Annual Blackhawk Country Roads Invitational Ride

45th Annual - the most picturesque spring ride in the Midwest!

DATE: Saturday, May 27 & Sunday, May 28, 2023

The ride features a delightful route, starting at the Greater Rockton Centre on Main Street in Rockton, Illinois. . Plenty of parking, restrooms and food are included to ensure you enjoy the beauty of this spring ride in the country. Four routes are available which will offer something for everyone.  For your safety, helmets are required for all riders.

We offer online, mail-in, and day of registration.  Online registration will close on May 21, 2023 at midnight.  Paper registration forms must be mailed before May 12.

Online Registration-click here, then "Register Now"
Print Registration Form - click here

* 60-Mile Ride
Shift into high gear for this 60-mile trek through the rolling hills of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. You'll pass sprouting farmland, visit charming villages and cruise along the scenic Sugar River.
60 Mile Ride With GPS Map Link

* 45-Mile Ride
Rolling countryside, quaint towns, and unspoiled views along the Sugar River set the stage for this tour.  The Duck Pond and Beckman Mill are old favorite rest stops on this longer route with some of the Wisconsin hills.
45 Mile Ride With GPS Map Link

* 30-Mile Ride - get out into the countryside
Rolling countryside, quaint towns, and unspoiled views along the Sugar River sets the stage for this tour. The Duck Pond and Beckman Mill rest stops are favorites on this route.
30 Mile Ride With GPS Map Link

* 10-Mile Ride
Any age or skill level can experience cycling on village streets and a paved bike trail. The villages of Rockton and Roscoe are true delights that should not be missed. (No supported rest stop, but several commercial stops available.)

Once is good - Twice is great!
We love these routes so much that we will offer you the opportunity to ride on both Saturday and Sunday. Choose one day that fits your schedule best - or ride both days. There is an additional fee for riding both days.

We provide excellent support:
A detailed route map and cue sheet, sag wagons and exceptionally well-marked roads are what you can expect from the Blackhawk Country Roads ride.  Rest stops are well stocked with high-energy snacks, refreshing drinks, and sweet goodies.

Quaint Rockton, IL on the scenic Rock River is easy to reach from anywhere:

Map - Greater Rockton Centre

Lunch served at Rockton Centre 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Join us for a relaxing and refreshing lunch at Greater Rockton Centre after your ride.

Start/Finish:
The ride starts and finishes at the Greater Rockton Centre in Rockton, Illinois, 302 W. Main St.  Registration and check-in is from 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. We suggest 60-mile riders begin by 9 a.m.  On street parking.

Ride with GPS:
Once routes are finalized we will make them available to the public at bbsc.clubexpress.com.


Thank you for participating in the Blackhawk Country Roads ride.  This event help funds the Blackhawk Bicycle and Ski Club, organized in 1974, and enables the club to contribute to other bicycle related activities.


     Previous donations have included the following:

     1 - Bicycles purchased for the Rockford Police Department.
     2 - Bicycles and helmets awarded to deserving students in a special project at RESA Middle School in Rockford.
     3 - Repaired bicycles presented to the Rescue Mission for use by those needing transportation to jobs.
     4 - Funds sent to League of Illinois Bicyclists (now Ride Illinois) to help pay for materials used in training drivers to share the road with bicyclists.