Free Kids Bike Race!

Bring the whole family to enjoy all the events in the NorthShore University HealthSystem Grand Prix. The Kids Bike Races provides the little ones a chance to participate in the sport of cycling in the heart of Evanston. It's fun, festive and safe.

WHEN: Sunday, July 19

TIME: 3:15 pm
Part of NorthShore University HealthSystem Grand Prix festivities during a break in the action right before the women's and men's pro races begin.

WHERE: Right on the race course at Fountain Square!

REGISTRATION: Registration will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at the McGaw YMCA tent on Davis Street between Sherman and Orrington Avenues, in the heart of the Festival Area There is no fee to enter. However, registration IS required.

DETAILS: Four separate races will group riders by their ages.

• Group 1: 3 years old and younger
• Group 2: 4- and 5-year-olds
• Group 3: 6- and 7-year-olds
• Group 4: 8- and 9-year-olds

Each group will set up at specified locations around the course that will differ in length according to age. Once the children complete the course, Hubert the Lion will be at the finish line to celebrate everyone's success, courtesy of Harris Bank. Every child will receive a medal for participating in the event which will be distributed as he or she exits the course. Thanks to the McGaw YMCA for arranging volunteers to staff the kids' bike race.

Rules and Regulations

• Children up to 9 years old are eligible.
• A liability release form must be filled out for each entrant and it must be signed by both the entrant (3-years-old and up) and her or his parent or legal guardian. If a parent or guardian cannot be present on the day of the race, their signature must be notarized in advance. Waivers can be downloaded here (PDF) and will be available onsite.
• BYOB! Each rider must supply his or her own bicycle and may be denied entry if race officials deem the bicycle to be unsafe.
• Each rider must supply and wear an CPSC approved cycling helmet. (Consult your local bike shop, sporting goods store or the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute for more information.)
• There will be a maximum of 75 entries allowed for each of the four races.

After the children have enjoyed their own grand prix, dance to the sounds of a Roots Rock Society brought to the stage by EvMark. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening browsing shops along the course, checking out the Expo Area and enjoying dinner trackside while pro cyclists from around the world challenge each other at top speed starting at 4:00 pm.

 

 

photo by evanston photographic studios