August 19, 2025
“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike.”– John F. Kennedy
Riding a bike evokes memories of sunny days, freedom, joy, and a sense of childhood adventure. But bike riding isn’t just for kids. Bike Palatine Club is a community organization that brings the joy and adventure of cycling to people of all ages.
Tom Lucas has served as the Club’s president for the past four years. According to Lucas, the club originally began as an advocacy group working with the Village of Palatine. “We were formed to help make the village more bike friendly,” Lucas said. Improvements brought by the club include bike lanes, sharrows (road markings for bikes), and bike signals.
The Palatine Park District is partnering with Bike Palatine Club to host three upcoming cycling events.
CycleFest – Saturday, August 23 | 9-11:30 am| Town Square|Fee: $20
Participants can choose from four route options: a kids’ route (1+ miles), short (9+ miles), mid (21+ miles) and an unchaperoned long ride (28+ miles). Riders select a route they feel confident completing. “These rides are held at a casual pace, based on the group, and typically last 60-90 minutes,” said Lucas. All rides are open to ages 10 and up.
Full Moon Bike Ride – Friday, September 5|6:30-9:30 pm|Palatine Trail|Fee: $15 In-District, $19 Out-Of-District
This scenic evening ride starts at sunset and follows the Palatine Trail from Benton Street to the east side of town.
“Our goal is to enjoy the rising moon on a relaxed ride,” Lucas said. Helmets and bike lights are required. After the ride, participants are invited to a pizza party at the Legion Hall.
Oktoberfest Bike Ride – Saturday, September 20|10:30-11:30 am|Towne Square|Fee: $10 In-District, $13 Out-Of-District
This 10-15 mile ride loops through Palatine beginning and ending at Towne Square. “The idea is to work up an appetite for a beverage and a brat,” Lucas said. “We’ve partnered with the Rotary Club on this ride for over five years, and it’s always well received.” Participants, ages 16 and over, should bring a helmet, an appetite, and a bike lock for the post-ride festivities. Families are welcome at all rides.
Mark Dolphin, Athletics Manager for Palatine Park District, noted the District also supports cyclists with four bike repair stations throughout town. “You can teach children how to care for their bikes in addition to the importance of bike safety,” he said.
Lucas says one of the best parts of riding with the group is the camaraderie. “My goal has been to help people understand that Palatine is a rideable and safe community,” he said.
No special equipment is required to join the rides. “Our strictest requirement is to wear a helmet,“ Lucas said.
And, you don’t need to be fast. “I always pace my rides to the least experienced rider. Different riders come to different events, so faster cyclists get their chance too. We are a no drop group – we always have a leader up front and a sweeper in the back.”
Most of the rides take place on streets, but local trails are also used. “We ride the trail to Deer Grove along the golf course, which extends to the east side of town,” Lucas said. We also use the south trail that leads to Harper College.”
For Lucas, the benefits of bike riding are both physical and mental. “I’m probably the fittest I’ve been since grade school,” he said.
So, dust off your bike, grab your helmet, and sign up to ride with Bike Palatine Club. And remember…“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike.”
