Second Annual Starved Rock Ride
2023-10-15 09:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, IL, 61348, United States
Note: Despite some rain in the forecast, the ride is ON, note later start time!
The rain should clear up on the way down.
Meet at 9am, please be gassed-up and ready to depart before 10am.
We’ll take the back roads through Joliet along the southern Des Plaines and Illinois Rivers to the famous park. Once there , you can go hiking, dine at the lodge, or take in the sweeping views of the river from the top of Starved Rock itself. This ride will NOT be 50cc friendly, as we will be doing 50mph at times.
Route Map (GPX file for Beeline and other GPS apps, right-click to download)

Lake Geneva Shenanigans (Chicago/Lake Geneva)
2023-10-15 09:00 - 18:00 | Brew Coffee Lab, 1501 Miner St,, Des Plaines, IL, 60016, United States
From the Facebook event page:

You asked and we listened! This ride is a more 50cc friendly ride. The route was created using the Scooter Route App with a maximum speed of 45mph according to the app!
So if you can’t make it on the Starved Rock Ride (Not 50cc friendly) join us instead on the back roads up to Lake Geneva! The ride looks to be very scenic passing a number of lakes, forest preserves, and we will cross the Fox river at least once. It should be beautiful with the leaves changing color.
We will meet up at Brew Coffee Lab in Des Plaines Sunday October 15 at 9:00am for breakfast/coffee. Then start our journey up to Wisconsin at 10am sharp.
Brew Coffee Lab
(224) 875-8126
1501 Miner St, Des Plaines, IL
https://g.co/kgs/em6j2N
The route is 2 1/2 hours so we will stop at least once for gas/break.
We will have lunch on Lake Geneva next to Big Foot Beach at The Boat House Bar & Grill. They have a pretzel the size of a pizza!
https://www.theboathouselakegeneva.com
Then make our way back following the same route.
Hope to see you there!

Old Joliet Prison (Joliet, IL)
2023-10-22 09:00 - 16:00 | Starbucks 1028929, 7136 Ogden Avenue, Berwyn, IL, 60402, United States
(From Facebook event page, check there for updates!)

Just in time for Halloween, we’ll take a ride out to the prison and visit some spirits still locked away. Maybe we’ll even see Joliet Jake Blues there! Just be glad you’re following Jason and not being followed by him and his brother Freddy! Tour tickets can be purchased at https://www.jolietprison.org/ or in person at guard house/gift shop. Only a few guided tour tickets left.

VCOA November meetup: West Side Record Store Ride
2023-11-19 11:00 - 17:00 | Spicy Taco, 2825 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618, United States
Note new date: Sunday November 19, 11 a.m.
Meet at 11am for lunch at
Spicy Taco
2825 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
Be gassed up and ready to ride at noon (though the first two are just up the block). As always, all scooters and scooterists (members and non-members) are welcome. This ride will be 50cc-friendly.
We’ll stop at several great independent record stores on Chicago’s west side, with a BUNCH of variety. Every genre, format, and price range!
Here’s the new/final route. Since it’ll be cold, and some shops close at 5 and a couple aren’t open on Sunday, we shortened the ride, and eliminated a few stops (we’ll hit them next time!)
Meet at 11am for lunch at
SPICY TACO
2825 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
at about 11:45 we’ll head up the block to our first two stops:
Record Breakers
2935 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
(wide variety of new/used vinyl, used to be at Reggies)
and
Bric A Brac Records
2845 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
(records, books, toys and vintage collectibles!)
then a bit east to the mighty
Bucket O’ Blood Books and Records
3182 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(They’re offering us 10% off their great selection of metal/horror/punk books, movies, and music)
Then our longest ride (just a few miles) west to my beloved neighborhood shop:
Orbit Records
7155 W Grand Ave, Chicago
(Great variety, lots of jazz, LPs, singles, and 78s!)
Then up Harlem (and back to the nineties) at
Rolling Stones Records
7300 W Irving Park Rd, Norridge
(Classic rock, metal, mostly CDs, lots of video)
and back east to another pair of neighboring shops:
Tone Deaf Records
4356 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
(large variety of new/used vinyl and books)
and
Howling Pages
4354 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
(Comics and books, also offering 10% off!)
Maybe after that we’ll stop at Printers Row Brewing?
Yes, it’s November. The weather is a crapshoot but looks to be decent, if it’s super-cold and/or wet, we’ll cancel it, but it’ll be mostly short hops, so you can warm up while digging.
Carrying records on a scooter is a little tricky, be sure to bring a suitable bag! If your favorite shop’s not here, don’t worry, we’ll do more in the spring.
And then there are bookstores!
We’re also planning a record/book swap over the winter, so start a “trade” pile!

