Just the Facts (Back to GITy Up! page)
GITy Up! 2013
Date: July 20-21, high noon to high noon with camping in between
Length: 25 miles/day, or 8.5 mile/day option
Route: Illinois Prairie Path & Fox River Trail, Wheaton to Aurora (new this year!, with Batavia spur shortcut option) to Elgin to Wheaton
Camping: Tent camping at Delnore Woods, St. Charles, Illinois (limited hotel rooms at special rate available)
Cost: $85 per rider for overnight tour
Rider limit: 200
What is the GIT in GITy Up?
It’s the Grand Illinois Trail, an amazing 500+ mile loop of regional trails and rideable roads across Northern Illinois, Chicago to the Mississippi River and back. It’s a truly grand, beautiful adventure for anyone with a week of 75 mile days stored up in their legs.
Think of GITy Up! as a bite-sized taste of the GIT, a stepping stone, a slippery slope (in a good way) toward multi-day bike camping adventures ahead.
Is GITy Up! entirely on trails?
Purt’ near. Some of the Fox River Trail and the Illinois Prairie Path will have maintenance projects underway, and will likely need short street detours. And there are some busy road crossings. We’ll know where they all are at, and help you negotiate them.
Are the trails paved?
Some sections are asphalt, much is crushed limestone. Both are good riding surfaces, though crushed limestone will mellow your pace. Not a bad thing on a leisurely tour!
Can a beginner do GITy Up!?
We have two routes:
1. Wheaton start/finish, 25 miles/day: If you can ride 30 miles in four hours, you’re going to enjoy this route, with plenty of time for sight seeing and side trips.
2. North Aurora start/finish, 8.5 miles/day: Can you ride 10 miles in 90 minutes? Then this is easy pedaling.
And remember: we carry your gear!
Do you carry my gear?
Yes! So glad you asked!
Does this ride have rest stops, course marshals, and on-route support?
Yes! GITy Up! is fully supported by Trails for Illinois board members, volunteers and partners like REI (http://rei.com). NEW this year: Better turn signs and route marking! PLUS: no construction on the trail (so far!).
What gear do I need?
For riding: your helmet; water bottles; money for shopping, snacks, drinks and lunch; mobile phone; sun block; eye protection; tube repair kit; a song in your heart and a ticklish spot for adventure.
For overnighting: your own gear suitable for one night of camping—this may include tent or bivvy sack; sleeping pad; pillow; guitar or other musical instrument (campfire appropriate—probably not a drum kit, though camp-hardened bongos would be the bomb!); a camp chair and an overnight bag.
What kind of bike do I need?
We’re schlepping your overnight stuff, so that makes this simple: bring the one that you love riding the most. Make sure it’s in good repair and can carry at least one water bottle—your local bike shop is an expert at getting your bike GITy Up!-ready.
Where are we camping?
In lovely Delnore Woods Park, courtesy of the St. Charles Park District.
What does the fee include?
$85 (two-day, overnight ride) - T-shirt, rest stop fuel stations & route support, supper on Saturday, July 20 and breakfast on Sunday, July 21.
Do I have to pay for my kids?
If they’re 6 or older, yes.
Is the fee refundable?
No. Trails for Illinois hosts the GITy Up! to raise funds towards connecting Illinois people and communities with a network of non-motorized trails. Your ride fee becomes a donation if your plans fall through. We’re a 501c3 non-profit, so you might be able to deduct it from your taxes; check with your state laws.
Are T-shirts included?
Yes, and they are COOL, with COWBOYS on them, and EVERYTHING.
Does GITy Up! get going rain or shine?
You bet! That’s what bike camping is about!
Not so into camping. Can I get a hotel room?
Yes! You make your own reservations, and your GITy Up! fee doesn’t change.
Last year’s partner Geneva Motel Inn received excellent rider reviews so we’ve invited them back: Geneva Motel Inn, 100 Tyler Road in St. Charles, 60174, genevamotelinnil.com. Call (630) 513-6500 BEFORE JULY 1 and mention “GITy Up!” to get a special $69.99 event rate.
I’ll arrive for GITy Up! on Friday. Where should I spend the night?
There’s some great places to stay in the Wheaton/Warrenville area and Aurora:
Hyatt House, Warrenville (near Cantigny and Two Brothers Brewery): 630-657-7672.
Comfort Suites, Aurora (near heart of downtown, next to historic Round House restaurant and brewery): 630-896-2800.
Where will I park my car while I’m riding?
Maybe at home—Metra serves Wheaton, Aurora and Elgin from Chicago, and offers bikes-on-trains service all weekend.
Wheaton start/finish: You’ll park with the City of Wheaton, in their municipal lot at Liberty and Carlton.
North Aurora start/finish (family route): You’ll park with the Fox Valley Park District at North Aurora Island Park.
Have another question?
Post in comments below and you can help share the answers with everyone. You can also mail steve@trailsforillinois.org or call Steve at 708/365-9365.
