Pedal-Pushers Hit the Road this Fourth of July for Annual Ride

Some July 4 traditions seem obvious. Hot dogs, watermelon and fireworks come to mind.

But long before the grill is started and the fireworks lit, bikers will be on the road in the Joliet Bicycle Club's 38th annual Fourth of July Metric Century Ride. It starts at 7 a.m. at Plainfield South High School.

Riders have a choice of three route lengths, 30, 45 and 62 miles through Will, Kendall and Grundy counties, which are sufficient to satisfy riders at any experience level, club representative Diane Walsh said. The ride is popular with both recreational and expert cyclists, who come from all over to participate.

“We have had riders from the surrounding states, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa and Indiana,” Walsh said, “but the most remarkable is this man from Colorado, who plans his vacation to visit relatives in Illinois around our ride so he can participate.

“We also have a nun from Minnesota, who comes down every year to visit family and do the ride," she said.

More than 100 people are already registered, but the majority will sign up on the day of the event, she said. Typically, anywhere from 700 to 1,000 will do the ride.

Riders can start anytime between 7 and 10 a.m., but must be off the routes by 4 p.m.

“This is a social- and family-oriented event intended to share with other bike clubs, individuals and families the fun of distance bike racing in a safe manner, over low volume roads, with rest stops and refreshments,” Walsh said.

There are rest stops along the way, typically every 15 miles or so, at which riders can take a break, use restrooms and snack on bagels, sandwiches, fruit, cookies, energy drinks and other refreshments.

Over the years, the club has changed several key features, including the location of the starting point and traffic control.

"In the early days of this event, we started the ride from Lewis University (in Romeoville) and Hammel Woods (in Shorewood),” Walsh said.

“We have moved the ride further west of Joliet to keep riders on low-volume roads. For safety, we strongly encourage riders to wear helmets and to ride with no more than two abreast and form a single file when traffic approaches. We also have Joliet police manning the busy intersection at Caton Farm and Ridge roads for rider protection and to avoid disruption of normal flow of traffic.”

Walsh has suggestions for those who are joining the ride for the first time.

“My advice would be to do some riding ahead of the event,” she said. “Don't just take your bike out of storage for the first time that year and think that all the mechanics of your bike and your body will be ready. You'll enjoy the ride much more if you practice for several weeks before the event, make any mechanical repairs needed on your bike, and be sure you have appropriate clothing for the weather predicted for that day. Finally, use sunscreen. It's a very sunny ride."

The fee to participate is $20 for ages 13 and up; $5 for ages 6 to 12; free 6 and younger. All riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult throughout the ride.

Register online at www.signmeupsports.com or download a registration form at www.jolietbicycleclub.org.