08/20/2026
Something to think about.
We have some beautiful trails in DeKalb County and are fortunate enough to have a section of the historic Great Western Trail.
It's interesting that Sycamore biggest annual event, the Pumpkin Festival, which was founded and celebrated in honor of a cyclist, doesn't currently feature any cycling activities.
I have an idea for a community activity that could be linked to a charity and help address that situation. I'm sharing this idea with anyone who might be interested. I'd like to participate, but I don't necessarily want to be in charge of organizing it.
Facts: Most local cyclists ride, on average, 20 miles or less. To encourage more cycling locally, we should create an event that appeals to most local cyclists and their needs while ensuring their safety by avoiding roads and major street crossings. We can achieve this by using our local trail systems.
This is a straightforward out-and-back route. covering a total distance of 36 miles. The ride goes from the Sycamore Forest Preserve to the Leroy Oaks trailhead and then returns to the starting point.
This would offer a good challenge for them while still being an enjoyable experience for regular cyclists. To make this idea even more accessible, we could connect some existing inner-city trails and crossings, along with new trail connections currently under construction. This would create a shorter route perfect for families, while still providing a slightly longer option.
The main strategy is to use our existing resources to ensure the concept remains manageable and affordable for the community.