People clothed in colorful biking kits lined the shore of Clark Street beach at 8 a.m. on a warm Sunday morning. They were there for a once a year event when bikers across the North Shore ride the 100 mile course Evanston Bike Club (EBC) sets up. For the past 39 years, Evanston bikers have been gathering in a fundraising effort for the EBC. This day-long event includes non-club members and inexperienced bikers alike, with path choices ranging from 25 to 100 miles.
“Preparations begin in the spring and registration opens July 1 of each year. By that time all the arrangements are in place with the various towns and park districts regarding permits for routes and rental in parks, such as at Clark Street Beach,” said Douglas Hoffman, president of the EBC. “We had 1,926 riders this year. Going back to 2018 [that number] is very consistent.”
Although the club was unable to host the annual ride in 2020, this didn’t stunt the popularity of this event whatsoever.
“This is my third year participating in North Shore Century’s 25-mile bike ride. I go back every year because it is really fun and I like biking with my Dad through the North Shore suburbs,” said Rory Mckee, an ETHS junior who participated in the event.
Despite the event being a fundraiser, the money raised does not go back to the bike club. Instead, they make donations to multiple organizations, such as the Active Transportation Alliance, League of American Bicyclists and Ride Illinois. Nonprofit organizations can also submit applications to receive some of the funds, but those organizations vary from year to year.
“Nonprofits submit applications in which they tell us about themselves and request a specific dollar amount. A committee of EBC members reviews all the requests and determines the amount to be awarded. We have specific criteria, so some requestors do receive a grant. The ETHS Therapeutic Day School applied for and received a grant this year, ” said Hoffman.
Overall the NorthShore Century bike event is a family, beginner and pro friendly fundraiser for any bike enthusiast on the North Shore.
