2026 Arlington 500

The 2026 Arlington 500 The Arlington Heights Bicycle Club is excited to host the Arlington 500 on Sunday May 31, 2026. Registration will open February 1, 2026.The Ride:The Arlington 500 is a recreational bike ride on scenic roads in Lake and McHenry Counties. The Arlington Heights Bicycle Club (AHBC) has hosted this ride for over 40 years. In 2025, over 400 riders participated in our ride. Their testimonials are at the end of these notes. For 2026, we are adding a 39-mile loop with a mid-point rest stop for 59-, 83-, and 100-mile riders. This will provide less route overlap as well as exploring farther northwest Lake and McHenry Counties west of the Fox River. We will be keeping the central hub rest stop and registration/parking at Lake Zurich High School for the start, four loops, and end of the Arlington 500.The cumulative routes options are 20, 44, 59, 83, and 100 miles. The routes are designated with colors on the route markers. Please ride the loops in our recommended order. The 39-mile B (blue) loop will rest stop close at 12:30 p.m. and SAG support will end when riders clear the loop.Check out our routes:1. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54836874 This is the A (Red) Loop. Please ride this loop first. This 19.5-mile loop route offers views of Lake Zurich and a beautiful park next to the lake. Along the way, plan a free visit to Kuechmann Arboretum if you wish. This ride includes some longer stretches and rides through residential estates.2. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52663982 This is the B (Blue) Loop. If you plan to ride 59, 83 or 100 miles, please ride this loop next. This 39.1-mile route has a limited hour rest stop at Fel Pro East Conservation Area. This route has an early closure. Our new remote rest stop route has long stretches of road through Lakewood Forest Preserve, around Tower Lake, across the Fox River to Fel Pro Conservation Area for a mid-route refreshment. The return route has more open roads to Lake Zurich High School for lunch!3. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53573186 This is the C (Green) Loop. Please ride this route next. Please ride this loop after the B loop. This 23.8 mile out and back loop offers a beautiful ride through the Village of Barrington with some rolling hills on Cuba Road.4. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54713799 This is the D (Brown) Loop. This is our final loop for those who want to make it 100 miles. It heads north to a long straight ride through Lakewood Forest Preserve, then west to circle Bangs Lake in Wauconda Woods returning to Lake Zurich.**Ride the Routes in This Order**Route A (Red) = 20-mile rideRoute A (Red) + Route C (Green) = 44-mile rideRoute A (Red) + Route B (Blue) = 59-mile rideRoute A (Red) + Route B (Blue) + Route C (Green) = 83-mile rideRoute A (Red) + Route B (Blue) + Route C (Green) + Route D (Brown) = 100-mile rideDownload The Routes:We have set up a Ride with GPS event. Please click on the link below to Join our event. Joining our event will enable you to get the benefits of voice navigation on your smartphone, the ability to download the routes, and print your own customized cue sheets. Ride with GPS Event RSVP Link:Ride with GPS Arlington 500 Route Download and Event and click on Join Event.If using a smartphone for navigation, you can significantly increase battery life by following these tips:RwGPS Battery Saving TipsYou get all of this with our ride:Well-marked routesDownloadable GPS route and/or cue sheetRide with GPS voice directions with a Ride with GPS free account sign-up or sign-inBike shop support at our registration/rest stop location provided by:7 Mile Cycles https://www.7milecycles.com/Mike's Bike Shop https://mikesbikeshoppalatine.com/Wheel Werks Custom Cycles https://wheelwerksbikes.com/Rest stop providing food and beverages until 3:00 p.m.Support vehicles on the route until 3:30 p.m.Spacious indoor restrooms at registration/check-in and rest stopMostly level terrain with some moderate hillsTraining? Use our multiple loop routes to get in your milesClass 1 and 3 e-bikes are allowedThe Details:Registration FeeRegister early for the best price!Register using http://www.bikereg.com/arlington-500Early Bird Registration: $35 per rider February 1 through April 30Advanced Registration: $45 per rider May 1 through May 29Ride Weekend On-Line Registration: $50 from May 30 until 10 AM, May 31. Cash/check registration will be accepted on site for $50. Your participation in the 2025 Arlington 500 enabled our club to donate to the League of American Bicyclists, Ride Illinois, Active Transportation Alliance, Rails to Trails, Working Bikes, and Suburban Bicycling. Thank you for your support.Starting Location:Lake Zurich High School, 300 Church Street, Lake Zurich, Illinois 60047Google Plus Location Code: 6W38+MJ Lake Zurich, IllinoisCheck-In Times on May 31, 2026:Opens at 6:30 a.m. for all ridersCloses at 7:30 a.m. for 100-mile ridersCloses at 8:00 a.m. for 83-mile ridersCloses at 9:00 a.m. for 59-mile ridersCloses at 10:00 a.m. for 20- and 44-mile ridersTo speed up your check-in please have available your QR code (found at the bottom of your receipt email) or a printout of your registration receipt.Questions?Send email to 500@cyclearlington.com to see FAQ and get answers to your questions or send feedback for improvement.For Your Safety:Use of a SNELL or ECE approved bicycle helmet is required. Wearing ear buds is strongly discouraged. Both of these can impact your safety on the road!Obey Traffic Laws:Please share the road in a courteous way with other vehicles and pedestrians. Ride single file when necessary and obey all stop signs and traffic control signals. Many intersections with traffic lights are equipped with cameras or metal detecting loops that may detect cyclists. Stop at the white line in the traffic lane for the best operation. Police officers in communities along our routes will issue citations to bicyclists who don’t follow the rules of the road.Ride Prepared:Bring a bike in good condition, with a spare tube, basic tools and a water bottle.Wear light or bright clothing to make yourself more visible on the roadway.Children under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult throughout the ride.Know and obey all traffic laws and signals/signs. Signal your turns. Ride predictably.Always pass other riders on their left and call out "On your left" or "Passing" as you do so.Carry personal identification.Ride