-2380

Located a couple blocks from the Fox River Trail, The Finery & Blacksmith Bar opened its doors last year. The restaurant serves brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays and is located within a historic building.

Co-owner David Reyes says that many of the Finery team members are cyclists themselves, and that they not only welcome the crowd, but also allow cyclists to store their bikes inside if necessary.

Brunch offerings are a mix of traditional items – but elevated – and the chefs make their own bacon. You won’t find anything run-of-the-mill at The Finery & Blacksmith Bar, says Reyes.

“We like to take things to the next level,” he says, adding that his dishes put an emphasis on flavor and detail.

Brunch consists of bloody marys and mimosas and menu items like Crème Brulee French Toast, Wild Mushroom Omelets and Banana Walnut French Toast. In addition to the brunch menu, two dinner items and a full bar are available during brunch. Reservations are not only accepted, but encouraged.

For more information, visit thefineryrestaurant.com.

� Buttermilk 7 W. STATE STREET | GENEVA | 630-845-0820

Buttermilk is open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily, making them a great weekend brunch stop.

“Our fare is not the common fare,” says co-owner Pete Kostopoulos, who opened the restaurant last year. “There’s a little twist and turn from what you can get at the typical place.”

Although their menu offers traditional breakfast offerings, it also features items people don’t typically make at home, such as cinnamon roll pancakes and smoked salmon eggs Benedict.

Kostopoulos sees so many cyclists at Buttermilk, he has asked the city of Geneva to provide a bike rack near his restaurant.

Buttermilk’s entire menu is available all day. Its coffee bar menu also features specialty cocktails, such as its signature bloody mary, mimosas, beer, wine and more.

Find more at www.buttermilkgeneva.com.

Here are three, Tri-City trailside brunch spots to check out on your next ride.

-Continued on page 6

Bloody mary at The Finery & Balcksmith Bar in St. Charles

The B & G, Add the E at Buttermilk in Geneva


adn

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4

Good friends.Great food.

40W290 LaFox Rd., St. Charles • 630-513-4240 • www.otpwasco.comYour neighborhood pub & eatery

GAMMON COACH HOUSE3 South Batavia Ave, Batavia

630.482.3663www.GammonCoachHouse.com

Breakfast: Saturdays & Sundays • 11 – 2 pm

DAILY SPECIALS:Mondays: $5 Burgers Special • Tuesdays: Taco Specials

Wednesdays: Blue Plate Specials • Thursdays: Pasta SpecialFridays: Fish Fry • Saturdays: BBQ Ribs

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� Gammon Coach House 3 S. BATAVIA AVE. | BATAVIA

Gammon Coach House serves up American comfort food and craft beer. Brunch is offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the weekends. Though a short jaunt from the Fox River Trail, Gammon Coach House has long been a dining stop for cyclists along the trail.

“We have a very diverse breakfast menu,” says Owner Jon With. “It’s fairly simple, but covers all the basics.”

Gammon Coach House also has an outdoor patio and a full beer menu. A bike rack also is available for cyclists.

Among its menu items, With says that the Gammon Sausage & Biscuits and the Gammon Garbage Omelet are particularly popular.

“What we believe in is comfort food and craft beer, so our breakfast menu reflects that,” With says.

The Gammon Coach House bar has a lot of offerings, and the bloody mary is especially popular.

For more information, visit gammoncoachhouse.com.

Gammon Coach House in Batavia

-Continued from page 5


Pizza • Sandwiches • Salads • Pastapaljoeys.com

COME IN WITH YOURBIKE HELMET & RECEIVE

10% OFF YOUR BILL*

31 N. River Street 630.593.6600*Lunch only. One coupon per group. Exp: 8/31/16. Excludes alcohol and tax.

Stop Next Door and Relax with aGlass of Wine, Martini or Cold Beer

at

27 N. River St. –(Next to Pal Joey’s)–

Has something for everyone!

Pal Joey’s

Best Patioin Kane County


¢ LIAM DOYLE, Mechanic

PRAIRIE PATH CYCLE SHOP 160 W. Wilson St. | Batavia 630-406-9749 prairiepathcycles.com

TOWN OF RESIDENCE: West Chicago

BIKE I LOVE: Emonda S6 (road bike)

FAVORITE TRAILS: Saw Wee Kee Trail, the Fox River Trail and the Great Western Trail. The Saw Wee Kee Park trail because it’s a singletrack mountain bike trail located along the south shore of the Fox River in Oswego.

