Join the UC Velo Club on Saturday, April 8 (final date TBD) for the annual Rapha Day in Hell bicycle ride! This is a free event which celebrates the Paris-Roubaix bicycle race with a challenging but manageable mixed terrain route through back country roads and along the I&M Canal in Joliet. The full route is around 60 miles, and there are shorter options as well.

In order to prepare for the event, the club will host weekly practice rides in order to build endurance and develop comfort when riding in a group setting. Members must complete each of the three practice routes (and either attend a fix a flat clinic or prove self sufficiency) before the big day!

Practice rides are NO DROP, but please be sure to complete each level in order to participate. You don’t need a special or fancy bicycle, but it must be in good working order, and you must wear a helmet.

For further information & questions, please contact Emily Kang.

FIX A FLAT CLINICS
6pm at Tamago.

  • February 21

  • March 7

  • March 21

PRACTICE RIDES
8am from Tamago, weather doesn’t cancel. Please complete each of the three routes at least once.

PRACTICE ROUTE 1:
Grindhouse Cafe in Whiting, 20 miles

  • February 26

  • March 5

PRACTICE ROUTE 2:
Metropolis Cafe in Edgewater, 30 miles

  • March 12

  • March 19

PRACTICE ROUTE 3:
Grindhouse Cafe in Griffith, 50 miles

  • March 26

  • April 2

Members who complete all the qualification criteria will receive a very special RIDING BANDANA from RON’S BIKES and a commemorative UCVC Nibbler’s water bottle!

The Rapha Day in Hell ride is based on the Hors Course, which was a form of cosplay for Europhilic cycling fans in which amateur riders would complete a portion of the actual race route.

And while the modern Rapha ride certainly features its share of delusional middle aged men doing more or less the same, the vibe among Velo Clubbers is probably better represented by Ridin’ Birds.

Film buffs and procrastinators in general will want to check out the classic 1976 documentary about Paris Roubaix called A Sunday in Hell.

FAQ

  • Who can participate in this program?

    • Student members of the University of Chicago Velo Club

  • How do I join the UC Velo Club?

  • Do I need a special bicycle in order to participate?

    • Any bicycle will do for the easiest practice rides. For longer practice rides and the actual Rapha event, a road/gravel bike is recommended, but certainly not required.

  • I don’t own a bicycle.

    • A small number of short term loaner bikes are available to active club members. Contact Emily Kang.

  • I’m really fast.

    • That’s ok! Remember that the UCVC also has a racing team, and you’re welcome to go as fast as you want on the day of the Rapha ride (there are plenty of super speedy entrants). As for practice rides, we’ll have to see who shows up.

  • I’m really slow, and unsure whether or not I can finish the ride.

    • This is what the practice rides are for! Cycling is an endurance sport, so some folks will need more time to develop. But do come out and try! You will not be abandoned.

  • What does this program cost?

    • $0

  • If I’m not a member of the UCVC, can I participate?

    • Certainly! The Rapha ride is free and open to the public. As for the practice rides, please reach out to Emily Kang.

  • This sounds really interesting, but I don’t have the time right now. Will there be similar prgramming in the future?

    • Absolutely! Another program will be launched for late spring, followed by a summer program.