The ABR 10 Mile National Time Trial Championship, held mid-August at Sycamore Speedway in Maple Park, IL, is a must-do event for cyclists chasing recognition in the Mid America Time Trial Series (MATTS). This flat, fast 10-mile course draws juniors, masters, and open-category riders with cash prizes ($30 for fastest overall, women, and juniors) and national medals at stake.
While Maple Park is a small village and nearby DeKalb offers limited amenities, Geneva, IL – just 20–25 minutes east – provides a vibrant, cyclist-friendly hub for out-of-town riders. With its charming downtown, scenic Fox River trails, and proximity to the race venue (50W086 IL-64, Maple Park, IL 60151), Geneva is the perfect base for your race weekend. .
Why Choose Geneva, IL for Your Race Weekend?
Geneva, a picturesque town along the Fox River, offers a blend of historic charm, modern amenities, and cycling-friendly infrastructure, making it an ideal home base for the ABR 10 Mile TT Championship. Just a 20–25-minute drive from Sycamore Speedway, Geneva provides easy access to the race while offering cozy hotels, diverse dining, and attractions to unwind post-race. Its bike shops, like Mill Race Cyclery, support last-minute tune-ups (e.g., tubeless tire setups at 70-75 PSI for 28mm, per your interest), and the Fox River Trail offers scenic warm-up or recovery rides. Whether you’re a beginner testing your first TT, an amateur chasing a personal best, or an elite racer aiming for the podium, Geneva’s offerings cater to your needs for a memorable race weekend.
Where to Stay in Geneva, IL
Geneva’s hotels range from boutique charm to budget-friendly comfort, all within a short drive of Sycamore Speedway and close to downtown’s dining and attractions. Below are top picks for riders, with cyclist-friendly amenities like secure bike storage and early breakfast options for race day (starting at 8:00 AM CDT).
1. The Herrington Inn & Spa
- Location: 15 S River Ln, Geneva, IL 60134 (22 minutes from Sycamore Speedway)
- Price: $150-$250/night
- Why Stay Here: This upscale boutique hotel along the Fox River offers luxurious rooms with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs, perfect for post-race recovery after the 10-mile TT. The Herrington provides secure bike storage, ideal for your TT bike with 165mm cranks and tubeless tires. Complimentary breakfast (available early for racers) includes healthy options like oatmeal and fruit, fueling you for the 6:30 AM on-site registration. The on-site spa offers massages ($80-$120) to soothe tired legs, and the Fox River Trail is steps away for warm-up spins.
- Cyclist Tip: Request a river-view room for a calming pre-race vibe. Ask about bike storage at check-in to keep your TT bike safe.
2. Comfort Inn & Suites Geneva
- Location: 1555 E Fabyan Pkwy, Geneva, IL 60134 (23 minutes from Sycamore Speedway)
- Price: $90–$150/night
- Why Stay Here: A budget-friendly option with modern amenities, this hotel offers free breakfast (grab-and-go options for early race starts), free Wi-Fi, and a fitness center for light pre-race stretching. Its proximity to the Fabyan Villa Museum and Fox River Trail makes it ideal for recovery rides or sightseeing. The hotel allows bikes in rooms, perfect for checking tire pressure (70–75 PSI for 28mm tubeless, per your interest) or adjusting 165mm cranks before race day.
- Cyclist Tip: Book early for weekend availability, as race crowds may fill up. Use the nearby Mill Race Cyclery (4 miles) for last-minute latex inner tube swaps or repairs.
3. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott St. Charles
- Location: 2096 Bricher Rd, St. Charles, IL 60174 (20 minutes from Sycamore Speedway)
- Price: $100–$180/night
- Why Stay Here: Located just north of Geneva, this Marriott offers clean, comfortable rooms with a free hot breakfast (eggs, yogurt, ideal for race fuel) and an indoor pool for relaxation. Its bike-friendly policy allows secure storage or in-room bike access, ensuring your TT bike’s deep-section wheels and aero bars are ready. The hotel is near the Illinois Prairie Path for pre-race spins, supporting your high-cadence training (90–100 RPM with 165mm cranks).
- Cyclist Tip: Request a ground-floor room for easy bike access. Check tire pressure the night before using a digital gauge for precision.
Where to Eat in Geneva, IL
Geneva’s dining scene offers everything from quick, carb-heavy meals to fuel your race to post-race celebrations with local craft beer. These spots cater to cyclists’ needs, with options for healthy pre-race meals and indulgent recovery feasts, all within a 5–10-minute walk or drive from downtown hotels.
1. Niche Restaurant
- Location: 14 S 3rd St, Geneva, IL 60134 (downtown, 22 minutes from Sycamore Speedway)
- Cuisine: New American, $15-$30/meal
- Why Eat Here: Perfect for a pre-race dinner, Niche offers locally sourced dishes like grilled chicken with quinoa or pasta primavera, ideal for carb-loading before the 8:00 AM start. The menu includes gluten-free and vegetarian options for dietary needs. Post-race, celebrate your TT finish with a craft cocktail or dessert (try the chocolate tart). Outdoor seating is cyclist-friendly, with bike racks nearby.
- Cyclist Tip: Reserve a table for Friday or Saturday night to avoid race weekend crowds. Pair your meal with a hydration-focused drink (e.g., electrolyte water) to prep for the flat, fast 10-mile course.
