McHenry County Bicycle Club to host 34th annual Udder Century Ride June 5
The McHenry County Bicycle Club celebrates its 34th annual Udder Century Invitational on Sunday, June 5. It will be held rain or shine. Bicycle enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels are invited to this bike invitational to pedal (and steer … ) along flat to rolling rural routes through the scenic dairy lands of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Start and end your ride at Donley's Village Hall Banquets, 8512 S. Union Road, Union. Enjoy lively conversation with other cyclists at registration before your ride and look around for Spokey the Cow, the McHenry County Bicycle Club mascot.
Choose the route that fits your riding style: 32, 50, 62, 75 or 100 miles. All routes are clearly marked on the country roads used for the event, but map and cue sheets will be available and are easy to follow. Take breaks along the way at our strategically placed rest stops to refuel, refresh, and chow down on bagels, fruit, sandwiches, cookies, and energy drinks. Jerseys of all colors and designs add to the excitement of being at the rest stops, and volunteers are there to make the riding experience safe and fun.
The club hopes to exceed 1,500 riders in this year's event. Radio-equipped vehicles patrol all routes throughout the entire ride to handle emergency situations. Riders should carry a spare tube, pump and water. Also, each rider should carry enough sunscreen to last for the route they elect to ride. Riders, age 15 and under, must be accompanied by an adult. All riders are required to wear helmets and abide by rules of the road (no more than 2 abreast) and must be off the road by 4:30 p.m.
After the ride, enjoy a gourmet pasta dinner at Donley's "COWLOSSAL" Banquet Hall, served from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Share stories with your fellow bikers. Soothe any tired muscles with one of our on-site professional massage therapists for an additional fee.
Pre-register and save at active.com or www.mchenrybicycleclub.org. Cost through May 26 is $30 or $35 from May 27 to June 2. Cost for the day of event is $40. The fee for children, age 6-12, is $10 or free for children, age 5 and under. Pre-registration closes midnight June 2. For information, email udder@charter.net or visit www.mchenrybicycleclub.org. Follow the club at www.facebook.com/mchenrybicycleclub.
Proceeds will benefit organizations such as the League of American Bicyclists, Trails for Illinois, Ride Illinois, Rails to Trails Conservancy, Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin and Active Transportation Alliance.