WHY I LOVE BIKING: “It’s my time to decompress from the day. It’s me time; a time when I can be alone, and I can detach from everything.”

¢ MATT KNOWLES, Owner

ALL SPOKED UP Batavia location: 3 Webster St. | Batavia 630-326-9625

Aurora location: 14 W. Downer Place | Aurora 630-801-9005 | allspokedup.com

TOWN OF RESIDENCE: Batavia

BIKE I LOVE: Cannondale Slate (adventure bike)

FAVORITE TRAIL: Fox River Trail

WHY I LOVE THE TRAILS: “The sites, the views, the variation of the terrain; it’s not overcrowded. You can go for a very long period of time without actually having to hit roads.”

WHY I LOVE BIKING: “It’s something you can do with a group or by yourself.”

¢ BRUCE HEIDLAUF, Owner

MILL RACE CYCLERY 11 E. State St. | Geneva 630-232-2833 millrace.com

TOWN OF RESIDENCE: Geneva

BIKE I LOVE: Specialized Roubaix (road bike)

FAVORITE TRAIL: The Fox River Trail and the lesser-known Virgil Gilman Trail in Aurora.

WHY THE FOX RIVER TRAIL IS MY FAVORITE: “I like the proximity to all of the different towns up and down the river. I like all the places that you can go to eat right on the trail. It feels like you’re out in the middle of the country but you’re still in suburban Chicago.”

WHY I LOVE BIKING: “I like the exercise. The adventure of trying different trails, and I like the social aspect of riding in a group.”

¢ BRIAN DONLEVY, Mechanic

THE BIKE RACK 2930 Campton Hills Drive St. Charles 630-584-6588 thebikerack.com

TOWN OF RESIDENCE: St. Charles

BIKE I LOVE: Trek Superfly (mountain bike)

FAVORITE TRAIL: Fox River Trail

WHY THE FOX RIVER TRAIL IS MY FAVORITE: “It’s the most scenic and … it’s more engaging. It’s a very huge trail; you can go all the way to Wisconsin and south of Oswego, and it connects also the Chicago trails from there.”

WHY I LOVE BIKING: “It’s very therapeutic. It’s a good form of exercise. It’s a good way to get out there. It’s fun with people or by yourself.”

BIKE SHOP TALK


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GALENA CELLARSVineyard & Winery

Dodson Place • 477 South Third, Suite 100 • Geneva • 630-232-9463

Liv� Entertainmen�on Sundays

Serving Wine by the glassor bottle

~ Featuring Wine Slushies ~~ Wine Tasting Bar Daily ~

adno=0348485

Tweed RideStopApril 30th

�THE CORNER GRIND 2 S. Main St. | Elburn | 630-448-1133

Located a few blocks off of the North Grasslands Trail, The Corner Grind is a cozy café and a great place to start or end a ride. The coffee shop serves deli sandwiches, soups and salads, and the vanilla donuts are a standout. Grab an iced coffee or smoothie to cool down before jumping back on your bike to explore the nearby Elburn Forest Preserve.

� RIVER’S EDGE CAFÉ 18 W. Downer Place | Aurora | 630-897-3343

Venture off the Fox River Trail and onto Stolp Island to find this lovely café. The menu is full of creative coffee and beverage options, like “The Edge” – an espresso drink with caramel, steamed milk and whipped cream. Take your drink and head out back to the large patio, which offers beautiful, panoramic views of the Fox River.

� JAKE’S BAGELS 220 N. Broadway | Aurora | 630-906-0332

This riverfront bagel shop and deli is located just steps from the Fox River Trail, and offers a mouthwatering array of bagels, from classics like sesame and cinnamon raisin to more original choices like banana nut and jalapeño egg. The shop has a self-serve coffee bar with all of the fixings and an outdoor deck with river views.

� LIMESTONE COFFEE & TEA 8 W. Wilson St. | Batavia | 630-454-4556

Limestone is the perfect place for a caffeine pit stop. Visitors can choose from a rotating selection of coffees, teas and a full espresso bar. Regulars love Limestone’s signature coffee drinks – one favorite is “The Bull Dog,” which blends together dark chocolate and peanut butter. The family-owned business is located just over the bridge from the Fox River Trail and has outdoor seating with river views.