2. The Dam Bar and Grill
- Location: 65 N River Ln, Geneva, IL 60134 (22 minutes from Sycamore Speedway)
- Cuisine: American, $10-$20/meal
- Why Eat Here: Located along the Fox River, this casual spot is ideal for a post-race lunch with fellow racers, offering burgers, salads, and hearty sandwiches to refuel after the TT’s intense effort. The outdoor patio overlooks the river, creating a relaxing vibe to enjoy your ABR national medal. Try the grilled salmon salad for lean protein or a turkey club for recovery carbs. Close to Mill Race Cyclery for bike tweaks (e.g., tubeless tire checks).
- Cyclist Tip: Arrive early for lunch to secure patio seating. Bring a bike lock to park near the river while dining.
3. Elleson’s Bakery
- Location: 344 W State St, Sycamore, IL 60178 (9 minutes from Sycamore Speedway)
- Cuisine: Bakery/Café, $5-$15/meal
- Why Eat Here: A go-to for race-morning fuel, Elleson’s Bakery is not only convenient but serves fresh pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee, perfect for grabbing at 6:00 AM before heading to race registration. Post-race, indulge in their donuts or cookies to celebrate with the MATTS community.
- Cyclist Tip: Pair with a banana for potassium to prevent cramps on the 10-mile course.
Where to Visit in Geneva, IL
Geneva’s attractions offer a mix of cycling-related activities, cultural experiences, and relaxation to enhance your race weekend. From bike shops for last-minute tweaks to scenic trails for warm-ups, these spots cater to TT racers and their families.
1. Mill Race Cyclery
- Location: 11 E State St, Geneva, IL 60134 (22 minutes from Sycamore Speedway)
- Why Visit: A must-visit for TT racers, Mill Race Cyclery is a full-service bike shop offering tune-ups, tire swaps (tubeless or clincher with latex inner tubes, per your interest), and rentals (road, e-bikes). Their mechanics can check tire pressure (70-75 PSI for 28mm tubeless, per the SILCA calculator) or adjust 165mm cranks for high-cadence efforts (90-100 RPM). The shop hosts group rides, perfect for connecting with local cyclists, and is steps from the Fox River Trail for pre-race spins.
- Cyclist Tip: Visit Friday to ensure your TT bike is race-ready (e.g., check aero bar alignment, chain wear). Ask about tubeless tire setups for the flat, fast course.
2. Fox River Trail
- Location: Accessible from downtown Geneva (e.g., Island Park, 2 Island Ave)
- Why Visit: This paved, scenic trail along the Fox River is perfect for warm-up or recovery rides, offering flat sections to practice TT pacing and slight inclines for cadence drills with 165mm cranks. The trail connects Geneva to St. Charles and Batavia, with picnic spots for post-race relaxation. Its smooth surface suits tubeless tires, minimizing puncture risks. The trail is cyclist-friendly, with minimal pedestrian traffic early mornings.
- Cyclist Tip: Ride 5–10 miles on Friday morning to test your TT bike’s setup (e.g., 50/34T gearing, aero position). Bring a water bottle and lock for stops at Island Park.
3. Downtown Geneva Historic Shopping District
- Location: S 3rd St, Geneva, IL 60134 (22 minutes from Sycamore Speedway
- Why Visit: After the race, explore Geneva’s charming downtown, packed with boutique shops like The Little Traveler and Galena Garlic Company. Pick up cycling gear (e.g., socks, nutrition) or souvenirs to commemorate your ABR Championship weekend. The area’s bike-friendly streets and racks make it easy to park your bike while browsing. Enjoy the post-race community spirit, similar to the snacks and camaraderie at Sycamore Speedway.
- Cyclist Tip: Visit Saturday afternoon to unwind with family or teammates. Stop at Kernel’s Gourmet Popcorn for a quick, carb-rich snack to refuel.
Additional Tips for a Great Race Weekend
- Race Prep: Arrive at Sycamore Speedway by 6:30 AM for on-site registration ($35 adults, $20 juniors, +$10 day-of). Check tire pressure (70–75 PSI for 28mm tubeless) and test 165mm cranks on the Fox River Trail Friday to ensure high-cadence comfort.
- Timing: Book accommodations early, as mid-August draws crowds to Geneva’s festivals and cycling events. Shop for bike parts (e.g., latex inner tubes) at Mill Race Cyclery to avoid race-day issues.
- Local Cycling Community: Connect with Athletes by Design (ABD) via abdcycling.com or Wisconsin-Illinois Cycling Association (wiilcycle.org) for group rides or race tips. Follow @ABDCycling on social media for updates.
- Post-Race: Enjoy snacks and community spirit at Sycamore Speedway post-race, then head to Geneva for dinner at The Dam Bar and Grill to celebrate your national medal or personal best.
- Budget: Expect $90–$250/night for hotels, $5–$30/meal for dining, and $10–$50 for attractions (e.g., bike shop services, trail parking). Reserve $50–$100 for bike tune-ups or upgrades (e.g., tubeless tires).
Final Thoughts
Geneva, IL, is the perfect base for out-of-town riders attending the ABR 10 Mile Time Trial Championship in Maple Park, IL. With its cyclist-friendly hotels (Herrington Inn, Comfort Inn), diverse dining (Niche, The Dam Bar & Grill), and attractions (Historic Shopping District, Fox River Trail), Geneva offers everything you need to prepare, race, and recover. Whether you’re a beginner, amateur, or elite racer, Geneva’s charm and amenities will make your race weekend unforgettable. Pack your bike, book your stay, and get ready to chase speed and glory in the MATTS series!