2026 Busse Woods Night Ride
About this Event
The Busse Woods Night Ride is back for the 11th time in 2026!
On every other night of the year, the Forest Preserves of Cook County close at dusk. But this unique event is just getting started at sunset – and it goes well into the night! Here's your chance to ride the Busse Woods Trail and experience the beauty of Busse Woods in the dark!
Ride your bike under the moonlight and stay for the party! All participants will enjoy live music from FUZE Band, bonfires, snacks, s’mores, food for purchase from Vini's Pizza, and more!
All paid attendees will receive two drink tickets. Those 21+ with valid ID's can use those two tickets for beer from Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling or wine from Wine With Me. Also, cold brew coffee samples will be provided by Maple Leaf Coffee Roasters. Non-alcoholic drinks are also available.
ID’s will be checked at the Check-In table. Attendees over 21 who plan to drink beer or wine must bring and show a state issued ID. No exceptions!!
Raffle Tickets
You can pre-purchase general raffle tickets at a discounted rate when you purchase your event tickets. 30 tickets for $20. (Day of event: 7 tickets for $10, 20 tickets for $20). Prizes include a beer lover's special and bike-themed items! Never Ending Cycles has graciously donated a cruiser bike for one of the raffle prizes. You must be present to win these raffle prizes.
Event Information
Never Ending Cycles will provide SAG (Support And Gear) during the ride.
This event is organized by the Friends of Cycling in Elk Grove and The Forest Preserves of Cook County. All proceeds from this event will be used to promote the many benefits of cycling to residents of Elk Grove Village and the NW suburbs. A summary of proceeds from previous events can be seen here.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- ID’s will be checked at the Check-In table. Attendees over 21 who plan to drink beer or wine must bring and show a state issued ID. No exceptions!!
- All participants must be in good physical shape and be able to ride the distance of their wave without assistance.
- The minimum age to bike in this event is 12 years old. Younger children are invited to attend as spectators provided they are attending with another adult who is not biking.
- This event will take place rain or shine. It will only be canceled if there is thunder and/or lightning. Because this is a fundraiser, no refunds will be available if the event is canceled due to weather.
- All participants must wear a helmet and have a front white headlight and a rear red taillight in order to ride.
- Regular waves are 9 miles at a casual pace. The ride will take about 60 minutes and includes a break.
- Extended waves are 12 miles at a casual pace. The ride will take about 75 minutes and includes a break.
- All attendees must enter Busse Woods no later than 7:30 pm. The entrance gate will be locked at 7:30 pm. The exit gate will remain open for the duration of the event.
- Please do not play music from a phone or bluetooth speaker during the Night Ride. Also, no ear buds are allowed while biking because they can distract you and limit your ability to hear what's going on around you.
Wave Start Times
7:45 pm: Sunset Cruise "Family" Wave (Regular distance, Slow Roll)
8:00 pm: Twilight Extended Cruise Wave (Extended distance, Casual Pace)
8 :10 pm: Nighttime Wave (Regular distance, Casual Pace)
8 :20 pm: Nighttime Extended Wave (Extended distance, Casual Pace)
8 :30 pm: Nighttime Wave (Regular distance, Casual Pace)
8 :40 pm: Nighttime Extended Wave (Extended distance, Casual Pace)
8 :50 pm: Nighttime Wave (Regular distance, Casual Pace)
Activities and Entertainment
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Check-in and bike safety checks courtesy of Never Ending Cycles and Crank Revolution.
6:30 pm - 10:30 pm: Food for sale from Vini's Pizza, beer available from Polyanna Brewing Company, wine from Wine With Me, and coffee from Maple Leaf Coffee Roasters.
7:30 pm - 10:30 pm: Live music by the FUZE Band, snacks, s'mores, and fire pits
7 :30 pm - 8:30 pm: Wildlife Display
8:30 pm-10:00 pm: Drawings for raffle prizes
10:30pm: Event ends
And thanks to our sponsors!
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 44.52
