The Rock River Multisport 20k Road TT (Time Trial), sponsored and hosted by Rock River Multisport under the Wisconsin-Illinois Cycling Association (WIIL Cycle), brings a thrilling solo race to Deer Run Forest Preserve in Cherry Valley, IL (5691 River Rd, Cherry Valley, IL 61016). This American Bike Racing (ABR)-sanctioned event starts at 8:00 AM CDT, with riders launching every 30 seconds as part of the Mid America Time Trial Series (MATTS). Spanning 20 kilometers (12.4 miles), this flat, fast course welcomes all levels—juniors, masters, and open categories—offering an early-season test of speed and endurance. Rock River Multisport, a Stateline-area club rooted in endurance sports, delivers a grassroots experience with medals for the top 5 per category and $30 cash prizes for the fastest overall, women, and juniors. Register at wiilcycle.org/register for $30 (adults) or $15 (juniors 18 & under)—on-site adds $10, opening at 6:30 AM. Post-race, enjoy snacks and community vibes at the preserve, a standout in Illinois cycling events.
The course is a swift out-and-back, starting at Deer Run’s main parking lot off River Road. Riders head east along River Rd, tracing the Kishwaukee River’s south branch, then turn south onto rural pavement (likely Blackhawk Rd or a similar stretch), hitting a 10 km turnaround before racing back. It’s nearly flat (<50 ft elevation), with smooth asphalt through 675.6 acres of restored prairie and floodplain forest—ideal for 25-30 mph efforts. Open fields and river views frame this Illinois TT, though traffic remains active—ride right, use a rear red blinker (highly recommended), and follow marshals at crossings. Past Strava times from Cherry Valley TTs hover around 28-30 minutes—bring your power to this Midwest classic.
Rock River Multisport 20k Road TT Weather
Late April weather in Cherry Valley offers cool, variable conditions, with morning temperatures ranging from 45-55°F at the 8:00 AM start—layer up for comfort. Humidity averages 60-70%, keeping it crisp yet manageable—bring a light bottle for hydration. Winds blow at 10-15 mph, often from the northwest or west, providing a tailwind one way and headwind the other—pace wisely. There’s a 40-50% chance of light rain or drizzle, typical for spring, so check forecasts closer to race day for tire and clothing tweaks.
Travel Directions
- From Milwaukee, WI (60 miles southwest): Take I-94 W south ~40 miles to I-43 S, exit at WI-120 S (Exit 36), go south 10 miles to IL-173 W, turn right, follow 8 miles to IL-2 S, then left onto River Rd to 5691 River Rd (1-1.25 hr drive).
- From Kenosha, WI (40 miles west): Head west on WI-50 W ~25 miles, merge onto IL-173 W via US-12, go 10 miles to IL-2 S, turn left onto River Rd to 5691 River Rd (50-60 min drive).
- From Madison, WI (85 miles southeast): Drive east on I-90 E ~65 miles, exit at IL-23 S (Exit 36), go south 15 miles to IL-173 E, turn left, follow 5 miles to IL-2 S, then left onto River Rd to 5691 River Rd (1.5-1.75 hr drive).
- From Chicago, IL (70 miles northwest): Take I-90 W ~60 miles, exit at IL-173 W (Exit 8), head west 8 miles to IL-2 S, turn left onto River Rd to 5691 River Rd (1.25-1.5 hr drive).
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