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After eating too much turkey Joe and Bob‘s Lunch Spokes is back for the WRTR version. We will start at Danada Forest Preserve (see below) and wind our way through a variety of trails incl but not limited to Danada, Herrick Lake and Blackwell. As we encounter adverse conditions there may be audibles. Social ride with lunch at Pete‘s afterwards. Dress appropriately. Bright-colored clothing recommended. Joe glatrofa58@gmail.com 630-661-1247 Bob bwetman@gmail.com 847-767-5745

We will start at the Villa Park depot, take the Prairie path to Butterfield Road in Berkeley by the water tower and return to the border of Lombard. Depending on how long this takes, we may go back-and-forth a couple times. This part of the prairie path has been groomed, but you’re still gonna have more fun, If you’re on a fat bike. Please dress accordingly as the temperatures will still be below freezing.

Finally respectable elements to be braver than! Every Sunday from November thru March we will meet to participate in a bike ride, hike, run, snowshoe, or cross country ski at the Morton Arboretum. Participants can choose whichever activity they like, we will meet in the Arboretum parking lot around 10:00am and begin at 10:15am. After the event everyone is invited for lunch or something hot as we gather in the Visitor Center‘s Ginko Cafe. Please note that you need to be a member of the arboretum to enter for free and the charge for non-members is $18 for adults and $14 for seniors and students. If you‘re not a member, send out a message to the club as many members have guest passes available. Please see the Arboretum‘s website for more details.

Join me for a combination of coffee, socialization, and a short trail ride. We begin with coffee and conversation at the Villa Perk from 7:15 to 8 AM. Then, those who want to participate in a winter trail ride will leave from the VP Depot at 8:15 for a ride to downtown Wheaton and back for 15 miles. We take a very short break at the Starbucks in Wheaton for the bathroom and perhaps a quick mid-ride snack. We will be back around 10AM for those who need to get on with their day. The ride qualifies for John Riordan’s WRTR series. Make sure you bring a bike suitable for the conditions of the day which may involve riding in snow or wet conditions. Fat tire bikes are recommended. If conditions are too sloppy on the prairie path, I may substitute a road ride or road/trail combo towards Brookfield Zoo. The Villa Perk is directly across Villa Avenue from the VP Depot. Those arriving early for the ride are welcome to drop into the coffee shop to sign the ride sheet. The primary goal is to meet in person during the long winter season. All EBC members are welcome to share in coffee even if they have no plans to ride.

Come join us for Wanderlust Wednesday. This is a weekly adventurous ride leaving from Elmhurst via various trails and Rail-to-Trails (including but not limited to the Salt Creek Trail, Prairie Path, Great Western Trail, Fullersburg Woods, etc..). Please bring a bike suitable for riding various mixed terrain and trails in the area and one that you feel comfortable riding in snow/wet conditions. As a group, we can discuss where we would like to head each week and then explore that area. There can be a quick rest stop at midpoint for bathroom (5-10 minutes tops) if needed, depending on the needs of the group. Please bring both front and rear lights and wear reflective gear. For those interested, post ride food/drink at Bottle Theory located on Spring Road in Elmhurst at 7:30 pm. You don‘t have to ride to come and join us, anyone welcome. Start/finish at Pioneer Park, parking is at the end of Prairie Path Lane, 1 block east of S Mitchell Avenue.

Something New for 2025!
Our Christmas party is taking on a new format this year - an appetizer social! Join us for a more relaxed evening of food, drinks, and holiday cheer with your cycling friends.
Elmhurst Bicycle Club Christmas Party
Appetizer Social • Casual & Festive

Thursday, December 11th
from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM CT

** Location Pints
112 S. York St.
Elmhurst, IL 60126

** What‘s Included
• Variety of appetizer trays
• House, Caesar & Taco Salads
• Assorted sliders (Beef, Turkey, Pulled Pork, Mushroom & Veggie)
• Desserts (Fudge Brownies & Lemon Bars

• Cash Bar Available

Cost: $36.00 members/guests
Must Register through the EBC website

*Please register before December 4th so we can provide our headcount and food order to the venue. Late registrations accepted through December 11th

***** Give Back This Season****
Remember: Bring Canned food donations for the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry (EYFP)

Join me for a combination of coffee, socialization, and a short trail ride. We begin with coffee and conversation at the Villa Perk from 7:15 to 8 AM. Then, those who want to participate in a winter trail ride will leave from the VP Depot at 8:15 for a ride to downtown Wheaton and back for 15 miles. We take a very short break at the Starbucks in Wheaton for the bathroom and perhaps a quick mid-ride snack. We will be back around 10AM for those who need to get on with their day. The ride qualifies for John Riordan’s WRTR series. Make sure you bring a bike suitable for the conditions of the day which may involve riding in snow or wet conditions. Fat tire bikes are recommended. If conditions are too sloppy on the prairie path, I may substitute a road ride or road/trail combo towards Brookfield Zoo. The Villa Perk is directly across Villa Avenue from the VP Depot. Those arriving early for the ride are welcome to drop into the coffee shop to sign the ride sheet. The primary goal is to meet in person during the long winter season. All EBC members are welcome to share in coffee even if they have no plans to ride.

Come join us on our annual Christmas Lights Ride! Start decorating your bike now for this fun and chilly event as we ride throughout the town to view decorated homes and holiday sights. Decorate your helmet, bike, or yourself with holiday lights and decor! Afterwards we will gather at PHASE THREE BREWING Co. to thaw out and socialize.

Check for your favorite christmas cookie recipe and come join us for the Braver Than The Element cookie exchange after the hike or bike loops. Bring at least 3 dozen cookies to share, along with a container to fill with the other cookies that are brought in. Please RSVP so I can set up the tables needed for the exchange when we get back to the Gingko Cafe.

So ends another season of Winter Rotating Trail Ride (WRTR) award eligibility. * All EBC Ride Leaders are eligible to create a WRTR. * All eligible rides must have "WRTR: ..." in the ride title on our calendar. * Riders seeking awards must have 10 or more WRTR rides completed within the eligible season and listed on their "My Rides" profile on our website. - No exceptions. * These are trail rides only. Road rides are not eligible. Any bike will work, but for winter trail riding, a mountain bike, fat bike or hybrid with wide tires is strongly recommended. When the ice starts, tires with metal studs are further recommended. * The season closes at the end of February. * Awards will be presented by our club President at the EBC Annual Awards Night. * Get ‘r done!

EBC Community Rich Aycock and myself are working on finalizing the details for this year‘s 4th edition of Braver Than The Elements. Just a quick note about a few things until I can get something more formal out early next week: • Start Date: Sunday, November 23rd • End Date: Sunday, March 29th • More details next week, exciting things on the horizon and will be unveiling our amazing and sweet sticker for this year and prizes! • See attached photo of the previous 3 year prizes, what color do you think the carabiner will be? More early next week- Dawn Piech

Ever wondered where you should position yourself in road while riding your bike? What are tricks to help make you be more visible on the roadway while riding your bike? What should I have in my saddle bag when I go out for a ride? These and other questions will be answered during my bike safety presentation to the Arlington Heights Bike Club. All are welcome and I would love to see fellow EBC members in the audience. Let me know if you would like to carpool to the event. Registration is required so I can let the AHBC know how many club members to expect.