About Us

Chain Reaction Cycling Club (CRCC) is a long-distance cycling club with the goal to improve riders’ endurance and ability individually and collectively.

With CRCC, you will have an opportunity to explore the Chicagoland area and beyond, support and promote small businesses and get more involved in communities where you may live and

work. Stick with us and you will see cycling as an amazing way to improve your fitness levels, well-being, and further expand your community.

Building Better Bikers is our passion!

2024 Season Description

Safety & Rider Responsibilities

Rules of the road are adhered to strictly; obey all traffic laws.
Helmets are REQUIRED, gloves are optional.
Show up on time with water, snacks and gear appropriate to the conditions.
Ride single file on narrow roads with no shoulder.
Never ride more than 2 abreast.
Be alert and courteous to all that we share the road with.
Always scan and try to look ahead and around the rider in front of you.
Use your peripheral vision and your hearing. Stay alert.
Ride at a steady predictable pace as much as possible.
Do not overlap the front wheel of your bicycle with the rear wheel of another bicycle.
Maintain a small gap from the rider in front of you.
When passing, call out “on your left” (no passing on the right)
Warn before braking or slowing (call out 'stopping' or 'slowing' and use your hand signals if you can).
Use hand and verbal signals to alert riders behind you of upcoming turns, road hazards, pedestrians, cars, potholes, etc.
Carry medical insurance info/ID with you on the ride

For you to be successful in riding with Chain Reaction Cycling Club, we encourage you to do the following:

Review the CRCC Information Packet and Guidelines.
Review the CRCC calendar (will be provided upon membership completion).
Attend at least one or more of the Saturday training rides to build your endurance and help you understand group riding.
Ride on your own outside of the groups or consider a cross-training exercise. Cross train: Cross training refers to undertaking any physical activity different to an athlete’s primary sport. Popular and effective choices for cyclists include running, pilates, weight lifting, and yoga.

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Rides

During the season, which is planned from April – November, weather permitting, CRCC aims to have at least 2-3 scheduled rides per week which is inclusive of training and social rides.

Rides for all levels typically begin and end in the same location unless otherwise noted.

Rides are primarily offered at -- intermediate (14-16 mph) and advanced (17 mph+) paces
Pace levels and distances are based on the ride type & description (published in the monthly calendar).

Drop rides vs no drop rides:

Drop rides: We expect our riders to hold the minimum pace established for the majority of the ride and will not slow for any reason (exceptions include accidents and medical emergencies). Those unable to maintain the minimum pace, will still be able to complete the route, but without group support. It is expected that all riders have the route, extra tube, and can change their tire, etc. Should riders be 'dropped' along the route and want to continue or double back they are welcome to. Ride leaders will offer guidance before determining if someone will have to be “dropped”.
No drop rides: Group stops for mechanical problems, flats, nature breaks, accidents, and emergencies. Ride leaders will drop back to ride with slower riders or keep a watchful eye to ensure everyone finishes.