
Busse Woods Coffee Outside & Ride!
We’re kicking off the 2025 season with Coffee Outside, followed by a casual recumbent group ride at Busse Woods Trail. We’ll cover about 10 miles of paved trails wind through woodland, meadows and around serene lakes in a beautiful Cook County forest preserve in a convenient loop. Opportunities for wildlife viewing, including an elk pasture.
Details:
Sunday, April 6 we’ll meet at Busse Forest South (entrance at Higgins Rd. west of Arlington Hts. Rd. just past the bike/ped overpass — see map & screenshot). We’ll congregate at a picnic grove #5 and start with freshly brewed coffee before the ride, meet and greet any new riders and catch up on what we’ve been doing. We’ll bring everything needed to make coffee including our camp coffee making paraphernalia (you can bring yours too if you’d like). So bring your mug, and perhaps something edible to share if you’d like.
(NOTE: I did not reserve the picnic grove, and I am banking on it being available this early in the season. If not, there are other groves available off the same parking area. We’ll be flexible 😃.)Ride will start at 10am. End time approximate.
Riding distance about 10 miles
We’re keeping fingers crossed that trailside facilities will be available. I will try to post an update.
The official website does not mention any restroom closures at this parking area.
Ride at your own risk
What to bring:
Your recumbent bike or trike
A limited number of DEMO TRIKES may be available to rent from us by prior arrangement. Please call/text 773-930-4076.Helmet
Snack/Water
Weather:
We’ll ride in any weather, except steady downpour or dangerous snowy/icy conditions. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Saturday, April 5. Backup date is April 13.
REGISTRATION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS EVENT:

Pennsy Greenway Ride
We’ll ride the Pennsy Greenway starting in Calumet City, IL to Schererville, IN. This is a linear rail-to-trail with generally excellent surface conditions passing through a mix of suburbia, parkland and greenspace.
Details:
Sunday, April 13 meet at 9:45am for 10am departure. We’ll gather at the north end of the trail at the parking area in Green Lake Woods parking lot by the Aquatic Center (1100 River Oaks Dr, Calumet City).
Riding distance about 28 miles
Facilities available trailside
End time approximate
Ride at your own risk
What to bring:
Your recumbent bike or trike
A limited number of DEMO TRIKES may be available to rent from us by prior arrangement. Please call/text 773-930-4076.Helmet
Snack/Water
Weather:
We’ll ride in any weather, except steady downpour or dangerous snowy/icy conditions. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Saturday, April 12.
REGISTRATION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS EVENT:

Last Friday Brompton Ride
Join us for Last Friday Brompton Rides throughout the season.
On the last Friday of each month, we’ll gather at Cosmic Bikes at 4:30pm for a 5pm departure to a nearby brewery or watering hole.
On April 25 we’ll ride to Sketchbook Brewing in Skokie following the Valley Line Trail and local streets.
Approximate one-way distance 7 miles
End time approximate
You may ride with us back to the shop, or head home on your own
What to bring:
Helmet
Lights
$ for beverages and food
No Brompton? No problem! Join us with the bike you have, o text us to to check loaner Brompton availability (min 48 hour notice required).
REGISTRATION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS EVENT

Fox River Trail Ride
Fox River Trail ride between St. Charles and Aurora. Details coming soon
Details:
Sunday, May 4 meet at 9:45am for 10am departure. Parking and route details coming soon. Ride end time is approximate.
Riding distance about 20 miles
We’re keeping fingers crossed that trailside facilities will be available. I will try to post an update.
Ride at your own risk
What to bring:
Your recumbent bike or trike
A limited number of DEMO TRIKES may be available to rent from us by prior arrangement. Please call/text 773-930-4076.Helmet
Snack/Water
Weather:
We’ll ride in any weather, except steady downpour or dangerous snowy/icy conditions. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Saturday, May 3. Backup date is May 11.
REGISTRATION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS EVENT:

