Early birds get to hop on Tour of Elk Grove course first

Imagine taking a spin on the Tour of Elk Grove course moments before the professional riders do.

This year, you won't have to imagine.

Elk Grove Village's international bicycle race is inviting people to participate in a 4.5-mile ride on the course just a half-hour before the race begins Aug. 1. The fundraising ride will begin at 5 p.m.

It offers novice cyclists a chance to measure themselves against the pros, Mayor Craig Johnson said.

"Wouldn't it be great to play a game against the Chicago Cubs?" he said. "You can't get in an Indy 500 car and ride a lap and compare it to Michael Andretti. But you do get a chance to ride this time against the best riders in the world."

Proceeds from the $250-a-person fee will go toward the Elk Grove Village Fallen Soldiers Memorial Fund, which helps military families in need and offers college scholarships in the soldiers' names.

Only the first 30 people to sign up at tourofelkgrove.com will be accepted.

The Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove runs from Aug. 1-3. Winning prizes total $225,000, and the premier race draws some of the world's best riders.

The men's pros begin at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 1 with a 4.5-mile timed trial.

On Aug. 2, the cyclists will compete again on a 90-mile trek through Elk Grove Village and Schaumburg. Then, the race ends Aug. 3 with a 70-mile circuit.