Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about CAMBr, trails, membership, and events
Membership
How do I become a CAMBr member?
Join CAMBr on our website—just click the Membership tab in the menu above. Your membership includes access to member-only events and direct support for trail maintenance.
What are the membership benefits?
Members receive discounts* on CAMBr gear, voting rights in board elections, access to member only events, and the satisfaction of supporting local trail development.
How much does membership cost?
Membership starts at $39, and we offer multiple tiers—including a Family membership. Choosing a higher tier is a meaningful way to go beyond the basics and help power CAMBr’s trail work. Membership dues are considered a charitable contribution and are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, Chicago Area Mountain Bikers (CAMBr) is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 26-416251
Can I write a check to CAMBr
Yes, please make checks out to CAMBr, and mail to 336 Patricia Ln, Bartlett IL, 60103
What are my membership dues used for?
Our membership dues support CAMBr’s trail building and maintenance, volunteer tools and materials, and advocacy work to protect and expand sustainable mountain bike access.
Trails
What trails does CAMBr maintain?
CAMBr maintains trails at Palos Forest Preserve, Paul Douglas Woods, Raceway Woods, Saw Wee Kee Park, and several other locations throughout the Chicago area. Check our Trails page for the complete list.
How do I know if the trails are open?
Check our website or Trailbot for real-time trail status updates. We also post closures on our social media channels. Trails are typically closed when muddy to prevent damage.
Can beginners ride CAMBr trails?
Absolutely! Many of our trails have beginner-friendly sections. We recommend starting at Waterfall Glen or the beginner loops at Palos. Check trail difficulty ratings on Trailbot.
Why shouldn't I ride the trails when it's wet and rainy? Roadies still ride in the rain.
Because wet trails are easily damaged, and that damage lingers. Unlike roads, natural-surface trails rely on good drainage to stay rideable. When trails are wet, tires and footsteps can create ruts and depressions that trap water. Those low spots quickly turn into puddles and mudholes, which keep growing because the water can’t drain. The result is long-lasting trail damage that often won’t dry out until warmer weather—and fixing it takes significant volunteer time and materials.
Riding when it’s wet turns a short-term inconvenience into weeks of repairs, so please help protect the trails and avoid riding during and immediately after rain
Whats the best way to get around a horse?
Many of our trails are multi-use, so when you encounter horses it’s especially important to slow down and communicate. Bikes can approach quickly and quietly, which can startle a horse and put the rider at risk. Whether you’re coming from behind or head-on, slow to a walk, speak calmly to make your presence known, and ask the rider how they’d like you to pass. Follow their direction, give plenty of space, and pass slowly only when they confirm it’s safe. A little patience and clear communication keeps everyone safe and helps all trail users enjoy their time outdoors.
CAMBr builds and maintains most of the trails at each location. Why arent they bike only?
Chicago is a big city with a lot of demand on our woods and preserves from a range of user groups. The result is all the land managers in the Chicago area require trails to be multi-use. While there is some potential for user conflict, with some common sense and courtesy, different users types can easily co-exist.
What are freeze/thaw rules?
There’s a season in the Chicago area, typically between mid-November and the end of March, when temperatures will drop below freezing at night and then warm up above freezing during the day. What this means for the trails is when actually frozen they are hard and good to ride. But when the temps go up and the moisture in the ground thaws, the dirt becomes very soft and muddy. This is because the water in the soil expands when frozen and it looses the tightly packed soil. The result is the trails can become very soft and muddy even if there hasn’t been much rain or snowfall. So, to protect the trails from damage, only ride when the ground is frozen hard, and get off once the ground begins to warm up. South facing trails will usually soften up first, and if the sun it out and the temps get into the 30’s, you’ll probably need to be done by 10AM. Remember, if you’re tires are leaving an imprint, it’s too soft to ride.
Volunteering
Do I need to be a member to volunteer?
No—membership is not required to volunteer. We welcome volunteers of all experience levels. For trail work, you’ll just need to complete an annual waiver (requirements may vary by trail system/land manager).
What should I bring to a trail workday?
What should I bring to a workday – Bring what you need to be comfortable working outdoors for a few hours:
- Work gloves (required)
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes/boots (no sandals)
- Water (more than you think you’ll need) and a snack
- Weather-appropriate clothing you don’t mind getting dirty (layers, rain gear if needed)
- Bug spray and sunscreen
- Eye protection is recommended
- A small daypack to carry your essentials
We’ll provide the tools and instructions on-site
Do I need trail building experience?