Recumbent Ride TBA
Details of this ride coming soon.
REGISTRATION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS EVENT:

Chicagoland Recumbent Fest
Come on out for the 2ND ANNUAL CHICAGOLAND RECUMBENT FEST!
In the world of look-alike bikes.recumbents provide a healthy dose of excitement. They also fill the needs of riders who would not be well-served by a standard upright bike.
Recumbent combine great ergonomics with excellent performance. They are fun to ride, and really, really comfortable. And, in the case of trikes, amazingly stable. This happens to make them a natural choice for people with physical limitations, or those who never learned to ride a two-wheeled bike.
Come discover for yourself for yourself the joy of riding without pain.
DEMO DAY! Try out three wheel recumbents form Catrike, Terra Trike, Greenspeed, HP Velo and AZUB, plus innovative tandems and delta trikes from Hase Bikes.
Demo Day Plan (exact schedule TBA)
Check-in and Coffee
Test rides throughout the day
Mid-day cookout
Focused Presentations:
Introduction to Recumbents
E-Assist Systems for Recumbents
Adaptive and special needs modifications
Bikes available for test rides:
HP Gecko 20 FX, HP Gecko 26 FX, HP Scorpion FS STEPS, Greenspeed GT20, Greenspeed Magnum, Terra Trike Rambler, Terra Trike Maverick, Catrike 559, Catrike Villager, AZUB Ti-Fly 26, Hase Pino Tandem, Hase Trigo, Hase Trigo STEPS, Hase Kettwiesel STEPS and more!
Much more info coming soon.
Sign up for email updates below:

Old Plank Road & Hickory Creek Trails
This week we’ll ride on the Old Plank Road Trail from Matteson (see parking info below), to the scenic Hickory Creek Trail detour, and back, for a total of about 25 miles.
OPR Trail ins a linear rail-to-trail and offers views of oak trees and sugar maples, prairie grasses, and wildflowers, as well as opprtunities to view wildlife (including bald eagles!) while passing through nature preserves adjacent to the trail.
With luck, we’ll stop at the Farmers Market in Frankfort on the return trip for snack and refreshments.
Highlights:
The trail passes over an award-winning, arrowhead-shaped suspension bridge, which takes trail users over US 45. Frankfort, the trail's physical and spiritual center greets riders with an archway overhead emblazoned with the trail's name.
Details:
Sunday, June 15 meet at 9:45am for 10am departure. Parking and route details coming soon. Ride end time is approximate.
Riding distance about 28 miles
Facilities available trailside.
Ride at your own risk
What to bring:
Your recumbent bike or trike
A limited number of DEMO TRIKES may be available to rent from us by prior arrangement. Please call/text 773-930-4076.Helmet
Snack/Water
Weather:
We’ll ride in any weather, except steady downpour or dangerous snowy/icy conditions. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Saturday, June 14.
REGISTRATION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS EVENT:

Family Playdate & Cargo Bike Demo
Join us for FAMILY PLAYDATE CARGO BIKE DEMO
We are joining with the Jefferson Park Sunday market to bring you an outdoor family playdate and cargo bike demo alongside a well- established farmers market on Sunday, June 22.
Grab the kiddos and come on out to test ride a variety of cargo and family bikes including:
Longtail bikes
Front loader bikes
Electric bikes
Urban utility bikes
Woom kids bikes
Much more info and full details coming soon!
Sign up for updates below:

Recumbent Ride TBA
Details of this ride coming soon.
REGISTRATION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS EVENT:

