Ride the Rock, a free, family 16-mile group bike ride sponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Will County, will return for its fourth year on Saturday, May 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at
Rock Run Greenway - I&M Canal Access, in Joliet. This program is being held in conjunction with
National Bike Month.
Check-in for the ride will begin between 8:30 and 8:45 a.m. at I&M Canal Access, located on Empress Road (Houbolt Road), 0.25-mile south of I-80, in Joliet. The trail will open at 9:00 a.m., and the last riders should set out on the trail no later than noon.
View a map of the route for the ride, which heads northward along the
Rock Run Trail, passing through property owned by Joliet Junior College and by the Forest Preserve District of Will County at the
Rock Run Greenway - Black Road Access. Street routes will take riders to the District�s
Theodore Marsh Preserve, on Theodore Street in Crest Hill, where they will begin southward along the
Joliet Junction Trail. In Rockdale, this trail joins with the
I&M Canal State Trail, which will be used to return to the starting point at I&M Canal Access. Four rest stops will offer refreshments along the route.
Both the Rock Run Trail and Joliet Junction Trail are comprised of asphalt surfacing, and the I&M Canal State Trail is limestone screenings. Some of the course will be on sidewalks. The event is open to all ages, but is recommended for individual riders of at least 11 years of age. Riders are encouraged to wear helmets.
Pre-registration is now closed, but on-site registration will be available at the event. Plan to arrive early, as the first 1,000 riders to check in on the day of the event will receive a free t-shirt!
New this year, participants can take part in a scavenger hunt along the
ride to enter to win a $50 gift card courtesy of
Wal-Mart! Additional festivities, including
entertainment and a food vendor, will continue until 2:00 p.m.
Also new this year is the addition of BMX Stunt Shows featuring the
Division BMX Stunt Team! Shows will take place at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. at I&M Canal Access. You won't want to miss it!
The event will take place rain or shine, unless there is severe weather.