Zwapt Zunday
2024-03-03 10:00 - 15:00 | Friendly Music, W Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn, IL, 60402, United States
From Zwapt Zhop’s facebook:
60 degree weather this Zunday? Who’s ready to roll out? Dust off your bikes! Check your tire pressures! Let’s go!! Don’t be late! 1st #zwaptzunday of the season.
Note that Zwapt rides are primarily minimotos (Honda Grom, Navi, Monkey, etc) but scooters are welcome.

Get Your Scoots on Route 66
2024-04-14 09:00 - 19:00 | Field Notes, 401 N Racie Ave, Chicago, 60707, United States
Second City Scooter Society ride!
From the Facebook event page (check there for updates and details):
UPDATE: We’ll meet up for a SCOOTER BLESSING at 9am Sunday at Field Notes (401 N. Racine, in the parking lot). Have your bike anointed with holy 2-stroke oil in a non-denominational ceremony hosted by the most-righteous ordained minister, Sweet Baby Sean McNamara. I’ll be there to take photos to show your parents. We’ll leave from there assured that the ride — maybe the whole riding season — is blessed by the higher power of your choice.
Ride from Madison ave , down Old Rt 66 perhaps as far as Wilmington, stopping at Dell Rhea’s chicken basket , an original Rt. 66 mainstay.

Vespa World Days (Pontedera, Italy)
2024-04-18 - 2024-04-21 | Vespa Museum, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
Vespa World Days 2024 is in Pontedera, Italy, home of the Vespa factory and museum, April 18-21.
Registration for VCOA members has closed. Three members will be representing the Chicago Chapter as part of a 41-member VCOA “Team America” contingent.

Spring Camporee
2024-05-04 - 2024-05-05 | Camp Bullfrog Lake, 9600 Wolf Rd, Willow Springs, IL, 60480, United States
Join us for an overnight camping trip at Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs. Ride down with us from the city, or meet us there! The ride down is pretty quick, it’s about an hour and a half from the city by scooter. 50ccs welcome.

Reserve a cabin (small or large), tent space, or RV space ASAP
(choose “May 4-May 5” to see available sites)
Space is limited, reserve a site while they’re available!

Our group ride to camp will leave from the endpoint of International Female Ride Day at District Brew Yards (417 N Ashland Ave). That ride will end around 12:30, we’ll depart at 1:30pm and arrive at the campsite around 3pm.

We plan to arrive in time for check-in at 3pm. set up camp, hike and kayak and fish, cook up some dinner, and socialize until 11pm quiet time. BYO gear, food, and drinks. Kayak rental is available. Bring the family!

Note that we didn’t reserve the whole campground, so we’ll be politely co-existing with other campers.

Check the facebook discussion to arrange cabin sharing with other scooterists.

Thanks to Kara Z. for the artwork, we’ll have decals for all attendees!

International Female Ride Day
2024-05-04 10:00 - 14:00 | District Brew Yards, 417 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622, United States
From the facebook event page:
Welcome to the first annual Chicago International Female Ride Day scooter ride!
*please note: This event will END at District Brew Yards for lunch at noon. The actual starting location is still being worked out and will be updated once the route is finalized!*
JUST RIDE!
International Female Ride Day celebrates the power, passion, and freedom of women riders everywhere! More information about IFRD: https://motoress.com/international-female-ride-day/
Our ride will be exploring the art and murals of Chicago and will end at District Brew Yards for lunch and beverages.
All genders are welcome to join in celebrating and lifting up women riders. This ride is trans, non-binary, and queer inclusive – if you feel you belong, you do! Allies welcomed and encouraged – please come support the women in our community and ride along side us!
The ride is organized and lead by Chicago area women scooterists and so is focused on scooters, but motorcycles, trikes, etc are welcome. All we ask is that you be safe, practice good group riding etiquette, wear proper gear, and ride sober!
The ride is 18+, however District Brew Yards is a brewery and is 21+ only.
After lunch, join VCOA Chicago for their Spring Camporee!
https://facebook.com/events/s/vespa-club-of-chicago-spring-c/278317865288924/
New to group riding? No problem! We’ll start the ride with a crash course on group riding etiquette and let you know where to ride in formation. We’ll have veteran scooterists to help out with questions and so forth.
More details to come as things are plotted out and finalized – watch this space!