Recumbent Ride: Lakefront Trail South
Now that the crowds may have lessened, we’ll enjoy riding on the Chicago Lakefront Trail. We’ll meet in Jackson Park at the parking lot at 1971 E. Hayes Dr. on Sunday, Oct. 27 at 9:45 for a 10am departure. It is metered parking, $7 for 4 hours or $13 for up to 9 hours.
We’ll head north to Solidarity Drive, and make a loop around Northerly Island before heading back south to the starting point.
Highlights:
The whole lakefront is a highlight, but viewing the Chicago skyline from this perspective, and riding through the beautifully naturalized sections of the trail is a real treat.
Details:
Sunday, October 27 we’ll meet at the south end of Jackson Park (exact meatup spot TBD) at 9:45 am for a 10 am departure. We’ll make rest stops as needed.
Riding distance just under 20 miles. End time approximate.
Facilities available trailside.
Ride at your own risk.
What to bring:
Your recumbent bike or trike
A limited number of DEMO TRIKES may be available to rent from us by prior arrangement. Please call/text 773-930-4076.Snack/Water
Weather:
We’ll ride in any weather, except steady downpour. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Saturday, Oct. 26.
Registration is recommended for this event:

Recumbent Ride Old Plank Road Trail
This week we’ll ride on the Old Plank Road Trail from Matteson (see REVISED parking info below) to New Lenox and back, for a total of about 25 miles.
OPR Trail ins a linear rail-to-trail and offers views of oak trees and sugar maples, prairie grasses, and wildflowers, as well as opprtunities to view wildlife (including bald eagles!) while passing through nature preserves adjacent to the trail.
Highlights:
The trail passes over an award-winning, arrowhead-shaped suspension bridge, which takes trail users over US 45. Frankfort, the trail's physical and spiritual center greets riders with an archway overhead emblazoned with the trail's name.
Details:
Sunday, October 13 we’ll meet in Matteson at old Target lot on Cicero at Gateway Drive by the Pep Boys at 9:45 am for a 10 am departure. We’ll make rest stops as needed (see screenshot).
Riding distance about 25 miles. End time approximate.
Facilities available trailside.
Ride at your own risk.
What to bring:
Your recumbent bike or trike
A limited number of DEMO TRIKES may be available to rent from us by prior arrangement. Please call/text 773-930-4076.Snack/Water
Weather:
We’ll ride in any weather, except steady downpour. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Saturday, Oct. 12.
Registration is recommended for this event:

Recumbent Ride North Branch Trail (north portion)
This week, we’ll ride on the iconic North Branch Trail from the parking lot at Linne Woods in Morton Grove (off Dempster) to the trail end at Dundee Road at Skokie Lagoons, and back for a total of about 24 miles.
Highlights:
The North Branch Trail is surely a gem among Chicagoland's network of bicycle trails. It has everything a great bike trail should have: distance, scenery, variety, along with excellent pavement conditions and generally well-designed street crossings. The NBT will take you through woodland and prairie, along the river and its adjacent wetlands, ending at the Skokie Lagoons (before we double back for the return trip), which can almost make you forget that you are still in the big city.
Details:
Sunday, September 29 we’ll meet at the Linne Woods parking area off Dempster in Morton Grove (see map) at 9:45 am for a 10 am departure. We’ll makestops for refreshments trailside (BYO, but we will have some to share!).
On the day of the ride, I will provide you with wait stops where we will pause to allow everyone to catch up. This is a no-drop ride, and we have riders of various abilities, riding with or without e-assist. If you prefer to ride faster, or are under time constraints, please let us know at the start of the ride that you will be moving ahead of the group.
Riding distance about 24 miles. End time approximate.
Facilities available trailside.
Ride at your own risk.
What to bring:
Your recumbent bike or trike
A limited number of DEMO TRIKES may be available to rent from us by prior arrangement. Please call/text 773-930-4076.Snack/Water
Weather:
We’ll ride in any weather, except steady downpour. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Saturday, Sept. 28.
Registration is recommended for this event:

