
We opted for the 61-mile ride, but there was a 25-mile option for this ladies-only ride. We grabbed our packets without incident and got an adorable T-shirt and bib. We also hit the first of a series of snack tents. This one featured coffee and breakfast rolls. Before long, it was time to meet up with the other Chicago Running Bloggers and Frankfort New Lenox runners.
It was great seeing Amanda and Erin, as well as meeting Lauren.

The course was pretty fast with five rest stops on the 61-mile course. We stopped at the end of the first and second hour, and just before the second hour, we saw Amanda. We found out later that her bike had two flats on the course, which cost her at least 90 minutes. It's a good thing this was a ride and not a race! We stopped at every rest stop after that, too, because it was a nice break off the bike and we were in no hurry.



We thought we'd be around the middle of the pack, but when we rolled in around 12:30, there were tons of bikes already racked. It took us 4:09:02 to complete the ride (not including rest stops), with an overall pace of 14.5 MPH.
When we finally got back to the start line is when the real fun began. There were all sorts of delicious, refreshing cocktails from North Shore Distillery and beer from Lake Bluff Brewing. There was also an amazing Mexican-style lunch with ice cream sandwich desserts. MacKenna and I both got facials there, too, and were the last people to leave the afterparty. We wanted to get our money's worth. The best part was the Trek tent where you had to cycle to make your margarita. MacKenna did the work and I just mooched off the fruits of her labor.

Cost: I paid $50 with a Plum Grove deal. Regular registration was $90
Pros: Nice, scenic ride that's mostly flat through some very nice areas. A ladies-only ride that has an abundance of rest stops, a great variety of food, a mostly well-marked course (we had one moment of confusion) and more than enough port-o-potties. The after-ride party featured cocktails, beer, wine, a full lunch, ice cream, Luna bars, vendors, facials, manicures and pedicures.
Cons: Parking can be confusing, but it is plentiful. The weather was wonderful for us, but this time of year is a crap shoot. It was 86 today, but 100+ two weeks ago. There were a few areas with bumpy pavement and a few spots where traffic was pretty close. I'm having a hard time finding not great things to say about this ...
Would I do this again: Hell yeah, where can I get a discount for next year?
5 comments:
I had so much fun riding with you guys today! I can't wait to do this again next year. Can I request my own tutu in advance?
I'm happy to make as many tutus in as many colors as are needed!
Great job and I loved meeting Erin & MacKenna for the first time too. You ladies all totally rocked it!
Love your outfits! This sounds like a lot of fun! So happy you guys enjoyed it.
When vendors have those freebies, they need to have bags! LOL! When we did the Chicago Veggie Pride Parade, we were the only vendor with bags. I think people just wanted them to fill them up with other vendors' crap.
It was great to meet you on Sunday, and I loved the tutu's and matching outfits. I'd definitely want in on that next year! Congrats on rocking it!
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