Not at all! Our experienced trail crew leaders will teach you everything you need to know. We welcome volunteers of all skill levels.
I've never done a workday before and I don't know anything about trail work. Can I still help?
You bet! You don’t need any special skills or experience to help at a workday. Workdays typically have people of all experience levels and support a learn-by-doing approach. Just make sure you’ve got the right clothing, shoes, and water and you’ll be good to go.
Racing
Do I need to be an experienced rider?
No! We have categories for all skill levels from beginner to elite. Our beginner races are perfect for first-timers.
How do I register for a race?
Race registration opens approximately 2 months before each event. You can register through our website. CAMBr members receive early registration and discounted entry fees.
What do I need for race day?
General
How is CAMBr funded?
CAMBr is funded through memberships, race entry fees, merchandise sales, and donations. We’re a 501(c)(3) non-profit, and all donations are tax-deductible.
How can I stay up to date on CAMBr news?
Follow us on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, check our blog regularly, and join our community forums. We also send email updates to members about trail conditions and events.
Can I bring my kids to CAMBr events?
Where's the best place to ride my mountain bike in Chicago?
The best place to ride in the Chicago area depends on where you live, how much time you have, and what kind of riding you enjoy. CAMBr supports multiple trail systems across the region, and each has its own character—some offer long, flowing singletrack, others have more short climbs and descents, and some feature more technical trail. Trail conditions can also vary a lot by soil type, so one area may dry out quickly after rain while another may need more time.
A good approach is to start with the trail system closest to you, check the current trail status/conditions, and pick a network that matches your skill level and available time. If you’re new, look for trails described as beginner-friendly/flowy; if you’re more experienced, seek out areas labeled technical or advanced features
I mostly ride my bike on the roads. Mountain biking looks like it might be fun..how do I get started?
If you’re coming from road riding, you’re already off to a great start—mountain biking uses the same fitness, balance, and bike-handling foundation, just in a different environment.
1) Get the right bike and gear. You’ll need a mountain bike in safe working order and a helmet. Flat pedals, gloves, and eye protection are also great for beginners.
2) Start riding easy trails and build up. Choose beginner-friendly trails, ride at a comfortable pace, and focus on smooth control rather than speed. Riding with others—like on CAMBr group rides—can make it easier to learn etiquette, trail flow, and local best practices.
The biggest tip: start easy, practice consistently, and have fun—confidence comes quickly.
How does CAMBr decide where to build new trails?
Building new trails starts with opportunity and permission. Because we don’t own the land, CAMBr can only build new singletrack where a land manager is willing to partner with us. From there, we evaluate potential trail projects based on a mix of access, sustainability, and long-term stewardship.
What we consider when choosing where to build:
- Land manager support and policies (what’s allowed and what goals they have for the property)
- Environmental and cultural constraints (sensitive habitats, wetlands, erosion risk, archaeological areas)
- Sustainable trail design potential (terrain, soils, drainage, and the ability to build trails that last)
- User experience and community need (location, connectivity, and a good mix of beginner to advanced options)
- CAMBr capacity to maintain it long-term (volunteer resources, access for tools, ongoing support)
Why it takes time: Developing a new trail project often involves planning, review, revisions, and approvals—sometimes over multiple seasons—before any construction begins.
How members help: Strong membership and volunteer participation show land managers we’re a reliable, low-risk partner—and that support directly strengthens our ability to grow trail access across the Chicago area.”
Where to ride when it's wet
In the Chicago area, wet and muddy conditions often lead to the closure of single-track trails. Riding on muddy, soft trails creates ruts and mudholes, causing riders to go around them and widen the trails. This damages the trails and takes away precious volunteer hours from building new trails and making repairs. Please avoid riding when trail indicators show a “red” status, meaning the trails are too wet or soft.
So, where can you ride when the trails are closed, and you still want to work up a sweat or keep your legs loose?
Fortunately, the Chicago region boasts an extensive network of crushed limestone multi-tracks, rail-to-trails, and paved bike paths that are suitable for riding in almost any condition.
When the Palos trails are closed the following trails are good options:
When the Raceway trails are closed the following trails are good options:
Google Maps set in “bicycle” mode is a great general resource.
Other Resources:
CAMBR's Position on E-BIKEs on our Trails
Still Have Questions?
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Reach out to us and we’ll be happy to help.