Superhero/Villain Ride/Costume Contest
2024-05-18 13:00 - 17:00 | Joey G’s Mac and Cheese, 2350 W Augusta Blvd, Chicago, IL, 60622, United States
From the Facebook Event Page (hosted by MiniMotoWorx and “Ranger Danger Events”)
Hey folks!
We are hosting the first ever Superhero/Villain Costume Ride & Contest on May 18th in West Side Chicago!
We highly encourage you to do GROUP costumes and to plan with your friends ahead of time!
BEST GROUP COSTUME wins a prize!
This will be a fun, slow pace ride with many stops for food & fun! May 18th, West Side Chicago
Meet-up spot will be announced.
ALL types of rides are welcome including Mini-Bikes, Scooters, Cruisers, Sport Bikes, Go Karts, and anything else fun!

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2024
2024-05-19 | Chicago, IL, Chicago, IL, 60707, United States
The DGR is a vintage/classic-style motorcycle charity ride for mens’ health.
You must register for ride details. There are three separate rides scheduled in the Chicago area:
Chicago
Naperville
Woodstock

Riding (to) the Rails POSTPONED AGAIN
2024-06-08 09:15 - 16:00 | Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Rd, Union, IL, 60180, United States
POSTPONED AGAIN, sorry, bad weather. Watch for the new date.
Second City Scooter Society welcomes you to ride to the Illinois Railway Museum
From the Facebook event page: (check the event page regularly, changes may not be reflected here.)
Let’s meet at the Dunkin at SE corner of Harlem and North Ave at 9:15 , kickstands up at 10. From there , we’ll ride the back roads out to the Illinois Railway Museum. The route will be among the forest preserve to Algonquin rd into the Barrington area where we ride some nice hilly back roads past Huntley. This may not be 50cc friendly, but we can try to keep a pace suitable? After a few hrs at the museum, we’ll dine at Beef Shack, they serve wonderful cheesy beef sandwiches w fresh cut fries. There are other dining alternatives in that area. Admission for the museum is $20 per adult.

Lake Geneva Shenanigans
2024-06-09 | Lake Geneva, WI, Lake Geneva, WI, United States
Group day-ride from Chicago to Lake Geneva and back.
From Ben:
***UPDATE I am not able to lead/attend this ride so Jason Eisenhut agreed to lead this one. Thanks Jason! Hope everyone attending has a good time!***
The route was created using the Scooter Route App with a maximum speed of 45mph according to the app!
The ride looks to be very scenic passing several lakes, forest preserves, and we will cross the Fox river at least once.
We will meet up at Brew Coffee Lab in Des Plaines Sunday June 9th at 9:00am for breakfast/coffee. Then start our journey up to Wisconsin at 10am sharp.
Brew Coffee Labhttps://www.google.com/…/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5…
The route is 2 1/2 hours so we will stop at least once for gas/break.
We will have lunch on Lake Geneva next to Big Foot Beach at The Boat House Bar & Grill.
https://www.theboathouselakegeneva.com
Then make our way back following the same route.
Hope to see you there!

National Lambretta Day Ride (Chicago)
2024-06-09 10:00 - 15:00 | Chicago, IL, Chicago, IL, 60707, United States
Details from the facebook event page:
Meet up at 10am at Junebug Cafe Six Corners (4042 N Milwaukee) for coffee or a breakfast pie.
We’ll take the scenic route out to Glen Ellyn for lunch at Tutto Bene Ristorante Italiano (552 Crescent Blvd) around 12-12:30pm.
2024 Lambretta Day patches will be available at both locations.

The ride (but not meetups!) is a vintage Lambretta only event!

