Rides and Routes

All info subject to change, please check website and WhatsApp for updates before all rides.

Arrive at all rides in time for briefing, with a full tank of gas and all gear and electronics ready to go.

Thursday, August 28

Early Arrivals Afternoon Ride

(If you’re already at the hotel you can meet Jason E. at noon in front of the hotel to ride over to the restaurant)
Lunch at 12:00 Noon
Meet at Garage Bar, 6154 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago.
Just found out they’re not open for lunch, so we’ll split up and eat at the other restaurants on that block.
Ride briefing at 1:15 pm in front of Garage Bar.
Depart at 1:30 pm
2.5 hours (not including lunch, including stops), 30 miles
50cc and up (top speed about 40mph)
Google Map
Leader: Bryan Bedell. Sweep: Jason E.
Synopsis: We’ll visit the famous “Leaning Tower of Niles” for a photo op, cruise along the Des Plaines River, make a quick stop for magical drinking water. Then we’ll circle O’Hare Airport, stop at a hidden cemetery, and check out some prime planespotting locations. A daylight version of SH30’s popular Thursday night ride.
Gas/restroom stop:  Shell, 2301 W Touhy Ave, Park Ridge (roughly 2:15pm)
Ends about 4pm for Early Arrivals party (we will pass the hotel if you need to stop by before the party)

Early Arrivals Evening Ride

Starts after Early Arrivals party at Short Fuse Brewing
No briefing
Depart at 8pm
10 min ride, 1 mile
50cc and up (top speed about 40mph)
Leader: Sean McNamara
Synopsis: a very short ride north on Des Plaines River Road returning to the hotel after the Early Arrivals party. We’ll ride as a group to the Hilton parking garage, where we’ve got a big surprise waiting.
Ends at Hilton Rosemont garage 4th floor about 8:15. Be sure you’re in the hotel garage by 9pm for the surprise!

Friday, August 29

Starved Rock Ride

Starts in Hilton Rosemont garage 4th floor
Briefing 8:15 am
Depart at 8:30 am
6+ hours (including stops), 200+ miles
For faster scooters (top speed about 55-60 mph)
Google Map (outbound)
Google Map (return)
Leader: Jason E. Sweep: Paul L.
Synopsis: This is a 55-mph ride for those that want a longer, faster country ride. We’ll follow the route of Second City Scooter Society’s annual fall ride to Starved Rock State Park on the Illinois River, featuring beautiful canyons and waterfalls.  At the park, we’ll split into two groups, one will dine in the lodge restaurant, the other group can explore the park and grab a quick bite at the visitor center. The groups will join back up and ride back into the city in time for the concert
Stops: (outbound) Food N Fuel 3201 Channahon Rd, Joliet.
(return) BP, 911 1st Ave, Ottawa. I&M Canal Trail, Morris. Gas N Wash, 10980 Archer Ave, Lemont.
Ends at hotel, with time to get to concert at Martyrs.

Scooterworks Breakfast Ride

Starts in Hilton Rosemont garage 4th floor
Briefing 8:45 am
Depart at 9:00 am
35 minutes, 12 miles
50cc and up (top speed about 40mph)
Leader: TBD
Synopsis: A half-hour ride from the hotel to Scooterworks Chicago for complementary breakfast tacos and Rev.Sean’s scooter blessings
Gas/restroom stop: none, please gas up beforehand
Ends at Scooterworks Chicago around 9:30am

Scooterworks North Shore Ride

Starts at Scooterworks Chicago
Briefing 10:45 am
Depart at 11 am
3 hours (including lunch stop)
50cc and up (top speed about 40mph)
MAP to come
Leader: Nathan O.
Synopsis: Scooterworks Chicago will lead a ride through the northern suburbs, past Skokie Lagoons, then stop for lunch at Chicago’s beloved Superdawg drive-in (bring cash/card for lunch) before returning to the shop. 
Gas/restroom stop: tbd
Ends back at Scooterworks Chicago around 2pm

Late-Risers “Catchup” Ride

Starts in Hilton Rosemont garage 4th floor
Briefing 12:00 noon
Depart at 12:15 pm
30 min, 6 miles (to lunch)
50cc and up (top speed about 40mph)
MAP to come
Leader: TBD
Synopsis: A short ride from the hotel for everyone who skipped breakfast to catch up with the group for lunch at Superdawg before returning to Scooterworks Chicago for workshops, demos, tattoos, etc.
Gas/restroom stop: none
Ends at Scooterworks Chicago around 2pm

There is no official ride back to the hotel from Scooterworks or to Martyrs’ from the hotel. Take time to return to the hotel and freshen up, hit some poker run locations, shop, explore, and/or grab dinner.

