WI/IL Cycling Association

2026 MATTS Rock River MultiSport Cherry Valley 20K time trial
2026-04-26 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Deer Run Forest Preserve, 5691 River Rd, Cherry Valley, IL, 61016, United States
Race Flyer
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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[Coming Soon] ABR Illinois TT Championship 20-30k
2026-06-13 08:00 - 12:00 | Garden Prairie, 7133 Garden Prairie Rd, Garden Prairie, IL, 61038, United States
Race Flyer
The Illinois TT Championship 20-30k, sponsored by American Bicycle Racing (ABR) and hosted by the Wisconsin-Illinois Cycling Association (WIIL Cycle), is a premier solo race in Garden Prairie, IL, starting at the SESI High Road Therapeutic School parking lot (7133 Garden Prairie Rd, Garden Prairie, IL 61038). This ABR-sanctioned event, a crown jewel of the Mid America Time Trial Series (MATTS), begins at 9:01 AM CDT, with riders launching every minute to compete for state titles. Offering 20 km (12.4 miles) for juniors and masters 70+ or 30 km (18.6 miles) for others, this flat-to-rolling course draws top talent across all levels—juniors, masters, and open categories. ABR, dedicated to promoting cycling (ambikerace.com), awards Illinois Championship jerseys to category winners, plus cash prizes ($40 for fastest overall, $30 for second, $20 for third, across men, women, and juniors). Register at wiilcycle.org/register for $35 (adults) or $20 (juniors)—on-site adds $10, opening at 7:30 AM. Post-race, celebrate with awards and snacks, a standout among Illinois cycling events.
The course is a fast out-and-back, starting just south of US-20 on Garden Prairie Rd. Riders head south, navigating a relatively flat route with a few rollers (elevation ~100-150 ft total), hitting a 10 km (20k) or 15 km (30k) turnaround before racing back. Smooth pavement winds through Boone County’s rural farmland, ideal for 25-30 mph efforts, though open fields amplify wind exposure. Roads are open to traffic—ride right, use a rear red blinker (highly recommended), and heed marshals; warm-ups are restricted to north of US-20 for safety. Past Garden Prairie TTs show top 30k times around 40-45 minutes—bring your speed to claim an Illinois TT title.
Illinois TT Championship 20-30k Weather
Mid-June weather in Garden Prairie offers warm, pleasant conditions, with morning temperatures ranging from 65-75°F at the 9:01 AM start—comfortable yet warming quickly. Humidity averages 65-75%, adding a slight stickiness—bring a bottle or two for hydration. Winds blow at 8-12 mph, often from the south or southeast, providing a tailwind one way and headwind the other—pace strategically. There’s a 25-35% chance of light showers, though mid-June mornings are typically dry—check forecasts closer to race day for gear tweaks.
Travel Directions

From Milwaukee, WI (70 miles southwest): Take I-94 W south ~40 miles to I-43 S, exit at WI-120 S (Exit 36), go south 15 miles to US-20 W, turn right, follow 12 miles to Garden Prairie Rd, turn right to 7133 Garden Prairie Rd (1.25-1.5 hr drive).
From Madison, WI (90 miles southeast): Drive east on I-90 E ~70 miles, exit at IL-23 S (Exit 36), go south 10 miles to US-20 E, turn left, follow 8 miles to Garden Prairie Rd, turn left to 7133 Garden Prairie Rd (1.5-1.75 hr drive).
From Chicago, IL (60 miles northwest): Take I-90 W ~50 miles, exit at Genoa Rd (Exit 25), go north 5 miles to US-20 W, turn right, follow 5 miles to Garden Prairie Rd, turn right to 7133 Garden Prairie Rd (1-1.25 hr drive).

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Rock River Multisport Return to Cherry Valley 20k TT
2026-08-30 08:00 - 12:00 | Deer Run Forest Preserve, 5691 River Rd, Cherry Valley, IL, 61016, United States
Race Flyer
Get ready to race against the clock at the Return to Cherry Valley 20k TT (Time Trial), a Midwest cycling highlight hosted by Rock River Multisport under the Wisconsin-Illinois Cycling Association (WIIL Cycle) banner. This American Bicycle Racing (ABR)-sanctioned event takes place at Deer Run Forest Preserve in Cherry Valley, IL (5691 River Rd, Cherry Valley, IL 61016), kicking off at 8:00 AM CDT. Part of the Mid America Time Trial Series (MATTS), this 20-kilometer (12.4-mile) solo challenge welcomes riders of all levels—juniors, masters, and open categories—to test their speed on a flat, fast course near the scenic Kishwaukee River. Sponsored by Rock River Multisport, a Stateline-area club passionate about endurance sports, the event blends grassroots camaraderie with competitive edge, offering medals (top 5 per category) and cash prizes ($30 for fastest overall, women, and juniors). Register online at wiilcycle.org/register for $30 (adults) or $15 (juniors 18 & under)—on-site adds $10, open 6:30 AM race day.
The course is a classic out-and-back, starting at Deer Run’s main parking lot off River Road. Riders head west along River Rd, tracing the Kishwaukee River’s south branch, then turn north onto a quiet stretch of rural pavement (likely Blackhawk Rd or a parallel route), hitting the turnaround at 10k before looping back. Expect a mostly flat profile—minimal elevation (~50-75 ft total)—with smooth asphalt and occasional chip-seal patches, ideal for sustained 25-30 mph efforts. The preserve’s 675.6 acres feature restored prairie and floodplain forest, offering golden fields and river views, though the race stays on public roads, not trails.
Cherry Valley 20k TT Weather
Expect August’s typical 75-85°F temperatures, with highs often reaching the low 80s and humidity averaging 70-80%—warm and sticky for the 8:00 AM start. Winds blow steady at 10-15 mph, often from the south or southwest, offering a tailwind outbound but a headwind on the return leg—plan your pacing accordingly. Late summer brings a 30-40% chance of scattered showers or thunderstorms, though mornings are usually clear; check forecasts closer to race day. Hydration is critical—bring extra water for the heat and potential sweat-soaking conditions.

Directions
Travel to Deer Run Forest Preserve is straightforward. From Rockford, IL (10 miles northwest): Take IL-2 S to Cherry Valley, turn left onto River Rd—look for the preserve entrance on your right after ~2 miles (15-20 min drive). From Chicago, IL (80 miles southeast): Head west on I-90 W for ~70 miles, exit at IL-173 W (Rockton Rd), go south to IL-2, then left onto River Rd to 5691 River Rd (1.5-2 hr drive). Public Transit: From Chicago, take Metra’s UP-NW line to Harvard, then a rideshare (Uber/Lyft, ~$30-$40, 30 min) to Cherry Valley—check schedules, as rural service is limited. Parking is ample at Deer Run’s lot, with picnic tables, a well, and outhouses nearby—post-race snacks await finishers. Rock River Multisport’s local sponsors (e.g., bike shops, fitness centers) fuel this Illinois cycling event, making it a must-ride in WIIL Cycle’s slate—join us at wiilcycle.org!
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