Get on your bike and ride
Fitness instructor and cyclist Vicky Tate has one piece of advice for would-be racers who think they need expensive bikes and gear.
"Just get out there and ride like hell," she says. "I try to keep my training simple."
The 47-year-old discovered her love for biking about four years ago while taking Spin classes at Advocate Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center in Downers Grove, where she now teaches.
Soon Tate decided to train for a triathlon and, as part of her training, she joined the women's amateur division of a race in Downers Grove.
That day she won.
"I was very intimidated, especially because they sent the teenage boys about a minute after they started our race," Tate says. "The last thing I wanted was for that pack to catch up with me."
Today, Tate is an overall leader in the Chicago Time Trial series in the women's 40-49 category.
Whatever your motivation, it's not too late to start training and enter a race this summer or fall, pros like Tate say. The key, Tate says, is to train with a group like the Downers Grove Bicycle Club, or any local club in your area.
"The main thing is to find people who can challenge you and ride with them," she says.
We previously told you about marathons and half-marathons in the area that are still within your reach.
This week it's all about the bicycles.
So here is the lowdown on some of the top bike races you still have time to train for in the suburbs.
Criteriums
Fox River Grove Cycling Challenge
Where: Near Route 22 and Ski Hill Road, Fox River Grove
When: June 22
Cost: $20 to $30 depending on competition category.
Good to know: A criterium is a fast-paced race that pits you against other cyclists on a lapped course.
Also … This event is part of the Illinois Cycling Association Cup Series; All racers must present a valid USA Cycling license at registration, or will be required to purchase a one-day license for the event at a fee of $10.
For details: (815) 479-1924 or rdisilvestro@msn.com
Elgin Cycling Classic
Where: Downtown Elgin; course not yet available.
When: Aug. 3
Cost: Registration costs not yet available.
Good to know: Held in conjunction with Elgin's Fox Fire Fest, a four-day festival of food, music and entertainment.
Also … Cash prizes total $12,000.
For details: dowtownelgin.org
Time trial
Chicago Time Trial Series
When and where: June 15 in Willow Springs, July 13 in Hampshire, July 26 in Richmond and Aug. 30 in Woodstock; courses not yet available.
Cost: Registration not open yet.
Good to know: In a time trial, cyclists race alone against the clock.
Also … Series purse and prizes total more than $9,000 combined.
For details: chicagott.com
Combination event
Tour of Elk Grove
Where: Lions Drive and Elk Grove Boulevard, Elk Grove
When: Time trial Aug. 1 and Criteriums Aug. 2-3.
Cost: Free to $150 depending on competition category.
Good to know: Total prize money is $225,000, making this richest 3-day cycling purse in the world, according to the event's Web site.
Also … Proceeds benefit Elk Grove Village's Soldiers Memorial Fund.
For details: tourofelkgrove.com