Cycling enthusiasts looking for an adventure can register for the North Shore Century ride, which takes place on Sunday, Sept. 15 and offers circuits ranging from 25 to 100 miles.
The Evanston-based North Shore Century attracts more than 2,000 bike riders every year, according to organizers, and is sponsored by the Evanston Bicycle Club.
Registration, at www.northshorecentury.org, carries fees of $40 until Sept. 1, $50 from Sept. 2-14 and $60 on the day of the ride if capacity is available.
Cyclists can choose which route to ride on the day of the ride, from the gentle 25-mile loop to Glencoe to the Century, a challenging 100-mile route extending into Wisconsin, organizers said. Riders can also take the 50- or 62-mile routes (the 62-mile route is 100 kilometers, a metric century). The routes begin at the Clark Street Beach House in Evanston’s Centennial Park and wend their way through 25 north shore suburbs.
All of the routes include rest stops stocked with food, according to organizers. Mechanical support from a local bike shop is available at all the rest stops and special vehicles can provide mid-ride assistance for emergencies.
The Evanston Bicycle Club donates net proceeds from Century registration fees to nonprofit organizations promoting cycling in Evanston, Chicago and other area communities.
In addition, several charitable organizations, including Over the Rainbow Association, Climate Action Evanston and the Children’s Tumor Foundation raise funds for their organizations by having riders participate in the North Shore Century.
Local bike shops Green Bay Cycles in Winnetka; On the Fly Mobile Bike Repair; The Recyclery in Chicago; Trek Highland Park; Velosmith in Wilmette; Wheel to Wheel Mobile Bike Repair; and Zion Cyclery are scheduled to provide mechanics free of charge at the ride’s rest stops.