Recumbent Ride Tinley Creek Trail
MONDAY, MONDAY, MONDAY!!! Another longer ride again this week! We’ll ride all the loops of Tinley Creek Trail in starting from the parking lot at Turtlehead Lake in Orland Park, IL. The trail crosses the creek multiple times, winds around several small picturesque lakes and passes through various habitats, including woodlands and grasslands.
Total distance about 24 miles.
Logistics:
We’ll head left on the main trail from the parking lot spur, riding in a generally counter-clockwise direction. However, this trail has many turns, so we’ll need to take extra care to keep the group together. On the day of the ride, I will provide you with wait stops where we will pause to allow everyone to catch up.
This is a no-drop ride, and we have riders of various abilities, riding with or without e-assist. If you prefer to ride faster, or are under time constraints, please let us know at the start of the ride that you will be moving ahead of the group.
Details:
Monday, Sept. 9 we’ll meet at the Turtlehead Lake parking area off 135th St. west of Harlem (see map) at 9:45 am for a 10 am departure. We’ll make stops for refreshments trailside, and to allow everyone to catch up.
Riding distance about 24 miles. End time approximate.
Facilities available trailside.
Ride at your own risk.
What to bring:
Your recumbent bike or trike
A limited number of DEMO TRIKES may be available to rent from us by prior arrangement. Please call/text 773-930-4076.Snack/Water
Weather:
We’ll ride in any weather, except steady downpour. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Sunday, Sept. 8.
Registration is recommended for this event:

Recumbent Ride Centennial Trail
A bit of a longer ride this time around! We’ll ride round trip on the Centennial Trail from Columbia Woods FP the historic swing bridge in Romeoville. The trail occupies a thin strip of land between the Des Plaines River and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, and courses primarily through forested areas, and several forest preserves in Cook, DuPage and Will counties. Total distance about 26 miles.
Highlights:
A level trail with beautiful river scenery, historic swing bride, and opprotunities for wildlife viewing.
Details:
Sunday, August 18 we’ll meet at the Columbia Woods parking area off Willow Springs Road & Crocoran Rd. (see map) at 9:45 am for a 10 am departure. We’ll makestops for refreshments trailside (BYO, but we will have some to share!).
Riding distance about 26 miles. End time approximate.
Facilities available trailside.
Ride at your own risk.
What to bring:
Your recumbent bike or trike
A limited number of DEMO TRIKES may be available to rent from us by prior arrangement. Please call/text 773-930-4076.Snack/Water
Weather:
We’ll ride in any weather, except steady downpour. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Saturday, Aug. 17.
Registration is recommended for this event:

Recumbent Ride Busse Woods
Casual recumbent group ride at Busse Woods Trail. About 12 miles of paved trails wind through woodland, meadows and around serene lakes in a beautiful Cook County forest preserve in a convenient loop. Opportunities for wildlife viewing, including an elk pasture.
Details:
Sunday, August 4 we’ll meet at the Ned Brown Meadow parking area off Golf Road (see map) at 10 am for a 10:15 departure. Approximately half-way through the ride, we’ll make a stop for refreshments trailside (BYO, but we will have some to share!). End time approximately 1:30.
Riding distance about 12 miles
Facilities available trailside.
Ride at your own risk
What to bring:
Your recumbent bike or trike
A limited number of DEMO TRIKES may be available to rent from us by prior arrangement. Please call/text 773-930-4076.Helmet
Snack/Water
Weather:
We’ll ride in any weather, except steady downpour. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Saturday, Aug. 3.
Registration is recommended for this event:

