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Chicago Bike Races

Fat Tire Race

Chicagoland's Winter Bike Race

Date TBD

The Forge Fat Tire Bike Race & Tour, in partnership with The Bike Hub, returns for its second year. Winter cycling enthusiasts will experience the (hopefully) snow covered trails throughout the Forge and adjoining trails.  A long and short course option will be available so riders of all abilities can choose the event best for them. 

 

Short Course (1 Lap) = 5.5 Miles
Long Course (2 Laps) = ~ 10.4 Miles

Location:
Lemont Quarries, 227 Heritage Quarries Dr Lemont, IL, 60439

Details

Date:
TBD
Price:
$40

The Second Annual Fat Tire Race

The Forge Fat Tire Bike, Partnered with the Bike Hub, will take place on the hopefully snow-covered gravel and MTB trails throughout The Forge: Lemont Quarries, adjoining Heritage Quarries Recreation Area, and I&M Canal trails.  There will be an approximated 10.4-mile, long course race and a 5.5-mile, short course race.

As a winter event, we anticipate the trails will be covered in snow.  As we know all too well in the Chicago area, we cannot predict or control the weather, and winters around here can be variable and gnarly. The event will proceed in all weather conditions unless it is unsafe.

The trails will be set for winter fat tire riding, and we’ll ride even if the snow conditions are less than ideal.  This is an open class race and there are no restrictions on the specific bike tire size allowed. Riders are free to choose different equipment based on the conditions of the course. E-bikes are not allowed.

Course Information

The Forge Fat Tire Race courses will be developed based on both trail and weather conditions.  The courses will traverse the wide gravel paths, single track trails and the Drop In Zone MTB course throughout the Forge and adjoining trails.  The distance and course will be released before race day.  

The long course will likely be two laps and approximately 10.4 miles, while the short course will probably be one lap and approximately 5.5 miles long.  

The main gravel trails are mostly flat with a few small hills, wooden bridge crossings, etc.  The single track trails and Drop In Zone course will have more variability in the terrain and surface conditions.    

Final course maps will be released before race day.  The trail and weather conditions will determine the actual course and distance.

Course Map

2023 Course Map (Subject to Change Based on Weather and Trail Conditions): 2023 Course Map

Registration

Entry Fees:

  • Registration Open  - December 31, 2022 = $35
  • January 1, 2023 - January 14 (Race Day) = $40

Race Cap is 300 total for both events

 

Registration fee includes:

  • entry to the race
  • meticulously maintained trails unique to The Forge
  • electronically timed results
  • earned awards (see "Awards" section below)
  • a cool Forge Winter hat
  • swag
  • post-race party with food, beer from Pollyanna Brewing, and other beverages

Click here to register.

Athletes' Guide

coming soon

Directions

Use these directions for Packet Pick-Up and Race Day

Parking

Use Lots 1 or 2 after the 2nd stop sign on the gravel road. They are the closest to the bridges to enter The Forge, packet pick-up, and the common start and finish line.

Please see our Park Map here.

Packet Pick-Up

We will accept registrations at packet pick-up on Friday January 13 (see details below) and on race day. Please note we will only accept credit card payments for these registrations.

 

Friday, January 13
3:30 - 6:00 PM
The Forge: Lemont Quarries

At the Foundry, the food and beverage location, on the east side of the Park, across the bridge near the zip line landing (opposite side of the Towers)

Use These Directions

 

Race Day
Saturday, January 14
8:30 - 9:30 AM
The Forge: Lemont Quarries

At the Foundry, the food and beverage location, on the east side of the Park, across the bridge near the zip line landing (opposite side of the Towers)

Use These Directions

Race Day Schedule (Preliminary)

8:00 AM – Parking Opens (follow roadside signs) Park in Lots 1 or 2, then cross the bridge and head to the east side of the park (by the zipline landing, The Mount and The Foundry).

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM – Race Day Packet Pick-Up & Registration

9:45 AM – Course-Talk / Briefing

9:50 AM – Pre-Race Line-Up

10:00 AM – Long Course Race Start

10:05 AM – Short Course Race Start

10:30 AM – Post Race Food / Beverage Available

~11:30 AM – Awards Ceremony

Awards

Awards will be the following:

Any bike and tire size may be ridden in the race, but awards will be limited to those riding Fat Tires of 3.5 inches or larger.

  • 1st – 3rd Overall Male and Female in Both Races
  • 1st Overall Male and Female Masters (Age 40+) in Both Races

Additional awards, prizes and raffles will be offered and announced before the race.

Race Photos

2023 Race Photos (coming soon)

2022 Race Photos

2022 Race Video

Volunteering

Interested in volunteering? We would love to have you! Please click here to select your volunteer opportunity.

 

Volunteer Sign-Up

Sponsors & Partners

For Sponsor and Partnership Information Contact: Dave Fako

Questions?

Dave Fako

Race Director

The Forge: Lemont Quarries

708-705-6791

e-mail: [email protected]

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