within your ability and physical condition.Demonstrate courtesy while riding the public roads that we share with motorists. Refund Policy:The ride goes on rain or shine. No refunds will be issued because of weather, acts of God (force majeure,) or orders issued by the federal, state, county, or local governments. Refunds will be issued should the event be cancelled by the Arlington Heights Bicycle Club. Refunds will be processed through our registration processor in the original form of payment subject to any processing fees. Processing refunds may be delayed.Notice of Waiver and Release:In consideration of being allowed to participate in the Arlington 500 bicycle ride, I, on behalf of myself and any minor(s) for whom I am a parent or legal guardian, hereby agree to the following:Assumption of Risk: I understand that bicycling is a potentially hazardous activity and that injuries or property damage can occur from participation, including but not limited to accidents or negligence. I understand that route selection, route markings, Ride with GPS files, and/or cue sheets are provided for my convenience only and do not guarantee a safe route or ride.Release of Liability: I, on behalf of myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, personal representatives, and assigns, and on behalf of any minor(s) for whom I am a parent or legal guardian, their heirs, executors, administrators, personal representatives, and assigns, hereby waive, release, and forever discharge the Arlington Heights Bicycle Club, its officers and members, the organizers and volunteers of the Arlington 500, Lake Zurich CUSD 95, Lake County and Lake County Division of Transportation, and McHenry County Conservation District (collectively, "Released Parties") from any and all liability for any claims, demands, actions, causes of action, losses, damages, or expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees), arising out of or in any way connected with my or any minor's participation in the Arlington 500, including but not limited to any injury, illness, or property damage, even if caused by the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties for any and all claims, demands, actions, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) that may be brought or asserted against the Released Parties arising out of or in any way connected with my participation in the Arlington 500.Photography Waiver: I understand that photographs may be taken of me during my participation in the Arlington 500. I hereby grant the Arlington Heights Bicycle Club (AHBC) the irrevocable right and permission to use photographs of me, with or without my name, for any lawful purpose, including but not limited to publicity, illustration, advertising, and website content. I understand that I will not receive any compensation for the use of these photographs.By registering for participation in the Arlington 500, I certify I have carefully read this agreement, understand its contents, and voluntarily agree to its terms. Unforeseen Mitigation Notice:The ride, route, starting location and rest stop location are subject to change due to unforeseen government mitigations. Riders are expected to follow all federal, state and local mitigations in place on the day of the ride.Our Club Purpose:Arlington Heights Bicycle club actively supports bicycle advocacy, safety, and education.2025 Rider Testimonials:Good central location, not crowded; Very well marked, color codes easy to follow; Nice selection of cookies, fruit and nuts; Keep going forward--Dave M.Plenty of room, well organized, real bathroom access; Easy to access, easy to follow, well planned; Plenty of hydration, good snacks; The volunteers and organization are great. --Eric H.I loved the ease of check in and the changing food. As someone who did many miles the variety was appreciated! Very well marked and easy to follow with no technology! First time rider of this event and loved it! Great routes, friendly people, easy to navigate! -- Amy H.The food was amazing. Loved the email invitation to get routes. The grapes off the stem, hot pizza, drink powder variety --Nan W.The best moment was the family who had moved their lawn chairs to the end of their driveway. The kids were in their pajamas -- it was still early -- and as I went by they jumped up, clapped their hands, and cheered me on. -- Bill DIt was easy to find with ample parking. The bathrooms were readily available. The check in was very easy. The routes were great and the app was very easy to use. The routes were well designed so that varying levels of skill are accomodated. It was a good food selection and variety..and there was coffee!! I had a wonderful ride. --Kris BIdeal central location. Can refuel, change gear or clothes, etc. at the car. Quick efficient registration. The Ride with GPS route on the computer helped prevent a missed turn on one segment. Routes were well marked. Great variety, plenty to eat/drink. I think this ride is just getting better over the years. Bill M.The food at the rest stops was pretty incredible. You guys definitely serve the best food of all the organize rides with the exception of the North Shore century. The routes were beautiful. I really enjoy riding through some of those residential neighborhoods. You guys crushed the rest stop. Terry KGreat food variety and I loved that it changed throughout the day. I love the multi loop format. I thought it would be a disincentive to continue riding, to the contrary, it was an incentive, knowing that the next loop was only 20 miles, and anyone can do 20 more miles.--Stacy SPlenty of food. SAG volunteers I flagged down were very helpful. Lot of variety with snacks and sandwiches. Great people and well-marked and well organized. David LThis was our first time completing the Arlington 500 and we had an absolute blast. We will absolutely be back and enjoyed it tremendously! The location, the rest stop, the food - all fantastic! Our deepest appreciation and gratitude for everyone who helped put this together, and for your hard work and the time you dedicated to support us all! Thank you!!!—WZThe SAG refreshments were the best ever, five star rating from me. Everything from salty to sweet, but not too sweet and not junk food. I also liked the portion sizes as they were in smaller segments so there wouldn’t be food waste. Well done, team!—Susan A.Loading each loop independently in ride with gps made them much easier to navigate than other hub and spoke rides I’ve been on.—Ben S