Midnight Ride

Starts at Martyrs at 11:30
Arrive at concert with FULL TANK.
There will NOT be time to get gas before the ride.
Briefing from stage after concert
Depart at 11:45
2 hours (including return trip to hotel).
50cc and up (top speed about 40mph)
MAP
Leader: Sean M.
Synopsis: Our famous Midnight Ride down the lakeshore along Lincoln Park, the Magnificent Mile, the Loop, and back up Milwaukee Avenue. This is why you came to Chicago.
Gas/restroom stop: Shell, 3181 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
Ends at hotel at about 1:45am, or whenever you’re ready to head home.

“The Streetlights Are On” Ride

Starts at Martyrs at 11:30
Briefing from stage after concert
Depart at 12:00am
40 min  
50cc and up (top speed about 40mph)
MAP
Leader: Bryan
Synopsis: It’s been a long day, and that hotel bed is sounding pretty good right now. You can do the Midnight Ride next year!
No gas/restroom stops.
Ends at hotel parking lot at about 12:40am

Saturday, August 30

Morning Coffee Ride

Starts in Hilton Rosemont garage 4th floor
Briefing 7:15 am
Depart at 7:30 am
15 minutes one-way, stop for coffee, 1 hr total.
50cc and up (top speed about 40mph)
Leader: Sean W.
Synopsis: Sure, there’s a Starbucks in the hotel, but Starbucks isn’t a sweet independent coffee shop in an old gas station full of motorcycles. Come check out Grind’N’ Gears!
Gas/restroom stop: if needed, alert ride leader before ride.
Ends back at hotel at about 8:30 am.

Joliet Prison Ride/Tour

Starts in Hilton Rosemont garage 4th floor
Briefing 9:15 am
Depart at 9:30 am (will wait for coffee ride to return)
3-4 hours (including stops and tour), about 80 miles
For faster scooters (top speed about 55-60 mph)
Route: River Road south to First Avenue to Archer (IL 171) to prison.
Leader: Jason Eisenhut. Sweep: Paul L.
Join Jaywood Blues to visit Old Joliet Prison, the historic jailhouse (1858-2002) seen in the opening scenes of The Blues Brothers. Guided tour costs $22, bring cash, Jason will buy tickets for group upon arrival. Ride will return to hotel in time for afternoon events.
Gas/restroom stops: Will stop for gas/bathroom once each way.
Ends back at hotel, around 3pm.

Frank Lloyd Wright Pig Roast Ride

Starts in Hilton Rosemont garage 4th floor
Briefing 9:30am
Depart at 9:45am
1.25 hours
50cc and up (top speed about 40mph, may split into faster/slower groups)
MAP
Leader: Lola
Synopsis: Join Lola for an exciting scooter ride through Oak Park and Forest Park, exploring three iconic sites that showcase Frank Lloyd Wright’s revolutionary Prairie School architecture.
Stops: Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Unity Temple, Pleasant Home (all in Oak Park , IL)
76 Service (gas, bathroom) at 754 Harlem Ave, River Forest.
Ends at Motoworks for Pig Roast, approximately 11am

Return to Hotel after Pig Roast

Starts in front of Motoworks 
Briefing 1:45pm
Depart at 2pm
1 hour
50cc and up (top speed about 40mph)
MAP
Leader: Lola
Stops: Mobil, (Gas/bathroom) 754 Harlem Ave, River Forest
Ends at Hilton garage for Gymkhana, etc., approximately 3pm

Sunday, August 31

Oak Trees and Coffees Ride

Starts in Hilton Rosemont garage 4th floor
Briefing 9:00 am
Depart at 9:15 am
2.5 hours (including breakfast/coffee stop)

