CCC Monday Training Ride

The Chicago Cycling Club’s Monday evening ride is where you learn to actually ride in a group. Departing at 6:00 PM sharp from the Dunkin’ Donuts at Lincoln and California, this 30-35 mile road ride runs at a brisk 20-25 mph average. The emphasis is on craft: smooth paceline rotations, sprint practice, and the kind of road confidence that only comes from riding shoulder-to-shoulder with people who know what they’re doing.

Show up at least 10 minutes early — the CCC lists start times, not meeting times, and rolling out late is frowned upon. The group is intermediate to advanced, so being comfortable holding a wheel at speed matters. If you’ve been doing group rides for a season or two and want to push to the next level, this is the Monday night clinic you’ve been looking for.

It’s a year-round ride, so Chicago winters will occasionally test your dedication. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are welcome as long as you can keep pace with the group. Post-ride, there’s no formal hangout spot, but the neighborhood around Lincoln Square has plenty of options if the group decides to debrief over coffee or a beer.