Looking for more than just a "shop ride"? Training for an Ironman, but don’t want to ride alone? Have you always wanted to complete a 100 mile century ride or a charity ride? Experience the joy of riding with a group in a supportive setting, with a program that can help you stay on track and fits into your schedule.
CES is here for you.
We are offering a 20-week coached training program, focusing on building cycling fitness throughout the season, culminating at two different events: the North Shore Century on September 13th and the Apple Cider Century on September 27th. Each weekend, we'll lead supportive, group rides, with three pace groups based on experience and fitness level, to offer a challenge to every level. The training schedules that accompany the group rides will be customized for each level, offering you the opportunity to progress at your own pace. Coaches will be there to offer advice, encouragement, and support (plus the ability to find your way home). You'll be able to move from one pace group to another as your fitness improves or you want a little more of a challenge or need to take a break.
Weekly Group Rides
These are "no drop" rides (see requirements and caveats below) that understand that not everyone has pack riding experience. The program is progressive by design over the 20 weeks and designed to build and maintain a level of fitness over the course of the cycling season. Intensity can be added or reduced at your discretion (and with a little advice from the coaches). This structure makes it ideal for those with a mid-season goal, an end of season goal, or someone looking for a season long group ride.
Rides will take you off the lakefront bike path and explore the great riding along the Northshore suburbs, Barrington, and Buffalo Grove. Cue sheets and online maps will be provided so that you can repeat a route on your own.
Training Dates & Locations
20 weeks beginning Saturday May 2nd – September 27th
Saturdays at 7:00am — Training locations will be varying between:
BONUS: Free parking is available at all of our Saturday group training sessions!
NOTE: There will not be a group ride for Memorial or Labor Day weekends.
Our Coaching Staff
Jordan Grauer, Jon Ramos, Kara Chmielewski
Participation Requirements
Must possess a road bike. A road bike is light weight and makes riding easier and faster.
Must possess cycling shorts, helmet, 2 water bottles, flat repair kit.
Cycling shoes are strongly suggested.
Must be able to complete 25 mile ride, within the pacing range listed below.
Pace Group information
Coaches will make their way between and among each group. They will stay with the main group of riders and cannot chase down those who strike out on their own, or can't hold the stated pace. Pace range is an average ride speed (not a peak speed briefly flirted with on a downhill with a tailwind).
Three Pace Groups
17–21mph average
15–18mph average
13–16mph average