Despite Overcast Weather, Bicycling Event has Another Successful Year

The 5th Annual “Ride the Rock,” a free, family, 16-mile group bike ride sponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Will County was held Saturday.

“This event allows families to spend quality time together,” said Bruce Hodgdon, public information officer for the Forest Preserve District of Will County. “We all know how busy families are these days. It’s the perfect family event.”

Hodgdon’s words are true. It was a perfect family event. It was the first year my family and I rode in this event. I have to say I saw many smiles and heard lots of laughter, even from my own children. I did not witness any kids, including my own, fighting, screaming or crying. Now that’s pretty unusual, especially with my two.

This year’s event calculated the highest pre-registered participants with a total of 1,400 cyclists, Hodgdon said. Bike riders were also able to register the day of the event.

We registered the morning of the event and it was a simple and easy process. With registration the day of the event, we weren’t eligible for a special T-shirt. But we got lucky and there were a few left over, so we have them now.

Hodgdon said despite the cold, cloudy weather, the turnout was great. The past four years the sun was shining and it was a bit warmer. And that’s what Hodgdon wants for next year’s event.

“It will be 70 and sunny,” Hodgdon said.

Yes, it would have been nice if it was a little warmer and there wasn’t that occasional mist, but we were bundled in our hoodies and had gloves to keep our hands warm. Hopefully, next year’s participants will be able to ride in a t-shirt and shorts. 

“Ride the Rock” originally started as a a fun bike ride event to introduce to the people who lived in populated areas that the bike trails exist in their community. Hodgdon said the numbers continue to grow every year. He said the program is enhanced by positive feedback and word-of-mouth advertising.

“This is a very rewarding program, said Hodgdon. “Tax dollars are at work for the community. We listened to the public and made this a yearly event.”

The 16-mile ride began at the Illinois & Michigan Canal Access, located on Empress Road (Houbolt Road). Riders headed north 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.

Riders continued along streets to the District’s Theodore Marsh Preserve on Theodore Street in Crest Hill and than southward along the Joliet Junction Trail. In Rockdale, the trail joins with the I&M Canal State Trail. Riders followed that back to where they began the race.

Along the ride, there were four rest-stops for riders to get a snack and/or water to replenish their energy.

During the ride, participants took part in a scavenger hunt, in which they had to find letters that created a special word. Participants were entered into a drawing for a bicycle courtesy of Wal-Mart. 

After unscrambling the letters, we solved the puzzle. The word was “green.” As in environmentally going green. Maybe my daughter will win a new bike. How cool would that be?

Entertainment was provided by Circus Boy, a comical unicyclist who rides the world’s smallest bicycle. The Division BMX Stunt Team performed tricks and spins in the air on bikes. Face painting and various vendors were also on hand at the event.

My daughters enjoyed the entertainment and of course had their faces painted.

Riders who wore their “Ride the Rock” T-shirt or presented the coupon received at registration, were awarded a free ice cream cone at the McDonald’s on Houbolt Road.

It was the hot spot after the race. Even though we were all freezing, we somehow managed to indulge in the vanilla ice cream cone.

It started out as a rough morning. It went from four members of the family attending the ride, to two and than back to four. There were some tears and screaming, but in the end we all had a fun memorable time. 

And we all agreed that we will back next year to “Ride the Rock.”

Editor's Note: We will post photos from this event throughout the week. Come back for more photos Tuesday.