Recumbent Ride Wolf Lake Trails
Join us for an easy-pace, easy-distance meet & greet ride at Wolf Lake. This will be a 12-15 mile ride on paved trails around Wolf Lake and the Whiting, IN lakefront with possible smaller detours and places to stop for photos, meet other recumbent riders, chat about the season ahead, and maybe share some treats.
Highlights:
Paved trail winds around Wolf Lake in the Illinois/Indiana border, with a section of trail making a bridge over the lake. Adjacent loop will take us along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Opprotunities for bird and wildlife viewing.
Details:
Sunday, July 21 we’ll meet at parking area at the Wolf Lake Pavilion at 9:45 for a 10am departure. Approximately half-way through the ride, we’ll make a stop for refreshments trailside (BYO, but we will have some to share!).
Riding distance about 12-15 miles. End time approximate.
Facilities available trailside.
Ride at your own risk.
What to bring:
Your recumbent bike or trike
A limited number of DEMO TrIKES may be available to rent from us by prior arrangement. Please call/text 773-930-4076.Snack/Water
Weather:
We’ll ride in any weather, except steady downpour. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Saturday, July 20th.
Registration is recommended for this event:

Breakfast Outside
Breakfast Outside is a fantastic way to get a tiny dose of camping life on a regular weekday before work. We’ve been cooking our morning meal outside whenever we get a chance, and this season we invite you to join us!
Breakfast outside is an informal monthly gathering with others who enjoy cooking food and coffee outdoors. It’s also a great opportunity to see different types of cooking gear, swap camping recipes and meet like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.
Plus, it feels like a mini-vacation!
You do not need to be a seasoned outdoorsman (or even a biker!) to participate. You can make an elaborate omelette with all the trimmings if you like, or go minimal with instant oats —your call! There will be plenty of hot water for coffee and usually some goodies to share.
BYO cooking gear, a mug and utensils. You can also bring a ready-made breakfast, but we think it’s more fun to cook it up right on the spot.
We’ll meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 8am at the pond near North Park Village Nature Center. Directions: On your bike, enter NPV at Pulaski & Ardmore, and follow the main drive until you get to the park fieldhouse (past Gymnastics center and admin buildings). At the fieldhouse, make a sharp left. You’ll see the pond about a quarter block down on your right.

Breakfast Outside
Breakfast Outside is a fantastic way to get a tiny dose of camping life on a regular weekday before work. We’ve been cooking our morning meal outside whenever we get a chance, and this season we invite you to join us!
Breakfast outside is an informal monthly gathering with others who enjoy cooking food and coffee outdoors. It’s also a great opportunity to see different types of cooking gear, swap camping recipes and meet like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.
Plus, it feels like a mini-vacation!
You do not need to be a seasoned outdoorsman (or even a biker!) to participate. You can make an elaborate omelette with all the trimmings if you like, or go minimal with instant oats —your call! There will be plenty of hot water for coffee and usually some goodies to share.
BYO cooking gear, a mug and utensils. You can also bring a ready-made breakfast, but we think it’s more fun to cook it up right on the spot.
We’ll meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 8am at the pond near North Park Village Nature Center. Directions: On your bike, enter NPV at Pulaski & Ardmore, and follow the main drive until you get to the park fieldhouse (past Gymnastics center and admin buildings). At the fieldhouse, make a sharp left. You’ll see the pond about a quarter block down on your right.

Brompton Maintenance Workshop (Copy)
Special FREE maintenance class for Brompton Folding Bike owners in an informal setting. We'll go over wheel removal and flat repair, drivetrain cleaning & maintenance, hinge care, and Brompton-recommended scheduled repairs.
CLICK IMAGE TO RSVP

Hike: Cowles Bog
Cowles Bog is the birthplace of ecology, and our favorite Chicago day hike in any season Total trail length is about 5 miles, but the main loop is just under 4 miles over highly variable terrain.
CLICK IMAGE FOR DETAILS & REGISTRATION

Happy Hour Get Comfy! Clinic
If you’d like to have less neck pain, wrist pain, and less pain in the butt, in this free workshop we’ll go over simple modifications to make your bike more comfy!
CLICK IMAGE TO RSVP