Quadrophenia at the Music Box Theater
2024-06-17 19:00 - 22:00 | The Music Box Theater, 3733 N Southport Ave., Chicago, IL, 60613, United States
on Monday, June 17, Motoblot presents a screening of Quadrophenia at the Music Box Theater in Chicago.
From Molly:
Calling all scooterists! We will be doing a photoshoot outside the Music Box and need you to dress smart! There will be a rocker contingent, and we will be re-enacting the Quadrophenia rumble in Brighton to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Chicago’s first Mods v Rockers event. Dress your best and and be ready to pose or rumble… whatever is needed! More info to come, stay tuned.

Vespa Parade Day 2024
2024-06-23 | Chicago, IL, Chicago, IL, 60707, United States
Sunday, June 23, 2024 is national Vespa Parade Day. Vespa Clubs all across the United States will host rides.
Our Chicago ride will be headed up by Adam Armstrong (part of the club will be at Canada Vespa Days) and meet up and end at Motoblot, with discounted admission to the festival.
Check out this facebook post for details.
We’ve got stickers for all attendees, last year, even with half the club in Arizona, we had over 2o riders, and with the Motoblot tie-in this year, we should have even more! ALL scooters and ALL scooterists are welcome!

Race to Racine
2024-07-21 09:00 - 19:00 | Second City Scooters, 5578 N Lincoln, Chicago, IL, United States
NOTE NEW DATE!
Second City Scooter Society ride from Chicago to Racine, Wisconsin
From the Facebook event page (check there for updates and details):
Alright, NOT an actual race, just thought it was a clever name. This would be a full day event riding to Racine to take in views of Lake Michigan from Windpoint Lighthouse and the end of their manmade breakwater at the mouth of Root River . We’ll also stop at O&H Kringle bakery for some shopping . We’ll meet in the lot adjacent to the shop and the 7/11

VCOA-Chicago August Meeting/Social
2024-08-06 19:00 - 22:00 | Printers’ Row Brewing, 4801 N. Austin Ave, Chicago, 60630, United States
Join the Vespa Club of Chicago the first Tuesday of each month, 7-10 pm:
6 August 2024
Printers’ Row Brewing, 4801 N. Austin Ave., Chicago
(Note: this is nowhere near Printers’ Row, it’s on the Northwest side!)
We welcome all scooters and scooterists, including non-members. Don’t feel intimidated. Most of us are not much weirder than you.
If you’re visiting from out of town, please let us know ahead of time, we’d love to trade memorabilia and maybe we can find you a scooter for the night!
Agenda: We’ll meet new and prospective members, very briefly go over club business, take some time to socialize, then (weather permitting) go for a short group ride and/or have dinner.
Vespa Club of Chicago merchandise will be available for sale.
Visit vcoachicago.com to learn about our history, who we are, and what we do!
Free (Bring cash/card for food/drinks/gas/merch)
Remaining 2024 meetings:
6 August 2024, 3 September 2024, 1 October 2024, 5 November 2024 (Election Day, may move that one), 3 December 2024 (holiday party)

Slaughterhouse 30 Warmup Ride
2024-08-18 09:30 - 14:00 | IL
If you’re a new rider, new to riding in a group, or a reasonably-experienced rider who’s willing to help us with the group rides at Slaughterhouse 30, please meet up with Vespa Club of Chicago on Sunday, August 18. We’ll have a short class to teach proper group riding technique, we’ll practice in a parking lot, then head out on the streets to test-ride a Slaughterhouse route. All scooters and scooterists are welcome!
Location will be announced soon
Also be sure to check out our VCOA-Chicago Group Riding Guidelines

SCSS Lake Michigan Ferry Ride (cancelled)
2024-09-14 - 2024-09-15 | Second City Scooters, 5578 N Lincoln, Chicago, IL, United States
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED

Skootoberfest 16 (Lake Geneva, WI)
2024-10-12 | Lake Geneva, WI, Lake Geneva, WI, United States
This year’s Skootoberfest will meet up on the Illinois side of the border, in Richmond, and ride to Lake Geneva’s Octoberfest from there.
All scooterists are welcome, and the group ride is 50cc friendly.
A group of VCOA riders will meet at Dunkin’, 7525 N Harlem Ave, Niles, IL 60714 at 10am to ride together to the event. All scooters/scooterists welcome

Fall Scooter Camp (cancelled)
2024-10-12 - 2024-10-13 | Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, IL, 61348, United States
The sites we’d hoped for were unavailable, please join us for the full Starved Rock Ride on the 13th.

