Suburban biking groups show a little creativity during the shutdown

“Given lemons, make lemonade” is the previous saying. Some bikers have gone approach past lemonade by displaying pandemic shutdown creativity in Schaumburg, Palatine and Wheaton.

For 20-plus years, the village of Schaumburg and its park district celebrated Might as Nationwide Bike Month with the “Fahrrad Tour von Schaumburg” — German for bike tour — together with a picnic and different occasions.

“Uncover Schaumburg By Bike Photograph Problem” runs till Sept. 30.
– Courtesy of Ralph Banasiak

This yr the pandemic intervened. So the village claimed September as its bike month with its “Discover Schaumburg by Bike Photo Challenge,” showcasing its 90-plus miles of motorbike paths plus eating places, parks and different websites.

Open to everybody, the problem is to snap as many bike-themed photographs of oneself at numerous Schaumburg areas reached by using. The winner for every class mixed — eating places, parks and favourite locations — is the one who visually paperwork probably the most visits. The village, park district and Meet Chicago Northwest (Better Woodfield Conference and Guests Bureau, Inc.), will present prizes.

“The true prize is enhancing one’s well being by bicycling, getting out and having fun with summer time and early autumn climate,” stated Richard Bascomb, Schaumburg Transportation supervisor. “Discover eating places representing over 20 international locations on six continents, plus regional American fare, and uncover all the hidden gems and exquisite sights of this neighborhood.”

Schaumburg’s second annual Enterprise Bike Basic shares September with the picture problem. Cyclists from Schaumburg companies type groups of 4 to compete for many miles biked — stationary bikes included. The highest crew earns bragging rights and takes possession of the touring trophy from the Zurich Basic Biking crew, which bested 30 others in 2019.

‘Go by Bike’ Bingo in Palatine:

Bike Palatine Membership launches its “Go By Bike” Bingo program with $10 credit at three native bike retailers.
– Courtesy of Ralph Banasiak

With its rides and occasions canceled, the Bike Palatine Membership launched its “Go by Bike” Bingo program in August. Any rider who completes a easy bingo can redeem the cardboard for $10 off a purchase order at three native bike retailers: Crank Revolution Bike Store, Mikes Bike Store and SamCycle Electrical Bikes. The membership will reimburse the retailers after this system ends Oct. 20.

Membership secretary and former Elmhurst Bike Membership member Sue Montgomery is spearheading this system. Impressed by Trek Bikes’ “#GoByBike” program, Sue designed the membership’s colourful bingo card. As in Schaumburg, riders are inspired to put up photographs on the membership’s Fb web page.

“‘Go By Bike Bingo’ helps us to encourage native bike using, boosts our native bike shops, and rewards people for visiting our membership’s web site. Readers can print their very own card right this moment at www.bikepalatine.com,” Montgomery stated.

One can even learn the 40-plus biking blogs posted on the web site geared particularly to newer bike riders.

‘Alphabet Rides’ in Wheaton:

People like Carrie Provost have channeled their biking creativity, too. A retired music trainer and director of the Youth Symphony of DuPage Live performance Orchestra, Provost printed a Google search of Wheaton streets in alphabetical order, decided to experience every one.

“Frankly, I did not know what I used to be getting myself into,” Provost admitted. “I began on April 5 in 39-degree climate. I wore a balaclava, winter gloves and a winter coat.”

Why do that?

“Again in March, I used to be beginning to go a bit stir loopy, being a social, energetic individual. I figured this is able to be a great way to maintain energetic,” she stated.

And energetic she has been, logging 1,000-plus miles and reaching 339 of 579 streets.

“I am guessing there’s one other 500 to 800 miles left. I made one rule: Do them precisely in alphabetical order,” Provost stated.

So even when she passes Pine Road headed to Maple, she does not rely Pine.

A typical “alphabet experience” for Provost is about 21 miles, hitting six or seven streets. She rides to the goal, snaps a road signal picture and posts it on social media. Fellow Wheaton Bicycle Advisory Commissioners have additionally joined her on these outings.

Have a artistic biking concept? Share it through electronic mail at alongfortheridemail@gmail.com.

• Be part of the experience. Attain Ralph Banasiak at alongfortheridemail@gmail.com.