Bicycle Illinois

August 21 - August 27, 2027Cairo Junior/Senior High School, 4201 Sycamore St., Cairo, IL

Event Details

Event Type

Touring

Location

Cairo Junior/Senior High School, 4201 Sycamore St.Cairo, IllinoisOpen in Maps

Links

Website

Upcoming Dates

August 21 - August 27, 2027Register

Event Location

About This Event

THE ONLY CYCLING TOUR ACROSS THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF ILLINOIS! Starting from the town of Cairo at Illinois' southernmost tip and ending in the heart of downtown Chicago, Bicycle Illinois is the only cycling event across the entire state of Illinois. Held annually, the fully supported ride covers 500 to 600 miles with nightly stops in Cairo, Carbondale, Centralia, Effingham, Champaign, and Kankakee. For riders looking for even more of a challenge, a century option is available every day of the ride. There will be six consecutive days of riding with pre-designated, supported rest stops along the way. Each ride segment is an estimated 20 miles between rest stops. As always, this route follows the safest, most direct route between our stopping towns. For a bigger challenge, you can continue cycling north to Wisconsin the following day on the Tri-State Tour Chicago Century #2, which also includes a century option. That's up to 7 centuries in 7 days - no other cycling event comes close! Whether you're a recreational cyclist looking for the sense of accomplishment, or an athlete who wants to enhance your endurance skills, Bicycle Illinois has something for you. Along with new friends and our caring, service-oriented, professional staff, you'll gain a new level of satisfaction and self-confidence! Relax - Bicycle Illinois makes it easy. Focus on cycling and have fun!

Additional Information

Experience the Ultimate Adventure with Bicycle Illinois

Get ready for the cycling journey of a lifetime. Bicycle Illinois is the only event that takes you on a complete trek across the entire length of the state, starting from the historic southernmost tip in Cairo and pedaling all the way to the vibrant heart of downtown Chicago. This isn't just a ride; it is a fully supported, multi-day touring experience designed to help you discover the hidden beauty of the Illinois landscape while achieving a remarkable personal milestone.

Whether you are a recreational rider seeking a sense of accomplishment or a dedicated endurance athlete looking to push your limits, our tour offers the perfect balance of challenge and camaraderie. With professional staff supporting you every mile of the way, you can leave the logistics behind and focus entirely on the joy of the open road, the fresh air, and the lasting friendships you will make along the way.

What to Expect

Full Ride Support - We provide comprehensive support throughout the tour, ensuring you have the assistance you need to keep moving comfortably.
Scenic Routes - Enjoy a carefully curated path that highlights the diverse geography of the state, from southern charm to northern horizons.
Strategic Rest Stops - We feature pre-designated, fully stocked rest stops approximately every 20 miles to keep you hydrated and energized.
Flexible Options - Choose your daily pace or take advantage of our century options if you are looking to ramp up the intensity.
Community Atmosphere - Join a welcoming group of fellow cyclists who share your passion for adventure and the outdoors.

Course Description

Bicycle Illinois covers 500 to 600 miles over six consecutive days, with overnight stops in Cairo, Carbondale, Centralia, Effingham, Champaign, and Kankakee. We prioritize rider safety by selecting the most direct and reliable routes between our host towns. For those craving extra mileage, a century option is available every single day of the tour.

Route Type	Daily Distance	Best For
Standard Tour	Varies by segment	Recreational riders and touring enthusiasts
Century Option	100 miles	Athletes training for endurance and distance

Event Highlights

Unmatched Accomplishment - Experience the unique satisfaction of cycling across an entire state from south to north.
Professional Staff - Our service-oriented team is dedicated to your safety, comfort, and enjoyment from start to finish.
The Ultimate Challenge - Want more? Extend your journey by adding the Tri-State Tour Chicago Century #2 the day after we arrive in Chicago, potentially totaling 7 centuries in 7 days.
Stress-Free Travel - We take care of the details, so you can simply relax, focus on your cycling, and have fun.
Lasting Memories - From the southern tip of the state to the iconic Chicago skyline, you will create stories and friendships that last a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall difficulty level of Bicycle Illinois?

This tour is designed for a wide range of cyclists, from recreational riders seeking a sense of accomplishment to athletes looking to build endurance. While the daily mileage is significant, our fully supported format allows you to ride at your own pace and enjoy the scenic journey across the state.

What kind of ride support is provided during the tour?

We take care of the logistics so you can focus on the ride! You will enjoy pre-designated, supported rest stops approximately every 20 miles, along with a service-oriented, professional staff dedicated to ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the week.

Are there different route options available for riders?

Yes, we offer flexibility to suit your goals. While we follow the safest and most direct route between our host towns, riders looking for an extra challenge can take advantage of our daily century options.

What should I bring for a multi-day touring event?

Since this is a multi-day tour, comfort is key. We recommend bringing reliable cycling gear, appropriate clothing for changing weather, basic maintenance tools, and plenty of enthusiasm for the miles ahead. Check the event website for a detailed suggested packing list.

Is it possible to extend the tour beyond the finish line?

Absolutely! For those wanting to push their limits, you can continue cycling north to the Wisconsin border the day after the tour ends on the Tri-State Tour Chicago Century. This offers the unique opportunity to complete up to seven centuries in seven days.

Reviews

Share your photos, offer tips and course insights, or inspire others to join the fun!

The first 5 cyclists to review within 72 hours after this event receive a free Starbucks or Dunkin gift card ($10 value).

Organizer