Annual Starved Rock Ride
2024-10-13 08:00 - 17:00 | Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, IL, 61348, United States
Our annual ride along rivers and old canals on the scenic back roads past a pumpkin farm and through sleepy towns to the famous park. At the park, you can go hiking or dine w the group at the Lodge’s breakfast buffet.
We’ll meet at Dunkin’, 7136 W Ogden (at Harlem), Berwyn IL at 8am.
This will allow time to socialize, gas up and get coffee/snacks!
Ride will depart at 8:45

Or catch us at the rest stop at Thorntons on Rt 6 on the west side of I55 in Channahon.

Halloween Zoo Ride
2024-10-26 08:00 - 17:00 | Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, IL, 60513, United States
Vespa Club of Chicago Halloween Zoo Ride
SATURDAY OCTOBER 26
BREAKFAST(optional. open at 8am)
THE ONION ROLL
6935 W North Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302
DEPART 9:30am from The Onion Roll
STOP at SHOWMEN’S REST
(Continuing the cemetery theme of our last few rides!)
7750 Cermak Rd, Forest Park, IL 60130
A mass grave of 50+ Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus performers and crew killed in a 1918 circus train wreck in Indiana
DEPART 10:15am from Showmen’s Rest
Scenic ride through Riverside guided by The Suburban Menace.
REGROUP (approx 10:45 am) on Golf Road just north of Ridgewood
(outside Riverside/Brookfield High School, just south of the zoo)
to enter the zoo as a group.
PARKING in South Lot.
Bring $5 cash (we can park 4 to a car space if we enter/pay together)
Families/friends can meet us approx 11am in the South lot, car parking is $20.
ZOO admission is $30 for adults.
(Lola has some free passes, but probably not enough for everyone.)
Bring cash/card for zoo attractions/snacks.
Check out the SIX Halloween-themed MOLD-A-RAMAs at the zoo!
Stay as long as you like, or meet up at scooters in parking lot to
DEPART at 2:30pm for dinner
DINNER (3:00pm-ish) at Lavergne’s Tavern in the Berwyn Depot District.
SLAUGHTERHOUSE 31 PLANNING MEETING, after dinner, if you’re interested in helping out.
COSTUMES (for scooters and scooterists) are welcome but optional.
Be sure any costumes allow safe riding, and note that the zoo doesn’t allow masks or head coverings. We will not stop every five minutes for you to re-zip-tie tentacles to your scooter. : )
ROUTE MAP (Google MyMaps)
(note the two routes overlap, you can turn one or the other off to make it clearer)
ALL scooters and scooterists (and kids!) welcome.
Ride top speed will be approx 35mph.

Scoot Jockeys on Ice (Lake Geneva, WI)
2025-01-26 11:30 - 15:00 | Lake Geneva, WI, Lake Geneva, WI, United States
Well dang… this sounds fun: (test from fb event page)
Put your ice tires on your beater scoot and meet at the ice in front of Mars Resort on the south shore of como lake. Don’t want to freeze, but interested in watching? Have lunch and or drinks at the bar and watch!W4098 S Shore DrLake Geneva, WI 53147United States