� CHAPTERS COFFEEHOUSE & CAFÉ 10 S. Batavia Ave. | Batavia | 630-406-8005

This cozy café is nestled inside the Batavia Public Library, just off of the Fox River Trail. They specialize in picture-perfect coffee drinks that rotate seasonally. Popular frappe options include turtle and Oreo mint. If you’ve worked up an appetite, the café also whips up sandwiches, soups, salads and a variety of baked goods. The colorful frosted sugar cookies are a best-seller.

10 FOX RIVER BIKE TRAILS GUIDE 2016

COFFEE SHOP STOPS ALONG THE BIKE TRAILSBy KELSEY O’CONNOR

Whether you’re embarking on a morning ride or an afternoon jaunt, satisfy your caffeine cravings at these trailside coffee shops.

-Continued on page 12

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� EARLY LIGHT CAFÉ 11 E. State St. | Geneva | 630-296-6690

Cyclists can get a quick tune up and bite to eat at this seasonal café, which is attached to Mill Race Cyclery. Located less than a half-mile from the Fox River Trail and the Illinois Prairie Path, patrons can enjoy items like paninis, ice cream and coffee on the outdoor patio while taking in views of the adjacent Fox River. The window-service café offers an extensive gluten-free menu that changes daily.

� ARCEDIUM COFFEEHOUSE 60 Indiana St. | St. Charles | 630-444-0610

Arcedium continues to top annual lists of best local coffee shops – and it’s easy to see why when you visit. Just over the bridge from the Fox River Trail, the coffeehouse is always buzzing with locals and visitors alike. Coffee-lovers can choose from a wide variety

of beans from around the globe, all roasted fresh daily. The shop also serves breakfast sandwiches, salads, baked goods and has a dessert bar.

� ELGIN BOOKS AND COFFEE 66 S. Grove Ave. | Elgin | 847-695-2680

Elgin Books and Coffee, situated in the downtown area, right along the Fox River Trail, is a hidden gem of a coffee shop. Housing a large selection of used, hard-to-find and out-of-print books, the shop has a café-like indoor seating area that is perfect for chatting with friends or kicking back with a good book and a salted-caramel latte.

-Continued from page 10


DR. RICHARD R.LEITZEN

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SOUTH ELGIN • 847.608.9494Streamwood

630.830.2155DeKalb

815.756.9491Niles

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630.585.8087Wheaton

630.668.8277Huntley

815.756.9491

FOOT AND ANKLE CARENORTHWEST PODIATRY CENTER, LTD

Personalized care by Board Certified Surgeonsof the Foot and Ankle

SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 38 YEARS.*Diplomat, American Board of Podiatric Surgery

*Fellow, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons

—HELPING YOUR FEET LAST A LIFETIME—

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Ice Cream • SmoothiesShakes • Hawaiian Shave Ice

Frozen CappuccinoIce Coffee Drinks • SodasCakes for All Occasions

We Sell Dry Ice

4 N Island Ave • Batavia • 630.482.3729 • www.BataviaCreamery.comom

GREAT PLACETO COOL DOWN

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He was 21 years old when he decided to make the roughly 70-mile trek, which began on the Fox River Trail. Now, the 24-year-old bike tech looks back on the trip fondly. With a couple wrong turns and stops along the way, the trek took between seven and eight hours.

“The first part of the trail is my favorite part because it follows the river,” says Donlevy. “I always like going out and getting lost in the day – escape and bike away.”

Donlevy, who works at The Bike Rack in St. Charles, owns a road bike, two mountain bikes, a unicycle and is generally working on seven or eight project bikes. He has always been an avid biker, but he says that the trek was still intimidating for him.

For the first roughly 25 miles of the trip, Donlevy cycled at his regular pace, but, by mile 35, his screaming legs meant that he should have paced himself better. He stopped every eight to 10 miles to shake out his legs and get water.

“Once you get off the bike and sit for a while and get back on that seat, it can be brutal,” he says.

Although the ride was peaceful, after three hours the avid cyclist started to get bored. However, the satisfaction of getting to the “finish line” kept him going, even if it meant

GOING THE DISTANCESt. Charles resident relives his 70-mile

trek on the Fox River TrailBy STEPHANIE KOHL-MCCORD

In July 2012, Brian Donlevy decided he wanted to bike from his hometown of St. Charles to his family’s cabin just north of Lake Geneva.


