Swedish Days bike ride starts Sunday

Concerned about parking in downtown Geneva when Sunday's parade kicks off? Why not try biking to the city?

This was the exact idea behind the annual Swedish Days bike ride when it started out in 1970.

"The goal was to go as a group and enjoy the Swedish Days together," said Jeanne Bereza, a founding member of the Fox Valley Bicycle and Ski Club.

Now due to the huge crowd at the festival, this invitational event has moved north. It draws more than 700 riders annually despite the change, said Bereza.

This year, the 41st ride will start at the Burlington Central High School, one mile west of Route 47 on Plato Road. There will be marked routes for 25, 45, 62, 75 or 100 miles.

Check-in goes from 6 to 9 a.m. Sunday. Preregistration is $15, or $25 on the day of the ride. This will include refreshments and snacks at several rest stops, according to a news release. Toward the end of the ride, participants will be greeted with cold watermelon and ice cream.

Over the years, proceeds from the ride have been supporting biking-related projects like Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a national nonprofit group and Illinois Prairie Path, said Mark Shirky, publicity official at the club.

The event has also funded more than 40 special tricycles for kids who have trouble riding regular bikes, said Bereza.

For information or to register, visit fvbsc.org.