Vespa Club of Chicago Arcade Run 2025
2025-02-15 13:00 - 18:00 | galloping ghost, 9415 Ogden Ave., Brookfield, IL, 60513, United States
Join VCOA-Chi and The Suburban Menace on Saturday, February 15 at 1pm at
Galloping Ghost
9415 Ogden Ave., Brookfield
It’s a huge arcade packed with almost 900 video games from the 1970s to present. It’s $25 for open play, all day. It’s truly a wonder of the Western world. Down the street, they’ve got a pinball arcade, too, with 45 pinball machines (additional fee for pinball).
Play Zaxxon, Dragon’s Lair, NHL Open Ice, and Uchuu Daisakusen Chocovader Contactee… as long as you like!
Then, join us around 4pm at
Imperial Oak Brewing
9526 Ogden Ave., Brookfield
They’ve got beer and NA drinks. They’ve got pizza, or you can bring in (or order) food from restaurants in the neighborhood (Thai, Serbian, 3x Mexican, more)
After that, our pal Kent Smith (of “Snort Malört,” the Slaughterhouse 30 pig fame!) is having an art opening back up near Ashland and Belmont at 6:30, if you’re into affordable pop art.
All scooters and scooterists (and aspiring scooterists and friends) are welcome.
Transportation/Ride info:
It’s February in Chicago, it might be nice enough to ride, or it might be 4°F, or dumping snow…
If we can ride, we can meet up at Bryan’s house (6917 W. Shakespeare) at noon, we’ll ride down together. If you’re coming from the burbs, meet at Galloping Ghost at 1pm
If it’s ugly out and you don’t have a car, jump on WhatsApp or the FB event page and we’ll find you a ride.
Also: BNSF Congress Park station is right there, but (sad trombone) isn’t open on weekends. But the BNSF LaGrange Road stop is only a 15 minute walk away.

Vespa Club of Chicago Ride for Ukraine
2025-03-23 11:00 - 16:00 | Ukranian Institute of Modern Art, 2320 W Chicago Ave., Chicago, United States
Update: It’s Sunday morning, the weather looks pretty terrible, but we’re going ahead with the event, minus the ride. Please drive or take the CTA to join us for lunch and the museum tour, it’ll still be a great time. And please show your support for our friends by donating to Tabletochki (link below). Thanks!
Join us Sunday, March 23 for a scooter tour of Chicago’s Ukranian Village and to show your support for peace in Ukraine. We’ll take a group photo for our friends of Vespa Club Ukraine, and raise some money for a Ukranian charity recommended by our scooterist friend Oleksandr in Kyiv.
Itinerary:
11:00-12:30pm: Lunch at Old Lviv 2228 W Chicago Ave
It’s a small and popular buffet, so if we have a big group, they might not have room for all of us. If it’s too crowded and you don’t want a big meal, Rich’s Deli and Ann’s Bakery are both nearby (and Kasia’s Deli, which is Polish but we won’t tell anyone), with good takeout food and treats.
1:00pm: Guided tour of The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art , 2320 W Chicago Ave.
Admission is $10 (If we have 20 people, it’ll be $5) We’ll enter as a group at 1pm, don’t be late!
After the tour, we’ll do a short ride around the neighborhood to see some landmarks and take photos, ending back at the UIMA. If there’s interest (or if the weather’s bad and we don’t ride), the Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago is also right down the street, and open until 4pm ($10 admission).
Support charity:
Tabletochki (“Little Pills”) is a Kyiv-based charity that facilitates medical care and other assistance for Ukranian children fighting cancer in the midst of the war. Click on the image below to donate, and we hope you’ll consider asking other scooterists/friends to contribute!

Weather:
The forecast looks promising, but if it takes a turn, please don’t stay home… we’ll do this rain, snow, or shine. Take public transportation or drive, we can walk between all the destinations and still have plenty of fun without scooters. Maybe more, if someone brings horilka.
All scooters, scooterists, and friends welcome.
Group ride will be short and under 35 mph.

Umpteenth Annual Sheridan Rd Ride
2025-04-13 10:45 - 15:00 | Leone Park Beach, 1222 W Touhy Ave, Chicago, IL, 60626, United States
From Second City Scooter Society:
Lets meet in the park’s parking lot at Sheridan and Touhy. There is a Shell gas station across the street for anyone needing a fill before we ride. Kickstands up no later 10:45 am. We will ride north along the scenic road next to Lake Michigan, Baháʼí House of Worship in Wilmette, and Northwestern University, up to Lake Bluff, then return via Green Bay Rd stopping at Backyard Grill in Highland Park for lunch. After that, we continue down Green BayRoad, making a detour by the Skokie Lagoons. Ice cream or beer stop at end TBD. Rain date: 4/27.

International Female Ride Day
2025-05-03 | Chicago, IL, Chicago, IL, 60707, United States
From the Facebook event page, check there for the most up-to-date info:

Welcome to the second annual Chicago International Female Ride Day scooter ride… and picnic!
JUST RIDE!

