GITAP-2009

Photo by Nancy Strandberg

Photo by Paula Matzek

Welcome to the Grand Illinois Trail And Parks bicycle ride for 2009

This year's week on the Grand Illinois Trail promises to be cornucopia of great riding through the variated landscape of northern Illinois, wonderful stopovers amid the woods and stars of scenic state parks, and many enhancements that all lead to a memorable vacation on a bike.

The tour begins on Sunday, June 14 and wraps up on Saturday, June 20.

The focus for this year's route is the southern wing of the GIT, including the I & M Canal Trail and the Hennepin Canal Trail (with road routes paralleling soft trail mileage). We will also visit two outstanding parks off the trail – Shabbona and White Pines. The minimum distance this year is 310 miles for the week, but by taking extra loops, it will be possible to do 585 miles.

Here's what to look forward to for ’09:

• A start and end at Seneca High School – close to Interstate 80 and right next to the I & M Canal Trail.
• Two "picture perfect" lake-based state parks – Shabbona and Johnson/Sauk Trail.
• A two-night stopover at the rustic, but classic, White Pines State Park.
• An evening of professional entertainment at White Pines Inn.
• Another extended layover at Johnson/Sauk Trail State Park, with a day off for lolling around the lake, heading to Bishop Hill, or even doing a century.
• Starved Rock State Park, with its spectacular trails and water features, awaits us at the end of the ride on Friday.

Of course, the ride includes all of the above, plus these basics:

• A loop ride – starting and ending at the same place – with free secure parking for the week.
• A route that follows the Grand Illinois Trail through its southern portion, including the trails that it shares with the nation-wide American Discovery Trail.
• Many mileage choices – anywhere from 310 to 585 miles for the week. Also we will have road options for trails without a hard pavement.
• Tent camping in state parks, with a motel package for the week available at additional cost.
• Showers and luggage transportation provided.
• All breakfasts and dinners.
• T-shirt, emergency sags, bike repair, and refreshments stops when needed – with a jersey available for purchase.
• Nightly meetings with door prizes, entertainment, campfires, s'mores, and ride information.
• A photo contest (Check our web site for photos from previous years.)
• The unique-to-America Velosophie program – optional nightly discussions sponsored and led by the Illinois Humanities Council.
• Sponsored by the League of Illinois Bicyclists with support from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. It's an all volunteer operation, with any profits going to support LIB and its state-wide bicycle programs.

Here's the tentative route:

Here’s where we plan to go on GITAP-09 (miles are approximate):

Su, 06-14: Start at Seneca High School, Seneca, Illinois to Shabbona Lake State Park - 50 or 85 miles
M, 06-15: to White Pines State Park - 50 or 90 miles
T, 06-16: loops from White Pines State Park - 40 or 100 miles
W, 06-17: to Johnson/Sauk Trail State Park - 70 or 90 miles
Th, 06-18: loops from Johnson/Sauk - 0, 40, 55, or 100 miles
F, 06-19: to Starved Rock State Park - 70 or 90 miles
Sa, 06-20: to Seneca High School - 30 miles

Additional Information about GITAP-09:

GITAP is a small ride with a limit of 160 riders. Last year we were filled up by mid-April, so don't put off registration too long.

The base price for the ride will be $395.

We'll also have an "early planning rate" of $385 - for registrations mailed by April 1. A late rate of $420 will go into effect on June 1.

Members of LIB will get a $20 discount, paying $375 (if you're unsure about your status, e-mail lib@bikelib.org). Special rates for younger riders: 15 to 12 year-old: $295; 11 and younger: $195.

Special group incentive for bike clubs: For every bike club with 5 members on GITAP, 5% of their GITAP registration fees will be added to that club's annual contribution to LIB. Each additional rider from that club will add 5% more to the club's contribution.

Remember, any profit from GITAP goes to support LIB, which really means supporting bicycling. LIB is Illinois' statewide bike advocacy organization.

Those interested in the motel package should check the box on the registration form to receive information about the package.

Our master sports masseuse, Glen Morey, will also be offering a number of camp services including tent, towel, chair, and luggage services. Contact through http://www.eventsbikerideservices.com/.

Registration is first-come, first-served with a limit of 160 riders. We're asking for the full amount up front, with refunds according to this schedule: full refund before April 15; half refund before May 15; no refunds after May 15.

For reviews and pictures of the first six GITAPs, see our web site.

So, if you want to join this grand outdoor bicycling adventure, do one of the following:

1. To print a registration form and mail your payment, click this link. (This registration form uses the free Adobe Acrobat^® Reader. If you use a recent version of Acrobat^® Reader you may use your computer to complete the form before printing it.)
1. Complete the form, remembering to sign the waiver.
2. Mail the form and the total of your registration fees to GITAP, Chuck Oestreich, 816 - 22^nd St, Rock Island, IL  61201. Make the check payable to "League of Illinois Bicyclists".
2. For online registration with electronic payment (including an extra fee to Active.com) go to Active.com, http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1651228 .

After May 15, 2009, fees are not refundable. But your registration will be transferable. If we meet our limit and have a waiting list of potential riders, we will help you if you need to transfer your registration.

Any questions:

Chuck at oestreich@qconline.com or 309-788-1845.