Breakfast Outside
Breakfast Outside is a fantastic way to get a tiny dose of camping life on a regular weekday before work. We’ve been cooking our morning meal outside whenever we get a chance, and this season we invite you to join us!
Breakfast outside is an informal monthly gathering with others who enjoy cooking food and coffee outdoors. It’s also a great opportunity to see different types of cooking gear, swap camping recipes and meet like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.
Plus, it feels like a mini-vacation!
You do not need to be a seasoned outdoorsman (or even a biker!) to participate. You can make an elaborate omelette with all the trimmings if you like, or go minimal with instant oats —your call! There will be plenty of hot water for coffee and usually some goodies to share.
BYO cooking gear, a mug and utensils. You can also bring a ready-made breakfast, but we think it’s more fun to cook it up right on the spot.
We’ll meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 8am at the pond near North Park Village Nature Center. Directions: On your bike, enter NPV at Pulaski & Ardmore, and follow the main drive until you get to the park fieldhouse (past Gymnastics center and admin buildings). At the fieldhouse, make a sharp left. You’ll see the pond about a quarter block down on your right.
LOCATION:

Happy Hour Flat Fix Clinic
In this hands-on Flat Fix Clinic we go over everything you need to know about bicycle tires, correct inflation, flat prevention and how to to change a flat on a bicycle. We briefly cover and preventing common causes of flats, getting the wheel off your bike, getting familiar with bicycle wheel and tire anatomy, removing and reinstalling the tube and tire, and assembling your basic repair kit.
CLICK IMAGE TO RSVP

Happy Hour Ask the Mechanic
For this informal workshop, you can bring us general mechanical questions, or ones specifically related you your bike. Though this will not be the time to perform specific repairs, we can help diagnose problems, let you know what’s possible, and advise you on potential cost and feasibility of repairs or conversions.
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Hike: Dune Ridge & Beverly Shores Trails
Come hike with us! We’ll celebrate the coming of spring with a beautiful hike at Indiana Dunes National Park Dune Ridge & Beverly Shores Trails. The 3-mile hike includes steep duneland ridges with gorgeous views, serene woodlands, and mysterious marsh with great potential for wildlife and bird viewing.
CLICK IMAGE FOR DETAILS & REGISTRATION

Brompton Maintenance Workshop
Special FREE maintenance class for Brompton Folding Bike owners in an informal setting. We'll go over wheel removal and flat repair, drivetrain cleaning & maintenance, hinge care, and Brompton-recommended scheduled repairs.
CLICK IMAGE TO RSVP

Breakfast Outside
Celebrate the beginning of Spring with BREAKFAST OUTSIDE!!
Breakfast Outside is a fantastic way to get a tiny dose of camping life on a regular weekday before work. We’ve been cooking our morning meal outside whenever we get a chance, and this season we invite you to join us!
Breakfast outside is an informal gathering with others who enjoy cooking food and coffee outdoors. It’s also a great opportunity to see different types of cooking gear, swap camping recipes and meet like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.
Plus, it feels like a mini-vacation!
You do not need to be a seasoned outdoorsman (or even a biker!) to participate. You can make an elaborate omelette with all the trimmings if you like, or go minimal with instant oats —your call! There will be plenty of hot water for coffee and usually some goodies to share.
BYO cooking gear, a mug and utensils. You can also bring a ready-made breakfast, but we think it’s more fun to cook it up right on the spot.
We’ll meet on Tuesday, March 19 at 8am at the pond near North Park Village Nature Center. Directions: On your bike, enter NPV at Pulaski & Ardmore, and follow the main drive until you get to the park fieldhouse (past Gymnastics center and admin buildings). At the fieldhouse, make a sharp left. You’ll see the pond about a quarter block down on your right.
LOCATION:

Happy Hour Flat Fix Clinic
In this hands-on Flat Fix Clinic we go over everything you need to know about bicycle tires, correct inflation, flat prevention and how to to change a flat on a bicycle. We briefly cover and preventing common causes of flats, getting the wheel off your bike, getting familiar with bicycle wheel and tire anatomy, removing and reinstalling the tube and tire, and assembling your basic repair kit.
CLICK IMAGE TO RSVP