The Route
You will be traveling along with riders along side bike paths, low traffic highways and country roads as we leave the Chicago area, across the border into Wisconsin and north to Elkhorn, WI where we will spend the night. This year’s route is still being developed, but will be a max of 100 miles (each day). The route is being designed with safetyand accessibility as priorities.

The Ride for AIDS Chicago route can be challenging with long stretches and some hills. All crew will have water and be expected to cheer riders on to keep them motivated.

Please be aware that on day two of our journey you will be departing as early in the morning and your time to ride is somewhat shorter due to closing ceremonies. Some riders will need to be swept to closing ceremonies. This is a matter of safety for all participants, as no one will be left on the route alone. ALL riders and crew must be at Northwestern University before ceremonies can commence.

Pit Stops
Pit stops will be located on the route where there are appropriate amenities, generally every 15-20 miles. Stops are reserved at public parks or similar with bathroom facilitities, running water, vehicle access, and on the Ride route. Volunteers and Crew members will stop with their vehicles at designated areas. The ride will provide water, sports drinks and healthy snacks. At every pit stop, crew will prepare for riders by cutting fruit and bagels, icing water, making sport drinks from powder, etc.. All riders and crew should notify TPAN staff of any dietary restrictions.

Crew for the first Pit Stops each day will leave well ahead of Riders to assure the stop is properly set up.

Sweep Assistance
Sweep Crew are Crew Members driving their own vehicles along the Ride route to support Riders. If riders are injured or unable to ride, they will use a "thumbs down" signal to stop a passing crew vehicle. These vehicles are available for riders unable to complete the day's ride; they are not to be utilized as a taxi service. Depending on where we are in the day, the crew may not go directly to camp. Only injured riders will receive prompt medical attention and transport. If riders are picked up early in the day, it may be hours before they are delivered to camp. As it grows dark, crew vehicles will pick up riders who are still on the road.

Bicycle Repair
A number of riders are familiar with some basic bike repair. Iron Cycles will have bike technicians available to assist with repairs. On the road, Riders will use a "thumbs down" signal to flag a crew vehicle to indicate you need help. Depending on the repair needed riders may be swept. The Crew Member who initially stops to support the Rider will notify Ride Staff and Iron Cycles of the situation.

Medical Emergencies
The Ride will have a designated Medical Crew vehicle. This will be a medical professional with emergency medical care experience. Medical Crew are not there to necessarily treat patients, but rather provide triage support in the event of an emergency.

With any emergency, dial 911, if possible. Then, immediately report any medical emergencies to the Ride Staff. If you're on the route, after you call 911, contact the emergency number you will be provided with at final checkin. Crew vehicles will rove the route on the lookout for accidents. Again, "thumbs down" signals help is needed.

Crew members will have mobile phones. They will have comprehensive information on local hospitals, emergency facilities, police, fire, and other important emergency information.

If someone needs to reach you in case of an emergency there will be an emergency number they can call. The ride emergency number will be announced closer to the time of the event.

Camp at Lutherdale
The first thing you should know about camp is that it has cabins with electricity. You'll still be camping out, which means bugs, hanging stuff out to dry, overhearing conversations and snoring in the next cabin, using a flashlight to find the bathroom, etc. But there are no tents. The cabins accommodate varying numbers of people. The cabins have bunk beds with thick sleeping mats. You will still need to bring a pillow and sleeping bag or blankets.

Cabin Assignments
Your cabin will be assigned to you. If you wish to stay in the same cabin as another rider or crew member, please call the office, and we’ll be happy to accommodate you. Assignments will be based on teams, crew vs riders, and preferences. We only fill a cabin to capacity to accommodate larger teams or if necessary.

Showers, Sinks and Toilet Facilities
There are hot showers and bathroom facilities at camp. The camp is located on Lutherdale Lake in Elkhorn, WI, so you may opt for a dip in the lake. Pit Stops will be located at places that have bathroom facilities available.

Bike Parking
At camp you will take your bike to your cabin and park it overnight. There is probably not a security risk, but you may wish to lock your bike for peace of mind.

Gear (Luggage) Transport
Your gear will be transported to and from camp. Please mark your bag clearly or use a luggage tag. You will be expected to load and unload your own gear.

Camp Activities
The camp is located on Lutherdale Lakes and you are welcome to take a swim, but note there is no lifeguard on duty. In the evening, after dinner we will have a traditional camp fire (weather permitting). The cabin area is to be considered a quiet zone from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. The camp is sizeable so if you like to stay up late chatting and watching the stars, there’s room for that. An area at camp will be designated as Camp Services and staffed by volunteers after dinner until 9:00 p.m.

Weather
The average temperature for this time of year ranges from 70 to 95 degrees. In the event of rain, the ride continues. Should extreme weather occur, please seek shelter and wait for it to pass. If it is unlikely that the weather is going to clear, we will pick up riders, but it will take time. We will close the route in certain types of extreme weather, high winds, lightening, hail and tornados are recent examples. Once the weather passes the route will re-open. It is imperative that all riders follow crew direction without argument – the route will ONLY close for EXTREME weather. The route will remain open during moderate to heavy rain and wind. Should any rider feel uncomfortable riding in said weather, they may signal a sweep vehicle with a “thumbs down” and ride to the next pit stop. Note that emergencies will take priority and this is not considered an emergency.

Maps / Directions
On Saturday at final check-in, you will receive route details.