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walking his bike up a hill during the last five miles of the trip. Luckily for Donlevy, his parents were already at the family’s cabin, so he didn’t have to make the ride home on his bike.

Although Donlevy’s cycling trips don’t normally cover such long distances – St. Charles to Wisconsin – he still hits the trails regularly, and sometimes he camps along the trails, too.

“It’s really fun,” he says of his cycling trips. “You get to go two or three times faster than with your own two feet.”

For those interested in getting into cycling, especially adventure cycling, Donlevy says there are some challenges. He provided some tips for distance riding, which included conditioning, wearing sunscreen, staying

hydrated, keeping your bike in good working condition and investing in padded shorts, he says.

For the average rider, Donlevy says that the Fox River Trail from St. Charles to Batavia is flat, and very pretty. The trail from Batavia to North Aurora offers some hills and is more winding, plus it has a cave, he adds. From St. Charles to South Elgin, there is a section of the path that is gravel, but Donlevy says that the trail goes through a nice, wooded area.

Following the trail gets a little tricky in Elgin, he says, adding that riders should pay attention to the green bike path signs. The trail also gets a little tricky in the Crystal Lake area, but he says that the Google Maps app is a fantastic tool for cyclists.

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A ALL SPOKED UP 14 W. Downer | Aurora 3 Webster St. | BataviaB BATAVIA PARK DISTRICT 327 W. Wilson St. | BataviaC PAL JOEY’S 31 N. River St. | BataviaD BAR EVOLUTION 27 N. River St. | BataviaE GAMMON COACH HOUSE 3 S. Batavia Ave. | BataviaF BATAVIA CREAMERY 4 N. Island Ave. | BataviaG GENEVA PARK DISTRICT 710 Western Ave. | GenevaH MILL RACE CYCLERY 11 E. State St. | GenevaI GALENA CELLARS WINERY 477 S. 3rd St. | GenevaJ GENEVA WINE CELLARS 227 S. 3rd St. | GenevaK COMFORT INN & SUITES OF GENEVA 1555 E. Fabyan Pkwy. | GenevaL STATE STREET JEWELERS 230 W. State St. | GenevaM THE DAM BAR & GRILL 65 N. River Lane | GenevaN ST CHARLES PARK DISTRICT 101 S. 2nd St. | St. CharlesO MCNALLY’S IRISH PUB 109 W. Main St. | St. CharlesP THE BIKE RACK & PROJECT MOBILITY 2930 Campton Hills Rd. St. CharlesQ ALLEY 64 BAR & GRILL 212 W. Main St. | St. CharlesR SKYLINE TREE SERVICE 303 N. 2nd St. #23a | St. CharlesS NW PODIATRY CENTER, LTD. 234 Randall Rd. | South ElginT OLD TOWNE PUB WASCO 40W290 Lafox Rd. | St. Charles¢ S.A.M.’s BIKE CO. www.SAMsBike.co

Virgil Gilman TrailFox River TrailIllinois Prairie PathGreat Western TrailRandall Road TrailMC Prairie TrailAuxiliary Route

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A great place to start is the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve (37W700 Dean St., St. Charles). Located at the intersection of the Great Western Trail and Randall Road Trail, it’s easily accessible by bike. Popular attractions include the Creek Bend Nature Center, Pioneer Sholes School and the Durant House Museum.

“LeRoy Oaks looks very much like it has for hundreds of years,” says Laurie Metanchuk, director of community affairs at the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. “It’s gorgeous and wonderful to ride through.”

Three popular bike trails converge near Tekakwitha Woods in St. Charles; the River Bend Trail, Fox River and Stearns Road Trail all run near the forest preserve. The woods, nestled in a large bend in the Fox River, offer lush wildlife, centuries-old oaks and forested ravines. An on-site nature center features natural history exhibits and activities for children. Visitors can explore the area on foot or bike through the east edge of the woods, along the former Elgin-Aurora trolley line.

Further south, cyclists on the Virgil L. Gilman Trail

I SPYStop-worthy attractions along

Kane County’s bike trailsBy KELSEY O’CONNOR

While riding your bike along the trails in Kane County, it’s about both the journey and the destination. From forest preserves to historic landmarks, there are plenty of stop-worth sites along the trails.

