Rakow Branch to host 'Bike, Walk, Move Week' June 22-27

Gail Borden Public Library's Rakow Branch will have bike-related activities all week.

Come pedal power the Machine Bike all week. Also, there will be crafts and learning stations throughout the library as well as daily activities.

The Rakow Branch is at 2751 W. Bowes Road, Elgin.

• Yoga for Cyclists will be offered from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Monday, June 22. Registration is required. Just like yoga, cycling requires concentration, balance and strength. Join a yoga class that will take you through the appropriate postures, warm-up and recovery stretches. Register at www.gailborden.info, by calling (847) 429-4597 or in person.

• Family Bike Week Story Time will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 23. Join Ms. Angela for 30 minutes of picture books, songs and finger plays about bikes and exercise.

• As part of the ongoing "Reflections" series, learn about the "History of the Bicycle in Elgin: Bicycle Builders, Fashionistas, Racers and More" at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 24. With at least four bicycle companies in Elgin's past, a legacy of bicycle racing and a growing bikeway network, former city planner and bicycle advocate Tom Armstrong has a lot to talk about when he discusses the history of bicycle use and manufacturing in the Elgin area. Local collector and historian Jeff White will display various Elgin bicycle memorabilia. Register at www.gailborden.info, by calling (847) 429-4597 or in person.

• Join "Zumba @ Rakow" from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 24. If you like to dance to peppy music and get a great workout at the same time, try "Zumba @ Rakow." Sign up for a 15-minute class. It will be presented by staff from Curves Elgin. Register at www.gailborden.info, by calling (847) 429-4597 or in person.

• From 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 25, Bob Noe from Village Pedaler in South Elgin will offer simple bike maintenance tips and answer questions for bike riders ages 12 to 112. Register at www.gailborden.info, by calling (847) 429-4597 or in person.

• Sign up for a 15-minute demo class with "Curves Body Balance Class" from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, June 26. Registration is required. Body Balance is a low-intensity weight-based class that includes exercises to improve balance, stability and core strength for women of all ages! Men are welcome too. Sign up for a 15-minute demo class. Presented by staff from Curves Elgin. Register at www.gailborden.info, by calling (847) 429-4597 or in person.

• On Sensational Saturday, June 27, start out with Bike and Trike Decorating from 9 to 10 a.m., with the bike parade at 10 a.m. Or take a ride on the beautiful Reserve Bike Path from 9 a.m. to noon or ride the Working Bike inside the branch. Try your hand at a craft, and learn all about bikes and how they work.

Donate your old bike to Working Bikes, which provides used bicycles to those in need in developing countries and low-income communities in the Chicago area.