Ullr, the Norse god of winter, hung up his crampons and stowed his toboggan for the year, which means the thaw is officially underway, and for Chicago cyclists that means one thing: it’s time to trade the indoor trainer for the open road. From the social miles of Wauconda to the brutal gravel grind of the “Hell of the Wind,” March is packed with opportunities to test your legs and fortitude. Whether you’re looking for a high-speed criterium or a muddy post-season cyclocross challenge, here are the key events hitting the Midwest calendar this month.
St. Patrick’s Day Ride — March 15
https://wheelmen.com/st_pats.asp
This fun, social road and general ride takes place in Wauconda, IL, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with cyclists of all levels. The ride is a community favorite that embraces the seasonal transition into spring and leverages festive energy for a group outing.
Hell Of The Wind — March 28
https://www.bigrivergravel.com/about-1
Held in New Liberty, IA, Hell Of The Wind is a challenging gravel ride that pushes participants over variable terrain typical of early spring gravel seasons. Riders can expect rougher roads, wind exposure, and a strong testing ground for the upcoming cycling calendar.
Melting Mann — March 28
The Melting Mann event in Vandalia, MI is a spring gravel ride designed to shake off winter rust. It tests riders’ endurance across melting terrain and often muddy conditions as routes loosen with warmer temperatures approaching.
Autobahn Omnium — March 28 – 29
https://www.bikereg.com/autobahn-omnium
The Autobahn Omnium in Joliet, IL is a criterium racing event where riders compete in high-speed circuits around a closed course. As part of the spring racing calendar, this event attracts both local and competitive racers seeking fast laps and tactical competition.
Return to the Hills CX — March 29
https://www.bikereg.com/return-to-the-hills
Return to the Hills Cyclocross in Rockford, IL can be seen as the earliest cyclocross race of the season, or the latest race of last season, or just a thing of its own. Either way, It’s an off-road challenge that combines grass, mud, and technical obstacles. If you didn’t get enough cyclocross during the Chicago Cross Cup, here’s a second chance at glory.
Great Lakes Rando — March (Date TBD)
https://glr.greatlakesrando.org/stats/pages/myClub.xhtml
The Great Lakes Rando in Barrington, IL is a long-distance randonneuring event where cyclists ride extended courses at their own pace. With routes that test endurance and navigation skills, this ride embraces the tradition of unsupported, self-paced cycling.
There’re more events to come, keep checking the site for updates!