Decemberg: Winter in the Woods Overnight with Out Our Front Door out of Chicago, IL

EVENT DETAILS

Pace: Casual. 12-15mph. Intermediate level.

Trail/Route: Paved road with minimal gravel incorporated and possible snow.

Lodging: Heated cabins (bunk bed style). Camping is an option if you prefer. The group will stay at Camp Reinberg (Cook County Forest Preserve) located at 1801 N Quentin Rd, Palatine, IL 60074 (map).

Itinerary:

Day 1: 45 miles | Day 2: 32 miles

Support: Self supported – you carry all of your own camping gear on your own bike. No vehicle support.

TRIP DESCRIPTION

You know you can’t wait til April to do another bike camping overnight trip. So join this rad crew and rock that winter bike riding life on a two-day loop leaving from and returning to Chicago. Out Our Front Door guides will give you an in-depth tour of Northwest Chicagoland, as the group travel from Ukrainian Village to Deer Grove Forest Preserve. You’ll be pedaling along through memories of mass transit’s past, along beautiful bubbling creeks, witnessing some of the region’s most unique ecologies. Wildlife sightings are a near guarantee! You’ll cruise by riverbeds and marvel at the big blue unsalted sea of Lake Michigan. If the weather cooperates, all of this splendor will be draped in a crisp white blanket.

Throughout it all, Out Our Front Door guides will be recalling stories of the dreams and plans of Chicago men and women whose modest yet hard work is to thank for the preservation of the Blue Basin’s natural beauty. Take a break from your winter hibernation and venture out with us on a frosty December ride.

You and your bike certainly can make it! Celebrate a winter’s adventure in the comforts of a heated cabin, with hot dinner and a steamy oatmeal breakfast included. Will I learn something? Will there be community? Will I have fun? Yes. Yes. and Yes. So celebrate the winter season and meet some new people. All are welcome.

Transfers: Out Our Front Door has limitations for ticket transfers, but may accommodate in the event certain criteria are met. You may review this updated Transfer Policy flowsheet to determine what next steps you need to take.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Campground fees (hated cabins, firewood, etc.)
• Food for Day 1 dinner and Day 2 breakfast.
• Education about our local history and nature
• Really nice and supportive guides

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• Food for Day 1 lunch and Day 2 lunch (we will stop at designated restaurants for food, but the guides will not pay for these meals).
• Snacks

WHAT TO BRING

• Your bike!
• Helmet – encouraged but not required
• Tent & Camping Gear or Sleeping Gear for Cabins
• Head Lamp
• Cash/Debit/Credit Card for your food and your drinks
• Photo I.D. and Emergency Contact Info
• Two spare inner tubes and tools to replace a flat (guides will be able to assist)
• At least 2 water bottles
• Bike lights, front and rear
• Lock for your bike
• High energy snacks
• Change of clothes, including swimsuit and/or rain gear!
• Phone battery pack
• Camp mug, plate/bowl, eating utensils
• Welcoming, adventurous, can-do attitude