Rides and Routes

With this year’s rally headquartered just outside the city, we’ll offer a variety of rides through the city and suburbs. We’ll have options to visit Chicago film locations, sight-see, shop, we’ll even see a little nature.

We’ll offer a variety of ride options, choose your rides based on your interests, experience, range, and top speed. With multiple rides, groups will be smaller and easier to manage, and you’ll have more control over your weekend schedule.

We’ll be adding some more specific plans soon and finalized rides and routes will be posted in early August, after they’ve been tested and confirmed. If you’d like to organize and/or lead a ride, drop us a line! In the meantime, familiarize yourself with…

…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.