Read & Ride
We know that running doesn’t feel accessible — or appealing — for everyone, all the time.
We’ve always welcomed other forms of movement at our signature events (scooter, skateboard, roller blades, wheelchair—whatever gets you moving to an 11:00 minute per mile pace, as I always say), but we know that when routes are built for running, it’s not always the most ideal circumstances to be the odd one out.
In summer 2026, we introduced a new program with the support of Bucktown-based woman-owned bike shop BFF Bikes: Read & Ride. It’s just like our signature book-themed guided routes where stories take place but on bike rather than on foot.
Read & Ride is about bringing the magic of our signature events to more people, and making sure that as many Chicagoans as possible have access exploring the city using movement. Same events, same community — just a different way to move through the city.
Chicagoans training for a fall marathon and looking for cross-training or recovery days
Chicagoans curious about our events but are hesitant to run with a group
The Readers & runners who are simply more cyclists than runners
Read & Ride is perfect for:
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