Saturday August 23, 2025
The Busse Woods Night Ride will be back for the 10th time in 2025!
The following details pertain to our 2024 event. Planning for 2025 will begin soon.
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 Fuze Band, fire pits, snacks, s’mores, food for purchase from Tacos Los Jarochitos and Dairy Queen, and more! All attendees will receive a special gift at check-in.
All paid attendees 21+ will receive two tickets that can be used for beer from Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling, wine from Wine With Me. Tickets for non-alcoholic drinks will be available for those that don't want beer or wine. Also, cold brew coffee samples will be provided by Maple Leaf Coffee Roasters.
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!!
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 Chicago River Canoe and Kayak at Busse Reservoir Main Pool (previously known as the Busse Woods Boating Center).
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 Fuze Band, fire pits, snacks, s’mores, food for purchase from Tacos Los Jarochitos and Dairy Queen, and more! All attendees will receive a special gift at check-in.
All paid attendees 21+ will receive two tickets that can be used for beer from Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling, wine from Wine With Me. Tickets for non-alcoholic drinks will be available for those that don't want beer or wine. Also, cold brew coffee samples will be provided by Maple Leaf Coffee Roasters.
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!!
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 Chicago River Canoe and Kayak at Busse Reservoir Main Pool (previously known as the Busse Woods Boating Center).
IMPORTANT NOTES
- ID’s will be checked at the Check-In table. Attendees over 21 who plan to drink beer or wine must bring and show a state issued ID. No exceptions!!
- All participants must be in good physical shape and be able to ride the distance of their wave without assistance.
- The minimum age to bike in this event is 12 years old. Younger children are invited to attend as spectators provided they are attending with another adult who is not biking.
- This event will take place rain or shine. It will only be canceled if there is thunder and/or lightning. Because this is a fundraiser, no refunds will be available if the event is canceled due to weather.
- All participants must wear a helmet and have a front white headlight in order to ride.
- Regular waves are 9 miles at a casual pace. The ride will take about 60 minutes and includes a break.
- Extended waves are 14 miles at a moderate pace. The ride will take about 75 minutes and includes a break.
- 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.
- 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.
Activities and Entertainment
6:30pm – 8:30pm: check-in and bike safety checks courtesy of 7 Mile Cycles, Never Ending Cycles, and Crank Revolution
6:30pm – 10:30pm: Food for sale from Tacos Los Jarochitos and Dairy Queen
7:30pm – 10:30pm: live music by Fuze Band, snacks, s'mores, and fire pits
8:30pm – 10:00pm: drawing for raffle prizes
11:00pm: event ends
6:30pm – 10:30pm: Food for sale from Tacos Los Jarochitos and Dairy Queen
7:30pm – 10:30pm: live music by Fuze Band, snacks, s'mores, and fire pits
8:30pm – 10:00pm: drawing for raffle prizes
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!
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Busse Woods Night Ride Photos
CLICK HERE to view photos from the 2024 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 fire pits, 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 fire pits, 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.