Arlington 500 Event Notes

The Arlington Heights Bicycle Club is excited to host the Arlington 500 on Sunday May 31, 2026 in Lake Zurich, Illinois.

The Ride

The Arlington 500 is a recreational bike ride on scenic roads in Lake County. The cumulative routes are 20.2, 43.9, 59.3, 83, and 100.8 miles. The routes are marked and designated with colors on the route markers. Included with registration are downloadable GPS routes and/or cue sheets. This is a supported ride and with provided food and beverages at the rest stop. On-site restrooms are available at the registration / rest stop.

For 2026, we are adding a 39-mile loop with a mid-point rest stop for 59-, 82- and 100-mile riders. This will provide less route overlap as well as exploring farther northwest Lake and McHenry Counties west of the Fox River. We will be keeping the central hub rest stop and registration/parking at Lake Zurich High School for the start, four loops, and end of the Arlington 500.

The terrain is mostly level with some moderate hills. A little something for everyone!

The Details

Registration Fee

Early Bird Registration: $35 per rider February 1 through April 30
Advanced Registration: $45 per rider May 1 through May 29

Ride Weekend On-Line Registration: $50 from May 30.
May 31 Cash/check registration will be accepted on site for $50.

Register early for the best price!

Register Arlington 500

Training? Use our multiple loop routes to get in your miles.

Refund Policy

The ride goes on rain 🌧️ or shine ☀️. No refunds will be issued because of weather, acts of God (force majeure,) or orders issued by the federal, state, county, or local governments. Refunds will be issued should the event be cancelled by the Arlington Heights Bicycle Club. Refunds will be processed through our registration processor in the original form of payment subject to any processing fees. Processing refunds may be delayed.

Starting Location

Lake Zurich High School, 300 Church Street, Lake Zurich, Illinois 60047 | Google map is here: Lake Zurich High School

Check-in Time on May 31, 2026

Starts at 6:30 a.m. for all riders

Closes at 7:30 a.m. for 100-mile riders
Closes at 8:00 a.m. for 87-mile riders
Closes at 10:00 a.m. for 19-, 41-, and 65-mile riders

Now the Good Stuff -- the Routes

It all adds up 20.2 + 39.1 + 23.7 + 17.8 = 100.8!

Please ride the loops in order. We can better support you on the road.

Red Loop - 20.2 mi

Blue Loop - 39.1 mi

Green Loop - 23.7 mi

Brown Loop - 17.8 mi

(A) Red Loop

This 20.2 mile loop route offers views of Lake Zurich and a beautiful next to the lake. Along the way, plan a free visit to Kuechmann Arboretum if you wish. This ride includes some longer stretches and rides through residential estates.

More information on Kuechmann Arboretum here Kuechmann Arboretum

RWGPS: Red Loop

(B) Blue Loop

This 39.1 mile route has a limited hour rest stop at Fel Pro East Conservation Area . This route has an early closure.

Our new remote rest stop route has long stretches of road through Lakewood Forest Preserve, around Tower Lake, across the Fox River to Fel Pro Conservation Area for a mid route refreshment. The return route has more open roads to Lake Zurich High School for lunch!

** Please note there is a minimal rest stop in Fel Pro Conservation area that includes bathrooms, water and limited nutrition and snacks.

RWGPS: Blue Loop

(C) Green Loop

This 23.7 mile out and back loop offers a beautiful ride through the Village of Barrington with some rolling hills on Cuba Road.

RWGPS: Green Loop

(D) Brown Loop

Close out your century with this 17.8 mile bike route. A clean, gentle loop with mostly straight stretches and only a handful of mild curves, making it easy to follow and great for a speedy ride.

RWGPS: Brown Loop

Things we have to tell YOU and don't say we didn't...

Ride Prepared

Bring a bike in good condition, with a spare tube, basic tools and a water bottle.
Wear light or bright clothing to make yourself more visible on the roadway
Children under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult throughout the ride.
Know and obey all traffic laws and signals/signs. Signal your turns. Ride predictably.
Always pass other riders on their left and call out "On your left" or "Passing" as you do so.
Carry personal identification.
Ride within your ability and physical condition.
Demonstrate courtesy while riding the public roads that we share with motorists.

Obey Traffic Laws

Please share the road in a courteous way with other vehicles and pedestrians. Ride single file when necessary and obey all stop signs and traffic control signals. Many intersections with traffic lights are equipped with cameras or metal detecting loops that may detect cyclists. Stop at the white line in the traffic lane for the best operation. Police officers in communities along our routes will issue citations to bicyclists who don’t follow the rules of the road.

For Your Safety

Use of a SNELL approved bicycle helmet is required. Wearing ear buds is strongly discouraged. Both can impact your safety on the road!

Notice of Waiver and Release

By choosing to register and/or participate in the Arlington 500, I understand that bicycling is a potentially hazardous activity and that injuries can occur from accidents, negligence or carelessness. I agree that route markings, Ride with GPS files, and/or cue sheets are provided for my convenience, but do not guarantee a safe route or bike ride. For myself and/or said minor, my (and minor's) heirs and assignees, I hereby waive all claims for, forever discharge and agree to hold harmless the Arlington Heights Bicycle Club, its officers and members, the organizers of the Arlington 500, Lake Zurich School District 95, and Lake County Division of Transportation from any and all liability from having sustained personal injuries or property damage as a result of participating in this activity.

Unforeseen Mitigation Notice

The ride, route, starting location and rest stop location are subject to change due to unforeseen government mitigations. Riders are expected to follow all federal, state and local mitigations in place on the day of the ride.

Questions? Send email to 500@cyclearlington.com to get answers to your questions.

And Thank You, to those who make the Arlington 500 possible!