Building trails, Trust, and Community.
Summer has arrived, bringing warm weather and ideal trail conditions—perfect for riding solo or introducing family and friends to the trails we steward.As America celebrates its 250th anniversary this July 4th, we’re reminded of the value of shared spaces and outdoor recreation that brings communities together. As we head into Q3, CAMBr continues to build on the strong foundation set earlier this year, and we’re excited to share what’s ahead:
Website & Member Tools
Our new website at CAMBr.org continues to roll out with enhanced features. In Q3, watch for an online merchandise store and expanded member resources. Follow CAMBr.org and our Facebook page for announcements.
Expanding Partnerships
We’re building stronger ties with local businesses, NICA, and SRAM to grow youth access to trails.
Interested in joining or coaching a NICA team in Illinois? Learn more here.
New Trail Systems
Hickory Creek is opening to the public this summer. Watch CAMBr.org and Trailbot for updates.
Freedom Park has been the focus of regular spring and summer workdays. Crews have cut 1 mile of singletrack so far, with GPS mapping ongoing and underway. We need volunteer hands now more than ever to help hit our project goals—the sooner we finish, the sooner we ride. Attend a workday here.
Wet Trail Conditions & Spring Riding Etiquette
By July, Chicago’s trails are typically dry and hard-packed — ideal for riding and great news for trail preservation. But summer is unpredictable. Heavy thunderstorms can saturate soil quickly, and a single ride on wet trails can undo months of volunteer work.
Beyond trail conditions, summer brings mosquitoes and ticks that thrive in warm, humid weather, so lightweight long sleeves, regular tick checks, and DEET-based insect repellent are worth the effort. Heat and humidity also increase your risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion. Drink plenty of water, take breaks in shaded areas, and know the signs of heat illness — dizziness, nausea, or unusual fatigue mean it’s time to get off the trail and cool down. Riding responsibly means protecting yourself as well as the trails we all share.
Check Trailbot before you head out to stay informed about sudden condition changes and make smart decisions about which trails are ready to ride.
How to use Trailbot
- Download from the app store listed above
- Go to the region tab
- Click on the trail systems you ride
- Click the 3 dots in the top right corner, then ‘Add to Home Screen Widget’
- Check conditions before you leave to ride
Calendar of Upcoming Events
Chicagoland Race Series: Signup here
- Raceway Rally: 7/26/26
- Paul Douglas Pursuit: 8/9/26
- Palos Meltdown: 8/23/26
Weekday Group Rides (*conditions dependent)
Monday – Saw Wee Kee – Meet at 2nd lot, 6 p.m
Tuesday – Raceway Woods – Meet at the silo, 6 p.m
Wednesday – Palos – Meet at Maple Lake East, 5:30 p.m
Thursday – Paul Douglas Woods – Meet at Crank Revolution, 6 p.m
Trail Volunteer Spotlight: Walt Calder
I found out about CAMBR about 10 years ago. I heard there were trails being built in Raceway Woods, so I headed over to check them out. Corkscrew, Little Monza and Meadowdale were already finished, and they were just starting Serpentine. I came across the trail crew and they seemed like they were having a good time, and they talked me into joining them the following Saturday. I didn’t miss many trail days at Raceway for the next 5 years.
About that time, I realized my berm riding skills were not where I wanted them to be. Some of the trail crew suggested I go check out Andres bike park as they have a bunch of berms there to practice on. I saw that the park could use some help, so I started dedicating more of my volunteer time over there. I kinda have a passion for the bike park as I believe it’s a great asset to the community. Young and old hanging out together, playing bikes, how fun is that.
I also spent many days helping build out Paul Douglas, which I have come to really enjoy now as well as Raceway and Andres.
I enjoy the camaraderie of the trail crew and the pride that comes from giving back to the community. We are lucky to have these places to get outside and enjoy our hobby.
If you live near the new trails being developed, find out about their workdays and make a point of helping out a day or two. They will get open sooner and you will be able to say you helped get the place open. If you live near one of the already open trail systems, they always need trimming, site lines improved and other maintenance. Make a point of working at least a day a year. It’s a good workout, and you can take some pride in knowing that you pitched in.
Chicago Trails Facts and History
A Hidden Chapter: The Science Behind Palos
Palos Forest Preserve holds a remarkable piece of American history beneath its trails. During World War II, physicist Enrico Fermi and his team created the world’s first controlled nuclear chain reaction at the University of Chicago, then relocated their reactor and research to the remote Palos Hills area. When the work concluded and the site closed in 1956, radioactive material from their experiments was buried and capped with concrete barriers—where it remains today. The Illinois Department of Public Health has determined it poses no apparent public health hazard from normal recreation, and small markers throughout the preserve remind visitors of this layered history. If you’ve ridden Palos, you may have ridden the pipeline trail, which rolls right next to this remarkable burial site.
The trails we ride carry complex stories. Understanding this landscape—and respecting why land managers care about how we use it—strengthens our commitment to stewardship and long-term access.
Important Links:
- Calendar
- Contact Us
- Trail conditions (click yellow box top right of the screen)
- Membership
- Signup for a Chicagoland Race Series event
- Signup for a youth NICA team near you
Closing and Call to Action
CAMBr’s success isn’t accidental—it’s the result of dedicated volunteers, thoughtful stewardship, and members who believe sustainable trail access is earned, not given. Thank you for being part of this community.
We’ll see you on the trails.
Ride on,
Your CAMBr Board
