Kelly the Culinarian: What you need to know about the Illinois Venus de Miles Ride

Monday, July 23, 2012

What you need to know about the Illinois Venus de Miles Ride

From our surprise half century a few weeks ago
I'm so excited that the Venus de Miles ride is this weekend! MacKenna, Jenny and I are signed up for the 61-mile ride, but there's also a 25-mile ride that kicks off in Lake Forest (from Lake Forest College, The Glen Rowan House, 500 N. Sheridan Road, Lake Forest, Illinois) on Sunday.


This ladies-only ride raises money for Greenhouse Scholars and includes all kinds of perks that I'm looking forward to (cocktails and manicures are at the top of that list).  Here are a few facts that I've learned from searching the Web site, following the ride on Facebook, studying the Ride Guide and riding the course a few weeks ago:

  1. This is a ride, not a race. Have fun, enjoy the ride.
  2. There are waves that start every five minutes, but the waves are not assigned. If you want to ride with friends, just make sure you start together. Each wave is limited to 100 riders.
  3. Abide by the standard triathlon rules - no drafting, ride single file, no music, pass on the left and carry ID.
  4. A helmet is absolutely required.
    Yep, I only own this cycling jersey
  5. But otherwise, you don't need any special gear (see point one). 
  6. ... However, padded shorts would make your day more pleasant. Everything else is strictly optional. This is a fully supported ride, so you don't really need a cycling jersey since you won't be toting nutrition (although if someone wants to buy me a new jersey, that would be really cool. I only have one). I'd recommend water bottles, but again, beverages will be on the course, too. You should make sure you have some place to stash your ID, any meds and car key, though.
  7. The course has a few rolling hills, but it's mostly flat. Most of the pavement looked new and smooth, too.
  8. Bring a camera. This route goes through some very ritzy areas of Lake County and there are quite a few things to photograph.
  9. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. I put it on before I put on my clothes for the day so I don't miss any spots. This method also gives your sunscreen a chance to soak in and get working before you do.
  10. Parking is off site in downtown Lake Forest, so plan to get there early. I want to arrive by 6 a.m. to check out the vendors and partake in all the freebies.
  11. Plan to stay a while. The post-ride party sounds awesome, as does the menu (complete with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options).
And if you're a Chicago Running Blogger, or just really want to meet me, we're having a meet up at 6:30 a.m. at the Luna tent.

See you Sunday, Goddesses! 

2 comments:

KovasP said...

KInd of a bummer it's ladies only, but my wife might be interested (especially if cocktails and maicures are some of the perks). :)

KellytheCulinarian said...

I believe men are welcome to assist as part of the SAG crew and certainly as volunteers. I remember reading that the organization needs more than 100 volunteers to pull off the event, and they were giving away these adorable mustache-themed T-shirts to volunteers.