Take a tour of Palatine with bike club's CycleFest
CycleFest, Tour of Palatine, kicks off Saturday, Aug. 26, from Towne Square at Smith and Slade streets, with routes and pacing for various skill levels - from families with little ones to experienced riders.
Sponsored by the Bike Palatine Club, this bicycling fundraiser includes historical Palatine commentary on the short route, challenging hills on the long ride, and a happy medium in between.
Part of Palatine's StreetFest celebration, CycleFest treats riders to scenic streets and bike paths in and around the Palatine area. Trained ride leaders accompany each group, offering assistance to cyclists and their bikes on the course.
The shorter routes are no drop for lesser experienced riders. A route map is provided for the longer route. Rides are open to all helmeted riders, with those younger than 14 accompanied by an adult.
Riders can register online at the club's website, bikepalatine.com, or at the event starting at 8:30 a.m. at Towne Square, 150 W. Palatine Road. Registration cost is $20; cash preferred.
The rides leave promptly at 9:30 a.m.
For CycleFest information, visit www.bikepalatine.com.
"This is the club's biggest event and fundraiser," said Tom Lucas, a former club treasurer, now president. "CycleFest enables us to host free events throughout the year, including biking speakers, workshops and, especially, dozens of bike rides focusing on safety and fun for riders at all levels, making our community bike-friendly."
Besides CycleFest, the club hosts the upcoming Oktoberfest Ride on Saturday Sept. 16, initiating Palatine Rotary Club's Family Day activities, and jointly sponsors the Full Moon Ride with the Palatine Park District on Friday, Sept. 29.
The club, an affiliate of the Palatine Park District, runs 30 free casual rides on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer, slow evening rolls on trails and residential streets.
The Bike Palatine Club, formed in 2009, as the village's bike task force, is a nonprofit organization that offers member discounts at Mikes Bike Shop (accessories), SamCycle Electric Bikes (accessories and e-bike rentals) and Crank Revolution (bikes and accessories).
For more information, check www.bikepalatine.com.