Batavia Depot MuseumPhoto by Mark Busch


can check out the varied landscapes of Bliss Woods Forest Preserve in Sugar Grove. The woods are home to what remains of an increasingly rare geological feature called an esker. This winding ridge was created more than 13,000 years ago by a river flowing underneath a melting glacier. Visitors can explore the diverse vegetation that lines the steep slopes as they follow the trail through the preserve.

Batavia is home to the most popular forest preserve in Kane County; that’s because the Fabyan Forest Preserve (entrances on both Route 25 and Route 31, just north of Fabyan Parkway) has plenty to do and explore. The property, situated between the Fox River Trail and the Kirk-Fabyan Regional Trail, includes woodlands, several historic sites and an island.

“Fabyan has a lot of cultural features,” says Metanchuk. “It runs through such a vibrant area and there’s so much to see. It’s stuff you don’t typically see in a forest preserve.”

The preserve is home to the Fabyan Windmill in Geneva, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours are available

on weekends from May through October. Just across the river is the grand Fabyan Villa (1511 S. Batavia Ave., Geneva). The villa, which was redesigned in 1907 by Frank Lloyd Wright, also is on the Register of National Historic Places. Now a museum dedicated to the history of the riverbank and the Fabyan family, the villa also has a beautiful Japanese Garden located on the property.

For more historical attractions, cyclists can follow the Fox River Trail to the Batavia Depot Museum (155 Houston St., Batavia). The previously abandoned train depot, originally erected in 1854, was moved to Batavia and transformed into a museum. The restored interior looks as it did when it was originally erected in 1854. Exhibits feature artifacts and photos on local railroad history, along with a full-size train car right outside.

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for hidden treasures along the trails. Many of the bike trails are dotted with “letterboxes,” part of a scavenger-hunt style outdoor activity. These small boxes, which are hidden across the country, contain a logbook that participants stamp when they uncover a box. Online clues lead local letterboxers to Island Park along the Fox River Trail and Moore Park on the Illinois Prairie Path. For letterboxing clues, visit letterboxing.org.

u For more information on Kane County forest preserves, visit kaneforest.com.

Fabyan Windmill in Geneva


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There is no Sam!S.A.M.’s is abbreviation for our granddaughter’s Sofia, Anna & Maria.

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The Best Bike Shop in the Fox ValleyVoted One of the Best

Bike Shopsin Kane County!

Ready to Hit the Trails?Whether your bike needs a pre-season tune up, or you arelooking to upgrade your current bike -All Spoked Up should be your first stop.

Come in and see for yourself why All Spoked Upis the best, service oriented, local bike shop

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When you’re on the trailstop in for a cold drink

or snack!Featuring Bikes from: Cannondale, GT,Santa Cruz, Orbea, Kona, Schwinn and more.We also feature the finest in clothing, helmets, and other bike equipment andaccessories.

Our goal is to help you find the perfect ride that will match both your budgetand the type of riding that you enjoy.


¢ MAKE SURE YOUR BICYCLE IS UP TO THE TASK. Some bike shops provide free safety inspections, so tell us what you are planning to do, and we can make sure your equipment is as ready as you are.

¢ TRAIN. Many people can’t just hop on a bike and ride to Lake Geneva over a weekend. Decide how far you are going to go and then research the route on the internet. There are hundreds of different development plans to assist you in reaching your goals. Your gear could be flawless but, if you break down, the results are often the same. ¢ WEAR THE PROPER ATTIRE AND PLAN FOR THE CONDITIONS. When you start spending more time in the saddle, you begin to understand the importance of cycling apparel. Quality padded shorts, gloves, clipless shoes, sunglasses,

windbreakers and a helmet all play a role in the enjoyment of the trip.¢ PLAN YOUR ROUTE AHEAD OF TIME. Often different municipalities do construction on or along cycling routes. Call local bike shops along your trip route and see if there are any blockages and, if so, ask a staff member to suggest an alternate route. Carry a map in case you have to change plans on the fly. If you are planning an overnight trip, reserve your lodging in advance, and don’t forget to check the weather forecast. ¢ LEARN HOW TO DO REPAIRS. When away from civilization, knowing how to fix a flat, adjust the seat and handlebars, deal with a broken spoke and remount a dropped chain can help keep you moving. Additionally, put together a tool kit that will allow you to do these

basic fixes yourself. Talk to your bike shop for tool-kit recommendations. ¢ CARRY IDENTIFICATION AND A DEBIT/CREDIT CARD. And, before leaving, inform someone of your plans, route and timetable in the event something doesn’t go according to plan.

