The Arlington 500 is a recreational bike ride on scenic roads in Lake County, Illinois. The Arlington Heights Bicycle Club (AHBC) has hosted this ride for over 40 years. Over 400 riders participated in our 2024 Arlington 500. See the testimonials tab for what they said.
You have the option of doing a 20, 41, 66, 87, or 101 mile route. The ride draws hundreds of riders to the Northwest Chicago Suburbs.
The Arlington 500 is a fully supported ride. You get all this on every route!
The route,distances are approximate as we verify the routes a week before the event.
The ride goes on rain or shine. No refunds will be issued because of weather, State of Illinois, County of Cook, County of Lake orders, or acts of God (force majeure). Refunds will be issued should the event be cancelled by Arlington Heights Bicycle Club. Refunds will be processed through our registration processor in the original form of payment subject to any processing fees. Processing of refunds may be delayed.
Starting Location for 2025:
Lake Zurich High School
300 Church Street
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Ride Start and In Person Registration
Starts at 6:30AM for all riders
Closes at 7:30am for 101 mile riders
Closes at 8:30AM for 87 mile riders
Closes at 10:00AM for 66, 41, 20 mile riders
To speed your check-in please have available your QR code (found at the bottom of
your receipt email) or a print out of your registration receipt.
Registration Fees for 2025.
Early Bird Registration $30 February 1 through April 30
Advanced Registration $40 May 1 through May 29
Ride Weekend Registration $45 May 30 through 10 AM June 1
Ride Day Cash Registration $50
Registration closes when rider limit is reached
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 best operation.
-- Police officers in communities along our routes will issue citations to bicyclists who don’t follow the rules of the road.
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 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.
Use of a SNELL approved bicycle helmet is strongly recommended.
Wearing ear buds is strongly discouraged.
Both of these can impact your safety on the road!
All participants must be familiar with Illinois Rules of the Road for Cyclists
Over the years, we find these are the frequently asked questions about the 500.
Previous years riders have let us know their toughts about the 500
Actively supports bicycle advocacy, safety, and education
AHBC 2025.2