50cc and up (top speed about 40mph)
Leader: Mario O., Sweep: Julie O.
Synopsis: Start the day with coffee and enjoy a morning ride through the streets of the suburbs, past the trees of a forest preserve, and stop at Emily Oaks for a short and easy nature walk.
Stops: BP, 1220 W Touhy Ave, Park Ridge; Off the Wall Cafe, Park Ridge (at 9:45) for breakfast/coffee, Emily Oaks Nature Center.
Ends at Emily Oaks Nature Center, Skokie, IL at 12:45

Chicago Food Tour

Starts at Emily Oaks Nature Center
Briefing 1:15pm
Depart at 1:30pm
1.5 hrs
50cc and up (top speed about 40mph)
MAP to come
Leader:  Bryan B.
Synopsis: We’ll ride through a few of Chicago’s many cultural enclaves, with quick stops for snacks and shopping, or stop for a meal, and catch up with us at DMen for the party!
Ends at DMen Tap at about 3:00pm

Hala Boi!

Starts at DMen Tap
Briefing 6:45 pm
Depart at 7:00 pm
40 minutes
50cc and up (top speed about 40mph)
Leader: Renee K.
Synopsis: Our last group ride of the weekend, then we’ll wind down with a fancy drink at the legendary Hala Kahiki tiki bar, just down River Road from the hotel.
Gas/restroom stop: none
Ends at Hala Kahiki at 8:15pm

…How We Ride

Please read the Vespa Club of Chicago group riding tips PDF.
It has all the details, including hand signals and diagrams, but here’s a quick overview:

Arrive early, with a full tank of gas.

Check all functions of your bike ahead of time. Bring a charged phone,tools, spares, cash, credit card, sunscreen, water, license, insurance, and registration. 

Gear up!

Eye protection is mandatory in Illinois. We highly recommend a full-face helmet, gloves, sturdy shoes with ankle protection, and an armored jacket.

Listen carefully at the ride briefing

Be on time for the briefing, and pay attention, even if you’re an experienced rider. Every group—and ride—will feature different leaders and roles and plans and it’s critical you’re aware of them. If you’re unsure about anything, please speak up!

Be ready to go

With so much going on over Slaughterhouse weekend, we must depart on schedule. Change your visor, strap down your gear, and fiddle with your electronics before the briefing.

Staggering

We ride in a staggered formation within one lane. Think of it as “staggered single file,” not as two separate lanes.

If the leader signals for single file, carefully zipper-merge. Again, check out the PDF for diagrams and signals.

In any formation, avoid riding side-by-side or passing. If a vacant position appears, check around you, signal, and move diagonally into the empty space. Riders behind you should re-align accordingly. One more time: Do not pass other riders. (The exception is corner markers, they need to pass you to get back to the front, keep an eye out for them, and don‘t follow them.)

Corner marking procedure

Large groups will become separated over the course of the ride. Do not run lights or block traffic! For most rides we’ll be using a corner marker (in a pink vest) to stop at each turn to direct riders to turn. If you’re separated from the group, stay on the road you’re on, until you see a corner marker, then turn as directed.

Rules to Live By

Be self-sufficient

We do not have chase vehicles, and the ride officials’ priority is to keep the group moving. If you must stop, or can‘t keep pace with the group, signal, check your blind spots, and pull over. We hate to leave you behind, but we’re on a tight schedule. If you’re leaving the group early, wave other riders past, so they don’t follow you off-course.

Do not signal the sweeper for help unless it’s a medical emergency. If you get lost or separated from the group, don’t recklessly try to catch up, check the schedule (or WhatsApp) for the next rest stop and meet us there. That said, it sucks to be stranded alone. Find a buddy or two and agree to watch out for each other, and have an emergency plan.

Keep your eyes open

Never take it for granted that anyone (in the group, or otherwise) will do what you’d expect. Use your mirrors, and turn your head frequently to check your blind spots. Any sudden unexpected action can have serious repercussions. Watch brake lights for cues. Don’t distract yourself with music or electronics.

Be a good citizen

Riding through a busy city in a large group requires patience and cooperation. Your choices and attitude affect everyone else in the group. Aggressive riding, jackassery and stunting will not be tolerated. If you’re inebriated, distracted, frustrated, or uncomfortable, take a deep breath, excuse yourself, get home or to the next event, and calmly/politely/privately communicate any grievances at an appropriate time.

© 2025 Vespa Club of Chicago

Scroll below for information on past rallies. (Some of the old patches are available here!)

Thanks for your support over the years!