¢ HAVE FUN! Sure, there are physical benefits to riding but often the emotional and psychological advantages are just as, if not more, important. Adventure cycling provides riders with a chance to get away, simplify life and live in the moment. In long-distance riding, the journey itself is actually the destination.

ADVENTURE CYCLINGBIKE BASICS FOR A LONG-DISTANCE TRIPBy BRYAN VANZANTEN

If you are reading this, it means that you have the Fox River Bike Trails guide in your hands. Since that is the case, it is a reasonable assumption that you are planning, or at least considering, a two-wheeled adventures beyond the familiar. I applaud you for even considering taking on this challenge. Some cyclists try not to venture more than a few blocks from home in case something should happen. Often, the love of cycling begins to blossom a bit farther away from home, where you are seemingly on a mission – just you and your bike. During this brief entry, I want to provide some suggestions and highlight a few considerations to help make your long-distance trip as successful and enjoyable as possible.

Bryan VanZanten, Manager of All Spoked Up in Batavia


GENEVA GEMS Pick a day between June 21-26 and follow the Fox River Trail to Geneva’s popular Swedish Days festival. The trail flanks the Fox River and is appropriate for all levels of bike enthusiasts.

Off of Route 25, stop by the Fabian Villa Museum & Japanese Garden to view the 1907 Frank Lloyd Wright redesign, and check out

Asian artifacts that were part of the collection of millionaires Col. George and Nelle Fabyan.

Hop back on the bike and make your way to downtown Geneva to partake in Swedish Days. By now, you’ve likely worked up an appetite, so check out the array of local food vendors for lunch, which includes items like traditional Swedish meatballs and

potato sausage. Don’t miss the lineup for the concerts on the lawn.

The nearby Geneva Ale House, Nobel House and Stockholm’s, all located along downtown Geneva’s main drag – State Street – offer a varied selection of craft beer and microbrews. The staff favorite at the Ale House is the Grilled Cheese – with provolone, American and Chihuahua cheeses layered with tomato and bacon.

When it’s time to hit the hay, pedal down the block to The Herrington Inn & Spa, and spend the night at the European-inspired hotel, which boasts amazing views of the Fox River. When you check in, don’t forget to book an appointment in the full-service day spa to start your day refreshed and recharged.

ROAD TRIPBIKE-ABLE ITINERARIES TO PUSH YOUR RIDE BEYOND ROUTINE

By JODY PAIGE

The scenery, bike-ability, popular summer festivals and outdoor activities are a few of the major draws of Kane County. The area is littered with family-friendly opportunities for fun, all while on the back of a bike.

Here are three bike-able itineraries to get the wheels turning for your next adventure.

Swedish Days in GenevaPhoto by Sandy Bressner


MOVED BY BLUES If music stirs your soul, you’ll want to coordinate a ride to the 20th annual Blues on the Fox Festival on June 17 and 18 at RiverEdge Park. Located in Aurora, the festival features an impressive lineup of blues artists, perfect for enjoying on a warm summer night. Previous performers have included Mavis Staples and Buddy Guy.

To get to RiverEdge Park, follow the Illinois Prairie Path Aurora Branch and connect to the Fox River Trail.

To refuel, take a short ride – just up the street from the music venue – for a cup of coffee or a pint at Two Brothers Roundhouse (across the street from RiverEdge Park) in Aurora. In addition to being the oldest limestone roundhouse in the U.S., Two Brothers Roundhouse has an array of brews, an expansive outdoor courtyard and live music on weekends.

Check into the Broadway Hotel Aurora/Naperville (adjacent to the Roundhouse) for a good night’s sleep.

Refuel before your morning ride by walking across the street to Jake’s Bagels & Deli. Before getting back on the saddle, start your day with a loaded breakfast sandwich or try one of the unique flavors of cream cheese with a warm and fresh bagel.

