Saturday August 26, 2023
Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 26 for the 2023 Night Ride. Registration will open in May. We hope to see you at the Night Ride!
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On every other night of the year, the Forest Preserves of Cook County close at dusk. But this unique event is just getting started at sunset – and it goes well into the night! Here's your chance to ride the Busse Woods Trail and experience the beauty of Busse Woods in the dark!
Ride your bike under the moonlight and stay for the party! All participants will enjoy live music from the Dill Spears, bonfires, snacks, s’mores, food for purchase from Inches Tacos, and more! All attendees will receive a special gift at check-in.
All paid attendees 21+ will receive two tickets for beer from Church Street Brewing Company or wine from Wine With Me. ID’s will be checked at the Registration table. Attendees who plan to drink beer or wine must bring and show a state issued ID. No exceptions!!
Also, cold brew coffee samples will be provided by Maple Leaf Coffee Roasters.
This event is organized by the Friends of Cycling in Elk Grove and The Forest Preserves of Cook County. Proceeds from this event will be used to promote the many benefits of cycling to residents of Elk Grove Village and the NW suburbs. The event/fundraiser takes place at the Busse Lake Boating Center in Busse Woods.
***************************
On every other night of the year, the Forest Preserves of Cook County close at dusk. But this unique event is just getting started at sunset – and it goes well into the night! Here's your chance to ride the Busse Woods Trail and experience the beauty of Busse Woods in the dark!
Ride your bike under the moonlight and stay for the party! All participants will enjoy live music from the Dill Spears, bonfires, snacks, s’mores, food for purchase from Inches Tacos, and more! All attendees will receive a special gift at check-in.
All paid attendees 21+ will receive two tickets for beer from Church Street Brewing Company or wine from Wine With Me. ID’s will be checked at the Registration table. Attendees who plan to drink beer or wine must bring and show a state issued ID. No exceptions!!
Also, cold brew coffee samples will be provided by Maple Leaf Coffee Roasters.
This event is organized by the Friends of Cycling in Elk Grove and The Forest Preserves of Cook County. Proceeds from this event will be used to promote the many benefits of cycling to residents of Elk Grove Village and the NW suburbs. The event/fundraiser takes place at the Busse Lake Boating Center in Busse Woods.
Wave Start Times (tentative)
7:15pm – Sunset Wave
7:30pm – Twilight Wave
7:58pm – Slow Roll Wave
8:06pm – Extended Wave
8:14pm – Regular Wave
8:22pm – Extended Wave
8:30pm – Regular Wave
8:38pm – Extended Wave
8:46pm – Extended Wave
8:54pm – Regular Wave
9:02pm – Regular Wave
9:10pm – Regular Wave
NOTE: remaining ticket counts are as of mm/dd
IMPORTANT NOTES
7:30pm – Twilight Wave
7:58pm – Slow Roll Wave
8:06pm – Extended Wave
8:14pm – Regular Wave
8:22pm – Extended Wave
8:30pm – Regular Wave
8:38pm – Extended Wave
8:46pm – Extended Wave
8:54pm – Regular Wave
9:02pm – Regular Wave
9:10pm – Regular Wave
NOTE: remaining ticket counts are as of mm/dd
IMPORTANT NOTES
- All cyclists must be in good physical shape and able to ride the distance of their wave without assistance.
- All cyclists must wear a helmet and have a front white headlight in order to ride.
- Regular waves are 9 miles, lasting about 1 hour with a rest stop. Extended Tours are 14 miles, lasting about 1 hour and 15 minutes with a rest stop.
- All attendees must enter Busse Woods no later than 8:15pm. The entrance gate will be locked at 8:15pm. The exit gate will remain open for the duration of the event.
- This event will take place rain or shine. It will only be canceled if there is thunder and lightning. Because this is a fundraiser, no refunds will be available if the event is canceled due to weather.
Activities and Entertainment (tentative)
6:00pm – 8:30pm: check-in and bike safety checks courtesy of 7 Mile Cycles
6:30pm – 10:30pm: food for purchase from Inches Tacos
7:30pm – 10:30pm: live music by the Dill Spears, snacks, s'mores and bonfires
8:30pm: Starry Night Hike
9:15pm: kick back and relax
11:00pm: event ends
6:30pm – 10:30pm: food for purchase from Inches Tacos
7:30pm – 10:30pm: live music by the Dill Spears, snacks, s'mores and bonfires
8:30pm: Starry Night Hike
9:15pm: kick back and relax
11:00pm: event ends
Sponsors and Partners
We'd like to recognize and thank our sponsors and partners. Without their support and assistance, this fun, unique event/fundraiser would not be possible!
Busse Woods Night Ride Photos
CLICK HERE to view photos from the 2022 Busse Woods Night Ride.
Map and Route
Below is a map of the event and the route for the Night Ride
FAQs
For safety and convenience, no trailers or tagalongs are allowed. All cyclists must have a helmet and a front light attached to their bike or helmet. Lights will be available for purchase at the event. Youth cyclists ages 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Q: Where is the Busse Lake Boating Center?
A: The Busse Woods Lake Boating Center is in Busse Woods, which is part of the forest preserves. You must enter the forest preserves to get to the boating center. Enter Busse Woods off E. Higgins Rd. / 72. You will drive for some time and dead end at the boating center.
Q: Can I play music during the ride?
A: No. We want all participants to enjoy the sights and sounds of Busse Woods at night. Please do not play music from a phone or bluetooth speaker during the Night Ride. Also, we strongly discourage wearing ear buds while biking because they can distract you and limit your ability to hear what's going on around you.
Q: Is this a family-friendly event?
A: Yes! Children of all ages are welcome, however you must be 12+ to ride. There is special pricing for children to ride or just hang out. Children under 5 years old can attend for free. There will be bonfires, s'mores, live music, and refreshments for all to enjoy.
Q: What if it rains?
A: This event will take place rain or shine. It will only be canceled if there is thunder and lightning. Because this is a fundraiser, no refunds will be available if the event is canceled due to weather.
Q: Where is the Busse Lake Boating Center?
A: The Busse Woods Lake Boating Center is in Busse Woods, which is part of the forest preserves. You must enter the forest preserves to get to the boating center. Enter Busse Woods off E. Higgins Rd. / 72. You will drive for some time and dead end at the boating center.
Q: Can I play music during the ride?
A: No. We want all participants to enjoy the sights and sounds of Busse Woods at night. Please do not play music from a phone or bluetooth speaker during the Night Ride. Also, we strongly discourage wearing ear buds while biking because they can distract you and limit your ability to hear what's going on around you.
Q: Is this a family-friendly event?
A: Yes! Children of all ages are welcome, however you must be 12+ to ride. There is special pricing for children to ride or just hang out. Children under 5 years old can attend for free. There will be bonfires, s'mores, live music, and refreshments for all to enjoy.
Q: What if it rains?
A: This event will take place rain or shine. It will only be canceled if there is thunder and lightning. Because this is a fundraiser, no refunds will be available if the event is canceled due to weather.