EllenDale Farm Moderate Ride – Sunday, August 17th – 9:45 AM – Fox River Forest Preserve
I will be leading the moderate ride to this popular EBC annual gathering. In addition to our moderate ride there will also be fast and fast plus groups all starting at different times and places and gathering for lunch at EllenDale Farm in Bull Valley at approximately 11:15 AM. EllenDale Farm is the bucolic 5-acre home of Ellen and Dale Morton, who have graciously welcomed EBC riders for the past 4 years. They provide us with ice water and restrooms, and are happy to conduct a tour for those that want to see more of their 5-acre property. Riders are welcome to bring their own lunch or share the cost of a catered lunch ordered from Panera (usually around $21/person). Please let Robin King (robin@robinkinglaw.com; 847-644-6078) know by Thursday, August 14 if you want to be a part of the lunch order and have any dietary restrictions. Once she firms up the order, she’ll let riders know the cost so that they can send funds by Zelle or Venmo.
The moderate ride starts at the Fox River Preserve a Lake County Forest Preserve located in Port Barrington. Allow at least an hour for travel time from Evanston plus time to set up your bike. Here is a link to the route we will use: Ellendale30 · Ride with GPS. The total distance is about 30 miles on some lovely country roads that otherwise never show up on EBC moderate rides. I won’t lie, there are a handful of challenging hills, but well within the capacity of most moderate riders. (I have never found a hill that a cyclist can’t walk up, and that is always an option on moderate rides.) We will regather after or shortly after each climb. No one will be left behind.
Since I ended up doing this ride by myself last year, I am asking moderate riders to let me know by noon on Saturday, August 16th if you are planning to do this ride. If there is no interest, I will cancel and join Peter for the fast ride. I do hope, however, that there are people who want to ride. This is a lovely place to visit, and a very scenic route.