Give your legs a rest at Rocktown Adventures on Spruce Street, where you can trade forms of transportation. Rent a kayak, canoe or try a stand-up paddle board to take in the views and see wildlife from a different vantage point.

TASTE OF ST. CHARLES If you love to eat as much as you love to bike, the Best of St. Charles Foodie Fest and Family Fun Day is for you. Hop on the Randall Road Trail and cut over to the Fox River

Trail on July 30 to enjoy a food-lovers fest hosted by the St. Charles History Museum. Small plates offer a taste of what local restaurants have to offer, as well as wine and local craft beer. Just redeveloped, the museum features an array of exhibits featuring local history.

After learning a bit about the town, follow the Fox River Trail west to Pottawatomie Park, where you can play mini golf or volleyball, have a picnic or rent a boat. You can decide if you want to kick back and relax by buying a ticket for a Paddlewheel Riverboat cruise or continue your leg workout by renting a pedal boat.

Head back to Main Street and enjoy dinner al fresco on the inviting outdoor patio at Filling Station Pub and Grill.

To delve into even more local history, bike east on Main Street to stay at the historic Hotel Baker, where Louis Armstrong performed, John F. Kennedy stayed and – more recently – St. Charles resident and TV personality Jenny McCarthy married Donnie Wahlberg of New Kids on the Block.

Blues on the Fox in Aurora Photo by Thomas J. King Photography


W hen it comes to hitting the trails, the Tri-Cities area is a cyclist’s paradise. A flourishing community

of bike enthusiasts has resulted in the inception of bike clubs and meetup groups for like-minded people in search of a great ride.

Mill Race Cyclery in Geneva has been around for 33 years, and owner Bruce Heidlauf has helped people of all ages enjoy riding. Six years ago, he started offering group rides that leave from his shop.

During the summer months, the Mill Race group rides start at 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday nights. The shop welcomes riders of all different levels, from casual cyclists to the advanced. On Thursday evenings, Mill Race also hosts a barbecue for cyclists who have completed the ride.

“People love to ride, and they love to talk about it,” says Heidlauf. “What better way to get to know your fellow bikers than to eat with them after a great ride. On Thursday evenings the group can be as large as 40 to 50 attendees, and the after party is as much fun as the bike ride itself.”

For a more intense, fast-paced experience, the INTENT Multisport Coaches lead a ride from the shop at 8 a.m. Sunday mornings.

Individual riders split into groups based on speed and goals. Some cyclists want to socialize during the ride while others want to train for a race or a century (100-mile race) ride.

“Mill Race has riders that love speed, distance or just want to enjoy the exercise, but all riders love the social aspect of the group ride,” says Heidlauf. “Whether you want to talk while you ride or be motivated to push yourself harder, there are solid benefits of riding with other people.”

One of the reasons why Mill Race offers these rides is to help people of all ages and cycling levels enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

“[We love] to hear the stories of how people have lost weight or became more healthy by riding a bike; how they have found a sport they enjoy with their spouse – a sport they can start at an any age; how they established a new group of friends; and how they trained to complete a ride they never thought

JOIN THE CLUBMEETUP GROUPS FOR AVID RIDERS AND SOCIAL CYCLISTS

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possible,” he says. “It really can be life-changing.”

Some people use the group rides to meet other cycling goals, and Mill Race Cyclery encourages that.

“The group enjoys training for a variety of rides: the Swedish Days Ride, INTENT Tinley Park Duathlon, The Udder Century and Door County Century in Wisconsin,” Heidlauf says.

The 47th annual Swedish Days century ride is organized by the Fox Valley Bicycle and Ski Club.

“Our Swedish Days invitational is organized and executed by our club members, with a small group of dedicated folks who start the planning process in December,” says Barb Schinderle, president of the club. “Our route stretches from Hampshire to Kaneville on the

paved roads that run through the beautiful rolling countryside, through small towns and past cornfields and animal farms.”

The rest stops include handmade peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and homemade cookies, dill pickles, gallons of Gatorade and cold, fresh water. At the finish, there will be watermelon and ice cream.

Those interested in meeting up with other cyclists for group rides or training, can visit the Fox Valley Bicycle and Ski Club website, www.fvbsc.org. Rides often start at the Kane County Government Center, 719 S. Batavia Ave. in Geneva, or Wasco Elementary School, 4N782 School St. in Wasco.


