C-U Across the Prairie

Saturday, August 16, 2008

 Registration Form

Come on. It’ll be FUN!

Come join the Prairie Cycle Club at our annual metric century, C-U Across the Prairie, on August 16, 2008. The bicycle ride will visit communities near Mahomet on flat to slightly rolling terrain. Routes of about 17, 35 and 65 miles (100 km) are suited for riders of all abilities. Come enjoy country vistas, make new friends, renew old acquaintances, and have some fun. Marked routes, maps, sag support, a bagel breakfast and food stops are all provided. And don’t forget the post-ride hot meal with vegetarian options, and the Urbana Sweet Corn Festival just down the road!

Routes

The ride will take you out of Lake of the Woods on paved, low-traffic roads, over flat to slightly rolling terrain. The longer routes will traverse winding country roads with visits to nearby communities including Allerton Park. Rides are designed to be relaxing and enjoyable for all skill levels.

Food

A bagel breakfast will be provided during registration. There will be one food stop on the 17- and 35-mile routes, and two food stops on the 65-mile route. And of course, hot pasta lunch (including vegetarian) awaits you at the end of the ride!

Who rides?

Either as individuals or in groups, people of all ages, abilities and bike styles are invited. Riders under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Directions

The ride will begin and end at Lake of the Woods County Park in Mahomet, Illinois.
From I-74, take exit #174. Proceed north to first stop sign (2250N — Casey’s is on the right-hand corner); turn left. Proceed to the next stop sign (Lake of the Woods Road); turn left and drive up the hill. The entrance to Lake of the Woods Park will be on your right. Signs in the park will direct you to the registration pavilion on the right, (changed from 2007).

Registration

Check-in for both pre-registered riders and day-of-ride registration opens at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 10 a.m.
Those planning to ride the 65-mile route should plan to begin riding by 8:30 am.
The registration fee includes a map, well-marked routes, sag vehicle support, bagel breakfast, food stops
and an end-of-the-ride hot meal.
Food stops will close at 1 p.m.; sag support and lunch will end at 2 p.m.

Registration Form

Need a bike shop?

Local Bike Shops - annotated list from the Graduate School of LIbrary & Information Sciences with their version of the inside scoop!

Need to know where to ride?

Meadowbrook Park map for the short paved path (3 miles) or ride the 9 mile "pretty horse farm" loop ... or take shortcut. You can also continue to Philo (you'll have to zoom in and out to see it on the map) or, if the wind says it would be wise, go to TOlono with the option to loop back or go all the way to & from Sadorus.

If you're trying to get outta town from Champaign, check this route out (use your good urban riding strategies - or see some of the tips to your left for hints!)

One of our favorite starting points is Countryside Day School (which you can get to from the above by taking Bradley over the INterstate out to 700, going South for 3 miles to Kirby and cutting back East... or just keep riding around 'cause most of the roads out there are nice!

Nine-mile loop from Countryside, or the 22-mile Sadorus Swing (many of the roads between are good shortcuts ) - the "Sadorus Slab" is smooth and sweet!