Biking

A Chicago Northwest Bike Ride

Current events are leaving most Americans stir-crazy and longing for something new and exciting. Why not salvage the weather while we have it and pick up the healthy habit of cycling. The benefits of cycling are almost as endless as the scenic trails you could soon be exploring in the Chicago Northwest. Riding a bicycle is an environmentally friendly and fun activity for those seeking exciting adventures and a new way to exercise. Whether you are merely looking for a convenient excuse to raise your heart rate or a delightful way to build your social circle, bicycling is for you! There are plenty of ways to get you up on two wheels in the Chicago Northwest region, and you don’t even need to own one.

Scenic Routes

Busse Woods, Chicagoland bikingNothing beats a bike ride with a view, and fortunately, Chicago Northwest is full of amazing scenic rides. Sitting at just over 3,558-acres, the Ned Brown Preserve—popularly known as Busse Woods—is one of the largest and most diverse locations of the Forest Preserves. It contains ancient tree canopy, nearly 13 miles of paved trail, perfect for scenic bike rides. We recommend trying out the Busse Woods Loop trail in Elk Grove Village and the Red and Black Trails located in Rolling Meadows.

Lake Arlington Loop is a simple and elegant 2.8-mile loop located in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Nestled near Lake Arlington, one of the most beautiful lakes in Chicago’s northwest suburbs, the Arlington Lake Loop bike path is an excellent ride for cyclists of all skill levels. It is an excellent spot for those looking to break out a bike they haven’t touched in a while and a great place to teach youngsters the basics! Be sure to come by around golden hour and catch the sunset; it is what makes Lake Arlington so special!

Busse Woods, Chicagoland bikingBiking In Our Communities

Our eight unique communities are proud to be bike-friendly. Find convenient bike maps that display the best way to get around town while spinning on two wheels. Attempt to burn off your lunch or dinner after dining at one of our 400 excellent restaurants! In the market to purchase a bike? Check out our wonderful bike shops that all promise to set you up with the bicycle of your dreams!

Never Ending Cycles is a wonderful little bike shop located in Streamwood that sells new and used bicycles, skateboards, and essential biking gear. They offer repair services and helpful tips on maintaining your bike. Located in Arlington Heights, Village Cycle Sports offers a wide selection of bicycles and expert assistance in selecting the proper bike type and model. They offer test rides, complimentary adjustments, and every bike comes with a free tune-up! 7 Mile Cycles in Elk Grove Village offers the latest and greatest bicycles the industry has to offer. Browse their extensive collection and find your dream bike. For those without their own bike, Seven Mile Cycles offers rentals and they are located right across from Busse Woods.

Bike Clubs

No matter how far, fast, where, or why you ride – the Arlington Heights Bike Club will welcome you with open arms. Whether you want to ride with a purpose at one of their charity events or for fun with friends, there is something for everyone in this club. Bike clubs are an excellent way to build your social circle and make new friends. What better place to do that than Friends of Cycling in Elk Grove. FCEG is a group of dedicated cycling enthusiasts that simply want people to ride bikes for enjoyment! They don’t take themselves too seriously and just want to have fun.

Real Rides at Church Street Brewing Company, Itasca, IL - Chicagoland biking

If you don’t own a bike or seek a specialty curated biking tour, check out Real Rides. They plan, organize, and guide social rides around all of Chicagoland. They know all of the unique paths, open spaces, and history in the Chicago suburbs. Perfect for families, retreats, and girls/guys weekends!

Stay up-to-date with what is happening in Chicago Northwest at our blog and for even more inspiration on the area, check out some stories.