North Shore Century Ride Returns, Bringing Thousands To North Suburbs

WILMETTE, IL — Thousands of bicycle riders and supporters are expected in Wilmette, Evanston and other North Shore suburbs on Sunday, for the Evanston Bicycle Club's 41st annual North Shore Century.

The ride will begin and end at Gillson Park in Wilmette on Sept. 20, with routes starting and finishing at the Lakeview Center, 800 Gillson Park Dr.

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The cycling event attracts about 2,000 riders from throughout the United States, including participants from more than 30 states, according to the event organizers. Riders have several route options, from a 25-mile loop to Glencoe to a 100-mile Century route that extends into Wisconsin. Cyclists can also choose 50-mile or 62-mile routes, with the 62-mile ride identified as a 100-kilometer metric century.

The routes travel through Evanston and other North Shore suburbs. All routes are marked and include rest stops with food, including home-baked brownies and other treats, plus a signature item. The Glencoe rest stop on the 25-mile route will feature ice cream.

Mechanical support from local bike shops will be available at all rest stops, and support vehicles can provide mid-ride help in emergencies, according to the event information. Local bike shops providing mechanics free of charge at the rest stops are The Recyclery Collective in Chicago, Trek Highland Park, Turin Bicycle in Chicago, Velosmith in Wilmette, Wheel to Wheel Mobile Bike Repair, Working Bikes in Chicago and Zion Cyclery.

"Evanston Bicycle Club members have been busy scouting the routes, preparing baked goods for the rest stops, registering riders and coordinating logistics with the area communities," said Barbara Niehus, North Shore Century chair. "We're looking forward to what should be a wonderful ride."

Registration for adults is $50 through Saturday, Sept. 19. Registration on the day of the ride is $65. Ride details and registration are available at www.northshorecentury.org.

The Evanston Bicycle Club donates a portion of net proceeds from North Shore Century registration fees to nonprofit organizations that promote cycling in Evanston, Chicago and other area communities. Several charitable organizations also raise money through rider participation in the event, including the Children's Tumor Foundation, Envision Unlimited, Evanston/Skokie School District 65, the Recyclery Collective and Vivent Health.