Night Bike Ride in Crystal Lake Planned for August

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County (TLC) is pleased to announce the return of the Night Owl ride on Saturday, Aug. 3. The ride will start at 10:00 p.m. at the Crystal Lake City Hall complex, 100 W. Woodstock St. Crystal Lake.

The Night Owl ride was founded in 2012 as an affordable nighttime bike ride that promotes cycling as an alternate means of transportation and exercise within the City of Crystal Lake. After a year off in 2018, the Night Owl returns in 2019 with renewed community support. “The Night Owl is a unique, fun community event that people look forward to each summer,” said TLC Executive Director Lisa Haderlein. “We are excited to organize this event to showcase some of the bicycle-friendly areas of McHenry County while raising money to preserve land.”

Proceeds from the Night Owl Ride will benefit local nonprofit The Land Conservancy of McHenry County and its efforts to preserve open spaces in McHenry County.

The ride is $15 per rider in advance, regardless of age. The fee will be $20 the night of the event. Registration is available at www.TLCNightOwl.org. The Night Owl is limited to 500 riders, so participants are encouraged to register early.

The main bicycle route is approximately 22 miles, and a shorter “family-friendly” route will be available as well. The ride will start and end at Crystal Lake City Hall and traverse points of interest in Crystal Lake such as the Prairie Trail, Fetzner Park Trail, Woods Creek Park, the Dole Mansion, the city’s namesake lake, Ridgefield Trace Trail, Stearns Woods, Veterans Acres Park and Prairie Ridge Conservation Area.

A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available to local businesses, starting at $100. Visit www.TLCNightOwl.org or contact Glenda Maki at gmaki@conservemc.org to learn about the opportunities available.

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County is a member-based private nonprofit dedicated to preserving natural, scenic and agricultural land.