Ride Specifics
Mileage: Day 1: 30 mile ride | Day 2: 30 mile ride to Chicago
Support: Self supported – you carry all of your own camping gear on your own bike. No vehicle support.
Lodging: : Tent (camping gear not provided). We will stay at Big Marsh park (Cook County) located at 11559 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60617 (map).
Pace: 12-15mph
Trail/Route: Paved road with minimal gravel incorporated.
Age: Adult Ride (21+)
Trip Description
As we continue to ask ourselves repeatedly, “how can be be more inclusive” and “who are we leaving out,” we came up with this ride this year. Because we certainly have not been accessible to folks that usually have to work weekends. So this one will take place on a Monday-Tuesday. Those that do have weekends off might just want an excuse to take a couple days off of work and go bike camping instead as well. All are welcome to join us for this classic, chill bike camping ride out to Big Marsh.
What’s Included
- Campsite and firewood
- Food for Day 1 dinner and Day 2 breakfast.
- Education about our local history and nature
- Really nice and supportive guides
What’s Not Included
- Food for Day 1 lunch
- Food for Day 2 lunch
- Snacks
- *We will stop at designated restaurants where you can buy your lunch
About the Guides
Our guides are part of a community of volunteers that believe in adventure and helping others find adventure right out our front door. They exude a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive spirit which are foundational values at OOFD. They have love and appreciation for their home and like sharing knowledge about that home with others, thus helping the riders to develop a stronger sense of gratitude for our local history and nature.
The guides will be set with the route and an extensive script about the area you’ll be riding through with intentionally chosen breakpoints along the way.
They are more than someone to follow on the ride. They are trained and will be there to encourage and support you as well as support with mechanicals that may arise.
Transfer/Refund/Cancellation Policy
Participant Cancellation: No Refunds. By registering, you acknowledge and agree there will not be a refund if you cancel or do not show up for the event. Tickets cannot be resold.
Transfers: You can transfer three days before the event. You can only transfer to an event in the same calendar year. Fill out this transfer form at least three days before your ride departs, and we will follow up in a week or less with instructions on how to register for your new event. Contact us if you have any issues.
Organizer Cancellation: Full Refund | Nobody wants an event to be canceled. In the rare circumstance the organizer cancels the event at their discretion, registered participants will receive a full refund. To date, this organization has canceled minimal events.
Weather and Rain: We do not cancel an event for rain, storm, or any other weather. We ride rain or shine. Chicago weather is typically passing, if the weather requires, we will pause the ride and wait in a sheltered space then continue biking. Some of the best views of the lake and greenery on the trails are after a rainstorm.
Radical Inclusivity and Non-Discrimination Agreement
This is included in your registration form. Showing up with a welcoming and inclusive spirit is crucial and expected of everyone that rides with us.
Bike Camping Packing Checklist and Tips
This event is part of Bikepacking Root’s Community Event Calendar, where we share bikepacking events across the US and Canada. Bikepacking Roots is not involved in the hosting of this event unless otherwise noted. Please reach out to the organizer for more information.