Today's Hours
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
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.
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.
2023 Course Map (Subject to Change Based on Weather and Trail Conditions): 2023 Course Map
Entry Fees:
Race Cap is 300 total for both events
Registration fee includes:
Click here to register.
coming soon
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.
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)
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)
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 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.
Additional awards, prizes and raffles will be offered and announced before the race.
Interested in volunteering? We would love to have you! Please click here to select your volunteer opportunity.
