Autumn Sun Harvest 2025- Adult Overnight

Mileage: Day 1: 40 miles | Day 2: 55 miles, or 2 miles with return on Metra

Support: Self supported - you carry all of your own camping gear on your own bike. No vehicle support.

Lodging: Tent (camping gear not provided). We will stay at Illinois Beach State Park (IL DNR) located at 1 Lake Front Dr, Zion, IL 60099 (map).

Pace: 12-15mph

Trail/Route: Paved road with minimal gravel incorporated.

Age: Adult Ride (21+)

Get ready for crisp cool air mornings and the smell of autumn, as we tour the forests of Northeastern Illinois.

A seasonal landscape, where vast tracks of color flush red, yellow and autumn bronze, in the valley of the DesPlaines. A regional ride through the woods and prairies that lie beyond Chicago. But before we get there… house pumpkins, gourds, and cider fill the north shore communities, as we travel north and feast our eyes upon architectural masterpieces.

Learn about the towns, the lay of the land, and the unique ecosystems along the way, as we drop knowledge on top of your noggins at each breakpoint.

We’ll ride to and camp on the youngest land in the state at Illinois Beach State Park, discover the Dead River, go on a guided nature walk, and learn what the Chicago area looked like before European settlement. And what better way to end our first day of riding than to relax around a campfire, on a cool night with warm apple cider on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Day two, you can choose to do the 55 mile return along the Desplaines River Trail, or just hop on the Metra train just outside of the campground. Gather some friends, check out the itinerary, and let’s have a good time.

Read the 2023 blog post here.

• Campground fees (hated cabins, firewood, etc.)
• Food for Day 1 dinner and Day 2 breakfast.
• Education about our local history and nature
• Really nice and supportive guides

• Food for Day 1 lunch
• Food for Day 2 lunch
• Snacks
• *We will stop at designated restaurants where you can buy your lunch

Our guides are part of a community of volunteers that believe in adventure and helping others find adventure right out our front door. They exude a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive spirit which are foundational values at OOFD. They have love and appreciation for their home and like sharing knowledge about that home with others, thus helping the riders to develop a stronger sense of gratitude for our local history and nature.

The guides will be set with the route and an extensive script about the area you’ll be riding through with intentionally chosen breakpoints along the way.

They are more than someone to follow on the ride. They are trained and will be there to encourage and support you as well as support with mechanicals that may arise.

Participant Cancellation: No Refunds. By registering, you acknowledge and agree there will not be a refund if you cancel or do not show up for the event. Tickets cannot be resold.

Transfers permitted before the event and to an event in the same calendar year. Check out this Transfer Policy flowsheet to determine what next steps you need to take. Contact us if you have any issues.

Organizer Cancellation: Full Refund | Nobody wants an event to be canceled. In the rare circumstance the organizer cancels the event at their discretion, registered participants will receive a full refund.To date, this organization has canceled minimal events; primarily in response to the Covid19 pandemic.

Weather and Rain: We do not cancel an event for rain, storm, or any other weather. We ride rain or shine. Chicago weather is typically passing, if the weather requires, we will pause the ride and wait in a sheltered space then continue biking. Some of the best views of the lake and greenery on the trails are after a rainstorm.

This is included in your registration form. Showing up with a welcoming and inclusive spirit is crucial and expected of everyon that rides with us.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Clark (Richard) Park, 3400 North Rockwell Street, Chicago, United States