ZERO TO SIXTY

Can’t remember the last time you rode five miles?
How would it feel to crush SIXTY by the end of summer?

From your couch to adventure in 12 weeks!

Too often, adventures are too expensive, too far, too out of reach.

NOT THIS ONE!

In 12 short weeks you’ll go from fatigued to empowered, thrilled to roll out the door, ride for miles and discover the natural beauty lurking in your own home state.

This summer, let Cosmic Bikes lead you on a path of building your fitness, boosting your confidence and forging new friendships, culminating in a group getaway, and a scenic metric century ride through some of the most beautiful roads in Northern Illinois.

On our weekly training rides, we’ll explore a variety of local biking trails, while we build strength and endurance to complete the 62-mile Tour of Scenic Ogle County on September 23!

We start on June 29, 2023. This is what you’ll get:

TRAINING

Every week, join a group of fellow riders for a training ride to build your fitness and skills. Weekday rides will focus on speed, weekends on distance, and you will receive a personalized guide and log to complete your training on your own schedule.

Camaraderie

Weekly rides, workshops, check-ins and a number of social events with other participants will make the process fun, and keep you accountable and motivated.

FITNESS

Workshops on cross-training, injury prevention, nutrition, bicycle fit and more will ensure that your training is well-rounded, and that by the end of the summer you feel fit, capable, healthy and ready for adventure.

Adventure

No need to cross the ocean or put off adventure for any reason. There’s breathtaking scenery, open roads and plenty of native wildlife within a short drive from home.

 

REGISTRATION FOR 12-WEEK PROGRAM

$995

$150 OFF available at checkout thru June 25

About the Journey

If you’re ready to grab the summer by the horns, and stop waiting for the perfect moment to take charge of your body, your fitness and your health (or, heck, maybe you just want to have some fun riding with a group of people this summer!) —this is the program for you!

Zero to Sixty is a summer-long training and support program that’s moderately intensive, but not grueling. It’s ideal for:

  • beginning riders seeking guidance and support to help them ride more, and get ready to complete a long mileage event in community with others

  • intermediate riders looking for camaraderie, motivation and accountability to ride more regularly and build skills

  • anyone who loves cycling and wants more if it in their life!

12-week Program Includes:

  • Orientation on the evening of Thursday, June 29 at 6:30-7:15pm.

  • 12 GUIDED TRAINING RIDES to develop specific skills and get you ready to complete an extended ride:

    • Weekend rides: Every other week, a Sunday ride will focus on distance, gradually building mileage up to 60. Sunday rides will take place at various Chicago-area biking trails.

    • Weekday rides: on alternating weeks, shorter Thursday morning rides will focus on increasing speed and will take place on the North Branch Trail or the Skokie Valley Trail.

  • Printed Training Guide will help you train on your own between the scheduled group rides

  • Training Log to help you track your progress

  • Weekly events and workshops with Guest Speakers on related topics, including:

    • Cross training

    • Yoga & stress management

    • Injury prevention

    • Bicycle fit

    • Nutrition

    • Basic bike maintenance

    • Informal social events for support and accountability

  • Evaluation of your bike’s mechanical condition and fit, or new bike purchase and sizing consultation

  • Member discounts on equipment and 50% discount on service from Cosmic Bikes in preparation for the season of training

  • Complimentary pre-ride safety tune-up at Cosmic Bikes before the final event

  • Limited edition Zero to Sixty cycling jersey and water bottle!

Program requirements

Participants must have a quality bicycle suitable for road riding that fits them and is in good working repair, and a bike helmet. We will be happy to help assess your bike condition, fit and suitability, and we offer options to purchase service and merchandise at reduced rates to Zero To Sixty participants.

About the Destination

TŌSOC —Tour of Scenic Ogle County— is a metric century (62 -mile) non-competitive ride, passing through some of the most beautiful roads in Northern Illinois. The ride follows quiet, paved country roads with rolling hills, traveling through beautiful scenery on well-marked routes along the banks of the Rock River, Lowden-Miller State Park, and Nachusa Grass Lands, with wildlife sightings of bison, eagles, red-tailed hawks, and great blue herons.

End the day and relish your accomplishments at a local lodge in great company of new friends, with delicious food, beverages and a bonfire!

RIDE BEGINS IN THE BIKE-FRIENDLY TOWN OF OREGON, IL

BISON HABITAT AT NACHUSA GRASSLANDS

SPECTACULAR VIEWS ALONG ROCK RIVER

WRAP UP AT THE LOCAL INN WITH DELICIOUS FOOD AND CAMPFIRE

Grand Finale Accommodations & Meals

Your registration in the Zero to Sixty program also includes the following on the weekend of the ride:

  • Two nights’ lodging at a local inn on Friday, Sept. 22 and Saturday, Sept. 23. Specific location to be determined once the number of participants is known. Accommodations will be lodge-style, with shared rooms.

  • Dinner on both nights, and bring-along breakfast and energy snacks on the morning of the ride.

  • A selection of beverages.

Ride Registration:

The TŌSOC Ride benefits Village of Progress, a charitable organization that works with Ogle County adults with developmental disabilities to challenge them to reach their potential at work and in the community. Your Zero to Sixty membership includes the $30 registration fee. A donation will also be made to the Village of Progress on behalf of our group based on the number of participants.

Not included

  • Transportation to and from training rides.

  • Transportation between Chicago and lodging in Ogle County.

  • Transportation from our lodging to the start of the ride on Saturday morning (we’re assuming participants will drive the vehicle they arrived in, carrying their own bikes).

  • Cycling equipment.

  • Additional meals, beverages, attractions, sightseeing etc.

Your Registration Fee is refundable until June 25 (10 days before start of the program), except $150 lodging deposit. We cannot issue refunds after the program has begun.

FAQ’s

Do I need a special type of bike to participate?

Bikes best suited to this program are road and touring bikes, and good quality hybrid bikes (for more on bike types see this article). These types of bikes are fairly lightweight and have wheels and gearing optimized for longer rides. Mountain bikes, cruisers and comfort bikes can feel more sluggish. You can start the program with almost any bike, and —if appropriate— upgrade you equipment as we go along.

The most important thing is that your bike is in good repair and that it fits you well. If you’re unsure, we’d be happy to help you evaluate your bike fit and condition.

Besides a bike, do I need any special equipment?

A bike helmet is required to be worn on all group training rides, and in the final event. Other recommended (but not required) equipment: water bottles and holders, clip-in pedals and shoes, tire repair kit, and a saddle optimized for longer rides. Some riders also like padded cycling shorts, but this is definitely a matter of personal preference.

When will the training rides take place?

Every other week, beginning Thursday July 6, we will lead a shorter morning ride (a total of 6 rides), initially from 8am to approximately 9-9:15am along either the North Branch Trail or the Skokie Valley trail (Sauganash section).

On alternate weeks, beginning Sunday July 9, we will do a longer ride (a total of 6 rides), initially from 9am to 11am, but the ride times will be extended as we build distance over the course of the program. These rides may require some travel to various area trails (TBA).

Depending on the number of participants and their interest and availability, there may be optional additional rides of increased frequency as we get closer to the date of the final event.

What if I miss a session?

Missing one or two sessions should not be a problem. If you follow along with the training guide on your own time, you should not have trouble keeping up.

Can I sign up with a friend? Is there a discount?

The more the merrier! We’re offering an early bird discount of $150 off per person if you sign up by June 18, 2023.