Raue Center appreciates The Land Conservancy’s history and help with the transition of The Night Owl Bike Ride. Originators Ron and Jackie Eberle are on the 2024 committee and sat down with us recently to share a little Night Owl History. Please enjoy this quick trip down memory lane and we hope you’ll join us on August 3, 2024.
The Crystal Lake Night Owl Bicycle Ride has its roots in The L.A.T.E. Ride put on by the Friends of the Chicago Park District. The L.A.T.E. Ride was a fundraiser for the Chicago Park District that took place in the City of Chicago and circled the city in the late evening hours.
After participating in a number of L.A.T.E. Rides, I approached the City of Crystal Lake with the idea of hosting a similar ride in Crystal Lake in 2012. The ride’s purpose was to promote bicycling as a means of transportation within the City of Crystal Lake.
From the initial planning stages, City staff was supportive of the ride and worked with the planning group to make the ride happen. Kudos go out to the late Mayor Aaron Shepley for his enthusiasm, and to City Council Members Ellen Brady and the late Ralph Dawson for volunteering as Route Marshalls. To this day, the ride starts and ends at the Crystal Lake City Hall.
Not knowing what to expect as far as participation, the initial ride generated nearly 200 riders. The primary sponsor of the initial ride and for many years thereafter was The Land Conservancy of McHenry County and our two local bike shops, Wheel Werks and Lucky Brake.
We are excited for the Raue Center to take on the Night Owl Ride as it is one of the unique events that makes Crystal Lake A good place to live.
To register for Raue Center’s Night Owl Bike Ride visit
https://raceroster.com/events/2024/85921/raue-centers-night-owl-bike-ride