— About International Female Ride Day:IFRD celebrates the power, passion, and freedom of women riders everywhere! More information about IFRD: https://motoress.com/international-female-ride-day/

— Accepting donations:We’ll be accepting donations for the Chicago Abortion Fund.

— Weather plans / don’t want to ride?If the weather will make it unsafe or uncomfortable to ride, we will still meet up at Off Color Brewing at noon – more info below. Also, if you just don’t feel like riding but still want to hang out, no problem! Just meet us at Off Color Brewing – we should be there around noon or so.

— About our ride:Bring a picnic basket! Our ride will be exploring the parks and natural beauty of Chicago. It will start the Understudy Coffee & Books, meeting at the back of the Jewel parking lot across the street. We’ll stick around for a little while to allow riders to enjoy provisions from the Understudy and give a crash course on group riding. After that, we’ll wind our way down through Chicago while we visit points along our route, stopping for a picnic in Humboldt Park and ending at the Wild Mile around noon, after which we’ll celebrate at Off Color Brewing.
City streets only – route will be very 50cc friendly. More route information is below.

— Who can ride or attend:All genders are welcome to join in celebrating and lifting up women riders. This ride is trans, non-binary, and queer inclusive – if you feel you belong, you do! Allies welcomed and encouraged – please come support the women in our community and ride along side us!
The ride is organized and led by Chicago area women scooterists and so is focused on scooters, but motorcycles, trikes, etc are welcome. All we ask is that you be safe, practice good group riding etiquette, wear proper gear, and ride sober!The ride is 18+, however Off Color Brewing is a brewery and is 21+ only.

— Ride and route Info:New to group riding? No problem! We’ll start the ride with a crash course on group riding etiquette and let you know where to ride in formation. We’ll have veteran scooterists to help out with questions and so forth.
The general route will be:– Start at Understudy / Jewel parking lot– Ride through Rosehill Cemetery – West on Foster / South on Francisco / West on Lawrence / South on Manor Dr / South on California – Stop at Horner Park (bathroom break, if open)– South on California / West on Fullerton / South on Kedzie– Ride around Palmer Square– South on Humboldt– Stop at Humboldt Park (picnic)– East on North / North on Ashland / East on Webster– Ride by Oz Park– South on Larabee / West on North / South on Kinsbury– Park at Off Color Brewing (the Wild Mile is behind it)
Note: Some modifications may be made either before or on the day of the ride.
The total ride will take about 2 to 2.5 hours, including stops.

— What to know:Before the ride, please ensure you have fueled up, used the restroom, and are wearing proper riding gear. We will have a sweep who can assist in emergencies during the ride, but due to the nature of the ride we will not be stopping for mechanical failures, so make sure you have the correct spark plug
If you don’t wish to ride but still want to join the group, you can meet us at Off Color Brewing – we should be there around 12-12:30pm (21+ only).
In the event that the weather will make it unsafe or unpleasant for a ride, we will meet at Off Color at noon. Please check the Discussion section for updates!
Off Color does NOT have food on site, but you can bring in your own food or order food to be delivered. Attendees will be responsible for their own food and beverage costs.

— Merch:IFRD shop (get your gear before the ride!)https://internationalfemalerideday.myspreadshop.ca(Note: The merch is sold by the international organizers of IFRD – it is not sold by the organizers of this ride nor do we see any profits from it. We will be providing stickers designed specially to commemorate our ride!)

St. Charles Motorcycle Museum Ride
2025-05-04 09:30 - 16:00 | St. Charles Motorcycle Museum, 1317 E Main Street, St. Charles, IL, 60174, United States
The “Suburban Menace” is hosting a scooter ride to the St. Charles Motorcycle Museum:
Meet at 9:30am at Tony’s on Joliet & Willow Springs in Hodgkins, wheels up at 10am, then we plan to go up to Wolf Rd. to 31st Street, then head west until we can take IL-38 and then IL-25 to St. Charles. Museum opens at 11am, eat lunch, head back. I’ll share our progress on Waze in the SM chat should anyone want to meet us en route.
All scooters and scooterists welcome!
Live outside the city? Check out “Suburban Menace” channel on the Vespa Club of Chicago’s What’sApp Community!
