Train O' Lakes 2025 - Adult Overnight

Mileage: Day 1: roughly 100 Miles | Day 2: roughly 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 Chain O' Lakes State Park (IL DNR) located at 8916 Wilmot Road, Spring Grove IL 60081 (map).

Pace: 12-15mph

Trail/Route: Paved road with minimal gravel incorporated and possible snow.

Age: Adult Ride (21+)

All aboard the Out Our Front Door Express as we trace the historic route of the grand old Roarin’ Elgin - the once-mighty interurban railway that soared along the banks of the Fox River. Setting out from Chicago, we first roll onto the Illinois Prairie Path. The very first Rails to Trails path, this route connects many scenic suburban towns and villages through its over 61 miles of pavement and gravel.

Riding west with the early summer sun, we’ll stop for breakfast at the vibrant Wheaton French Market to grab fresh-baked pastries, local small batch cold brew, and other delights. Energized and fortified, we turn west up the Fox River trail and sail along the riverside through historic towns whose fortunes waxed and waned with the rails. We’ll see the Fox River Railway Museum in South Elgin, ride by windmills in Geneva, a restored train depot in Batavia, and maybe stop for BBQ in a converted caboose in Dundee!

In between towns, we’ll take a break from the sun as the trail curls through deeply shaded oak forests, broad freshwater fens, and stunning stretches of oak savannah. As the summer sun starts to dip low, we’ll leave the Fox River valley behind and travel through the final miles of rolling farmland to arrive at Chain O’Lakes state park. Dinner awaits you on arrival, along with s’more and story telling around the campfire.

This multi-modal adventure will cover approximately 100 miles on the first day. The following morning we ride a few short miles into Fox Lake to load up a Metra bike car and ride the rails back into Chicago to rest and recover.

• 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

Dark Matter Star Lounge, 2521 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, United States