Plenty to do during Elgin Bike to Work Week
Submitted by city of Elgin
Participating in Elgin Bike to Work Week, June 11-19, will pay off in more than just burning calories and reduced emissions — there is a lot of free goodies to be had and chances to help good causes.
And, all events are free unless noted. Attend any event and get a free water bottle, sponsored by Elgin Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Elgin Community Network and The Bicycle Garage in East Dundee.
During the week, bike to Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., and get $5 worth of late fees waived and a coupon for a free drink with a purchase from Chicago Gourmet Cafe. While you are at the library, visit the bike display, including a typical commuter bicycle outfitted by Main Street Bikes and history of biking in Elgin presented by the Elgin Area Historical Society. Or find the committee-sponsored “Thrones of Summer” decorated chair along the bike path.
Or take advantage of the new bike loan program at the Eastside Recreation Center, 1080 E. Chicago St. Call Aaron at (847) 888-1989 for details. The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way, will offer free showers for bike commuters.
On Saturday, June 11, join in the Bike Donation Drive from 9 a.m. to noon. The commission will collect bikes at The Centre and then send them to Working Bikes Cooperative, where most will be repaired and sent to areas/countries in need of bikes for transportation.
On Sunday, June 12, enjoy “Bike for Life Ride” from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in rural Kane County. It is a fundraiser for school bike racks. There is a fee register at cityofelgin.org/bikes.
On Monday, June 13, local historian Jerry Turnquist will lead a bike tour through the Elgin Historic District. Meet at Old Main, 360 Park St. at 6:30 p.m., and it will finish by 8 p.m.
On Tuesday, June 14, join a bike fitness class at 6 p.m. for a 90-minute ride on the Fox River Trail. Meet at The Centre of Elgin.
On Wednesday, June 15, enjoy a celebratory lunch for bike commuters at noon on Walton Island, sponsored by the Elgin Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. The rain date is Friday, June 17. Reservations are required by calling (847) 931-6788.
Also on Wednesday, The Bicycle Garage will conduct a bike education/repair clinic at 7 p.m. at the Gail Borden Public Library.
On Thursday, June 16, take a “Breakfast Ride with the Mayor” at 7:30 a.m. Meet in front of city hall, ride for 30 minutes before stopping for coffee at Ravenheart Cafe in downtown.
Also on Thursday, The Bicycle Garage will conduct a bike education/repair clinic at noon at the Harvest Market in downtown Elgin.
On Friday, June 17, Matt Wilhelm, X-Games medalist, will perform a BMX trick bike show at 6:45 p.m. in the parking lot on the southwest corner of Kimball Street and Grove Avenue. Wilhelm has been ranked as one of the top pros for over 10 years.
Also on Friday, watch the 2010 documentary, “Chasing Legends,” which covers the events of the 2009 Tour de France from the perspective of Team Columbia-High Road, at 8 p.m. in The Centre ballroom.
On Saturday, June 18, avoid the traffic in the area of the boat races by biking to the event and securing your bike at the bike corral, sponsored by the BPAC. It will be offered from noon to 5 p.m. A donation is requested.
For details, contact Paul Bednar, Elgin Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee staff coordinator, at (847) 931-6788, or visit www.cityofelgin.org/bikes.