Chicagoland's premier cycling event is run by volunteer members of the Evanston Bicycle Club (EBC). Ride through lakefront neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and open skies between Chicago and Wisconsin.
Go At Your Pace
Provisional routes can be viewed using the links below. The final Ride With GPS routes will be available one week prior to the event.
Wilmette to Pleasant Prairie, WI and back. A big loop through Highland Park, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Gurnee, and along scenic Lake Michigan.
View Route Map →Uses the 50-mile route to Lake Bluff plus a 12-mile loop through western Lake Forest. Decide at the Lake Forest rest stop — commit before 11 am.
View Route Map →A scenic loop to Lake Bluff via residential streets, then south along the lakefront.
View Route Map →Quiet residential streets through Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, and Kenilworth. Architecturally impressive homes, minimal traffic.
View Route Map →Fuel Up Along the Way
Stocked with fresh fruit, trail mix, nourishing snacks, water, and hydration drinks. Each rest stop has something special and unique such as baked goods, Subway sandwiches, Egg McMuffins, grilled hot dogs, and pizza (while supplies last).
On-Course Support
SAG stands for "Support And Gear." Help is never far away on the course.
Mechanics from local bike shops are available at Gillson Park and every rest stop to help keep you rolling.
SAG vehicles cruise the routes. Call the number on your check-in wristband and give your location — they help with minor mechanical issues or transport you to the nearest rest stop.
Sign Up
Registration opens July 1, 2026. Cap is 2,400 riders — register early to secure your spot. Have your confirmation QR code ready at Gillson Park to speed check-in.
Add one to your pre-registration for $25, or purchase on the day of the ride for $30 (while supplies last).
Plan Your Day
All rides begin and end at the Lakeview Center, 800 Gillson Park Drive, Wilmette.
Parking is not available at Gillson Park. Use one of the three downtown Wilmette surface lots (map) — parking is free on Sundays.
If you street-park west of Sheridan Road, watch the signs and don't block driveways.
Stay Safe
Routes run on public roads shared with motorists. Ride smart, be visible, and look out for one another.
Bring a bike in good condition with a spare tube, basic tools, and a full water bottle.
Helmets are strongly recommended. Several north shore communities require helmets for all riders under 18.
Wear light or bright clothing to stay visible to motorists at all times.
Children must be accompanied by a registered adult rider throughout the entire event.
Know and obey all traffic laws, signals, and signs. Signal your turns. Ride predictably.
Always pass on the left — call out "On your left" or "Passing" as you do so.
Carry personal identification and your wristband, which has the emergency contact number.
Ride no more than two abreast. Fines can be issued for ignoring traffic signals or riding more than two abreast.
Give Back
If you wish to ride in the North Shore Century with these organizations, the links below will take you to their donation sites.
Funds research for neurofibromatosis (NF), affecting 1 in 2,000 people worldwide. NF causes tumors on nerves and can lead to blindness, deafness, learning disabilities, and cancer.
Donate →A nonprofit educational bike shop in Rogers Park promoting community and sustainability through bicycle repair and reuse — making biking accessible to everyone.
Donate →Promotes independence and inclusion for people with intellectual, developmental, and mental health challenges. Their adaptive cycling program creates first-bike-ride milestones and new friendships.
Donate →Our Supporters
The North Shore Century is made possible by the generous support of these businesses. Click any logo to visit their site.
