Ride FAQs

Yes, we strongly encourage you to use our online sign-up process prior to riding.

Yes, trail rides are often scheduled on the weekends and we occasionally have mountain bike rides at Palos.

These are leaderless rides that frequently have no pre-determined distance or destination.

There are usually several weekday and weekend rides scheduled throughout our outdoor riding season, April - October. It's not uncommon for ad hoc rides and other activities, e.g. skiing and hiking, to be posted to our calendar and Google Group at other times when conditions are suitable.

We don't have any requirements but it's more likely that you'll enjoy yourself if you're on a bike that's suitable for the type of terrain you'll encounter. Whatever type of bike you choose, we strongly encourage you to ensure that it's in good working order.

We recommend carrying a spare tube, patch kit, tire lever, pump, water bottles, snacks, identification, a phone and some cash.

Yes, a helmet is required and it makes our insurance representative happy.

Yes, the Monday Night Social ride and the Sunday Slow Ride are no drop rides. Most evening and weekend rides tend to split and regroup.

We were all novices once. If you're a novice rider we recommend starting with one of our 'no-drop' rides. It will also be helpful if you inform the ride leader. Need help selecting a first ride with the club? Contact our Ride Coordinator (ride@dgbikeclub.org) for suggestions.

Most of our weekend rides start at the Downers Grove Public Library parking lot. Several of our week-day rides start at Fishel Park on Grove St. and the McCollum Park water tower.

If you're unsure it's always best to contact the ride leader or look for a ride status update message via our Google Group. Typically a ride is cancelled if it is raining at the scheduled start time.

The ride description often has the ride destination and/or several of the roads we're planning to ride on.

Members of the club are on Strava at DGBC.

Many rides start at a modest pace as the group winds its way out of town. Eventually, riders start progressing at their own pace and smaller groups are formed. There will usually be a stop near the halfway point at a convenience store, market, or coffee shop with restroom facilities. Additional stops may be made depending on distance and weather.

No, we are recreational bike club. It's not uncommon for A group riders to increase their pace to the top of a climb or on the way into a rest stop however.

'A group' riders should be comfortable riding in a paceline and we ask everyone to ride responsibly and predictably. You can find a copy of our Guidelines to Safe Group Riding (pdf) on our Forms page.

Yes, however for safety reasons we ask that you refrain from using them in a paceline.

If you're fatigued we'd encourage you to try to continue to the next rest stop. Sometimes a short break and some food can improve one's spirits. If you've decided to discontinue the ride please inform the ride leader.

No, we do not award club mileage credit.

The Ride Coordinator, ride@dgbikeclub.org, compiles the ride schedule. Please contact him/her with any questions or to have a ride listed on our calendar.

If you haven't already done so, please refer to our Ride Information page for additional details and don't hesitate to contact the ride leader with specific questions.

We're happy to hear from you! Please refer to the Contact Us page for appropriate contact information.