BBSC has several rides to enjoy at various paces and distances.
Here is a rule of thumb for pace descriptions:
- leisure = 10 – 13 mph
- moderate = 14 – 17 mph
- fast = 18+ mph
Weekly rides run late March through early October. Due to weather conditions and amount of daylight weekly ride turn out can be sporadic in early spring and fall and start times may vary. The start time for weekly night rides for June-August is arranged by those riding. Weekly morning rides start at 9 a.m. except for during the months of June, July and August when they start at 8 a.m. (There are some variances to that, so be sure to check the Event Calendar for the specific day/ride you're interested in.)
Sunday rides begin in Mid-March and continue through early November.
Sunday
Blackhawk Bicycle and Ski Club members have typically enjoyed a different ride each Sunday during the cycling season. While Sunday rides have been sporadic in 2018, we plan to have a full schedule again in 2019. Thank you for your patience. There are some very scenic and interesting routes! Check the Event Calendar.
Monday Evening – Social Ride
Ride start is at the city lot across the street from Baumann Park (Walnut St. and Genoa St.) in Cherry Valley. This is a leaderless ride. Pace varies, and mileage is determined by those present. Ride distance varies from 12 to 31 miles. The terrain is flat to gently rolling. You won't be left behind.
The start time varies quite a bit, especially when the days get shorter.
Lynn Bonnett at 540.7168 (area code 815) can provide more information about evening rides. The evening rides have fewer riders, and we usually just keep in touch with each other about what start times and evenings we will ride. Feel free to text during the day if you are interested. We keep an eye on the weather and vary the start times to avoid bad weather and accommodate work schedules.
Tuesday Morning – Northeast Rides (multiple options)
Ride start is at the Sportscore Two west parking lot, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park. The terrain is flat to rolling. There is a 9 a.m., 19-24 mile, leisurely paced option that stops for breakfast at the Boone County Family Restaurant on the corner of IL-173 & IL-76. Call Fred Kennerly at 815-398-6861 for more information.
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This ride to Clinton, Wisconsin has evolved into three different starting points. Check the Event Calendar for start times.
1. With a starting at Sportscore Two, this moderately paced, 40-60-mile option goes to Clinton, WI for breakfast at the Clinton Kitchen. The terrain is rolling (some would say 'hilly'). There are various longer and shorter route options. Call Paul Mollway, 630-664-2788, for more information.
2. Starting at Brown Conservation Park (Caledonia and Quail Trap Roads), this moderate-paced group may join up with riders leaving from Sportscore Two.
Call Kurt Untersee, 815-238-3236, for more information.
3. Starting from Prairie Fields Sports Park, 1111 Fairgrounds Road, Belvidere, this fast paced group decides on various routes to Clinton. Don't count on this being a "no drop" ride. Call Rich O'Donnell, 815-243-9052, for more information.
Thursday Morning – Breakfast in 'Bago or 'Pec
This ride starts at the Faith Center's south parking lot, 4699 S. Main on the corner of South Main Street and Pelley Road. At 9 am there is a leisurely paced, 25-mile, flat-to-rolling ride to Winnebago and back. Call Fred Kennerly at 815-398-6861 for more information.
A moderate paced group rides to Pecatonica for breakfast. This route is 41 miles and is flat-to-rolling terrain. Check the Event Calendar for Start Times. Call Jim Lowe, 815-543-1679, for more information.
Friday morning – Breakfast in Harvard
Start from the Prairie Fields Sports Park, Big Thunder Blvd. & Fairgrounds Roads, Belvidere, IL. This is a moderate paced 42 mile ride over flat terrain. No one will be left behind. Ride stops in Harvard for breakfast. Call Castor Armesto at 815-323-4390. Check the Event Calendar for Start Times.
Saturday Morning – Breakfast Rides
South Breakfast Ride - Meet at Baumann Park, (Walnut and Genoa Streets) in Cherry Valley for a ride to Kirkland for breakfast. One moderate/fast-paced group rides to Belvidere and then breakfast in Kirkland while another moderate paced group rides directly to Kirkland for breakfast. The Belvidere route is around 40 miles. The direct route to Kirkland is 32 miles.
North Breakfast Ride - Meet at Guilford High School west parking lot, 5620 Spring Creek Rd, for a 26/41 mile breakfast ride. Breakfast is in Belvidere. Pace is leisurely/moderate.Terrain is flat to rolling. Call Fred Kennerly at 815-398-6861 for more information.
Both options are leaderless. Check the Event Calendar for Start Times
The following rides are no longer active. If you'd like to lead a ride on one of these evenings, please email the Ride Director (found on the Contacts page of this website). Thank you!
Tuesday Evening – Blackhawk Springs Ride
Ride start is Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve at 5601 S. Perryville Road, Cherry Valley (on the south bank of the Kishwaukee River). The ride is leaderless with a moderate pace on flat to rolling terrain. This ride goes southeast for an 18 – 31 mile loop into Boone, Dekalb and Ogle Counties.
Wednesday Evening – Northwest ride
Ride starts at Sportscore One, 101Hiawatha Dr., Rockford, IL 61103, for either a 19 to 21 mile ride. The ride is leaderless with pace determined by those present. The terrain is rolling to hilly on rural roads.
Thursday Evening – Southwest Ride
This ride is leaderless and starts at New Milford School, 2128 New Milford School Road. The pace of the ride is varied and determined by those present. The shorter routes are flat to gently rolling, while the longest route is flat to rolling. The ride distance can vary from 21 to 31 miles in length.