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Cyclists traveling along the miles of trails that wind along the banks of the Fox River often end up at Pottawatomie Park – a serene and scenic place that cyclists can stop for clean restrooms, tasty refreshments and shelters from sudden storms. And, with the addition of the park’s dedicated Bike Plaza, cyclists now will have a designated place to fix a flat, adjust their brakes or straighten a slanted seat.

Provided by the Making Kane County Fit for Kids Funding Consortium, two state-of-the-art bike repair areas have been installed along the Fox River Trail. One plaza is located on the north side of the restroom facilities, adjacent to River View Miniature Golf; and the second station is located across from Langum Park, located along Route 25 on the east bank of the Fox River. Vibrant signage directs

bikers to each plaza, which also are outfitted with water bottle fill stations, benches and weather-proof bike path information holders.

“One of the scariest things for bikers is to be out on a trail and not have a way to take care of any mechanical emergencies,” says Laura Rudow, superintendent of Parks and Planning. “These bike repair stations can give riders great peace of mind.”

Each station comes equipped with numerous commercial-grade, rubber-coated, flexible cable-tied tools, including various-sized screwdrivers and wrenches, which will enable bikers to do everything from raising or lower a seat to adjusting tire alignment.

Elevated hanger arms allow the bike to be mounted at eye level to make repairs easier to manage, and an

air pump will help take care of any flat tires.

Bike Plazas also include weather-proof brochure holders with maps of the Fox River Trail, and a QR code for cyclists who prefer to download the information using a smart phone.

“The biking community is a very active, socially-connected network,” says Rudow. “Our Bike Plazas are helping make the park district even more of a destination for avid bikers as it provides respite to the distance biker.”

RIDING REFUGESt. Charles Park District

installs Bike Plaza at Pottawatomie ParkBy ERIKA YOUNG


UDDER CENTURY JUNE 5 Ride 32, 50, 62, 75 or 100 miles along rolling rural routes through the dairy lands of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. � mchenrycountybicycleclub.org

GRAND ILLINOIS TRAIL AND PARKS BIKE TOUR JUNE 12-17 The six-day bike tour will highlight some of the best sections and attractions of Illinois’ Route 66 Trail and also will feature the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, the Mackinaw Valley Trail, and more. The 14th annual ride will make a loop starting and ending at Coal City High School, with stops in Oglesby, Washington, the Bloomington-Normal area and Pontiac. � rideillinois.org

SWEDISH DAYS RIDE JUNE 26 In its 47th year, the Swedish Days Ride covers 27, 45, 62, 80, 100 and 124-miles, and starts and finishes behind Central High School, near Burlington. From the high school, all routes travel quiet and scenic paved roads of rural Kane County. � fvbsc.org

BIKE MS: TOUR DE FARMS JUNE 25 -26 The bike tour begins and finishes at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, and covers between 15 and 200 miles over the course of a weekend. During the post-ride festival on June 25, cyclists can celebrate their accomplishments with food, live music and a beer garden. � nationalmssociety.org

BIKING WITH BEANZIE JULY 17 Biking with Beanzie is a recreational ride presented by Kishwaukee Kiwanis Club of DeKalb and is sponsored by Kishwaukee Community Hospital. The ride covers 25, 46, 62, 80 or 101 miles and

the route consists of flat rural roads with some rolling terrain. There also are 3, 5 and 8-mile family/community bicycle pathway routes. � www.kishkiwanis.org

BIKE PSYCHOS CENTURY AUGUST 20 The Bike Psychos Century has five rides: 30, 50, 64, 100 and 124 miles. The ride starts and finishes at Coal City High School. � www.bikepsychos.net

EVERYBODY RIDES SEPTEMBER 11 The fourth annual Everybody Rides benefit will take place at James O. Breen Park in St. Charles and will feature a 10-mile family trail ride and a 30-, 45- and 60-mile ride on quiet country roads. After the ride, Project Mobility will host a party in the park with live entertainment, food, drinks, raffles and games. � www.projectmobility.org

PUMPKIN PEDAL OCTOBER 2 This year’s Pumpkin Pedal will feature 10-, 20- and 26-mile trail rides on the Great Western Trail and 40- and 62-mile road rides. Routes begin at Sycamore Speedway in Maple Park. � www.soill.org

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