About 2,000 cyclists will roll through Wilmette, Glencoe, Kenilworth and Winnetka on Sunday, Sept. 20, when the Evanston Bicycle Club hosts its 41st annual North Shore Century at Gillson Park.

The ride starts and finishes at the Lakeview Center, 800 Gillson Park Drive. Riders from more than 30 states are expected, according to Patch, with registration capped at 2,400.

Four routes fan out from the park. The 25-mile loop winds through quiet residential streets in Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe and Kenilworth, with a rest stop at the Glencoe Metra Station serving ice cream. The 50-mile and 62-mile metric century routes push farther north.

The full 100-mile century stretches to Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, with five rest stops along the way, including Sunset Woods in Highland Park, Northcroft Park in Lake Forest, Viking Park in Gurnee and Bowen Park in Waukegan.

Check-in opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 11 a.m. or when capacity fills. Organizers recommend 100-mile riders start by 7 a.m., 62-mile riders by 9 a.m., 50-mile riders by 10 a.m. and 25-mile riders by 11 a.m.

The event closes at 6 p.m.

Barbara Niehus, serving her first year as North Shore Century chair, said club members have been busy scouting routes, preparing baked goods for rest stops and coordinating with area communities. "We're looking forward to what should be a wonderful ride," Niehus told Patch.

Every rest stop is stocked with fresh fruit, trail mix, water and hydration drinks, plus signature items like Subway sandwiches, grilled hot dogs and pizza while supplies last. Local bike shops, including Wilmette's Velosmith, provide free mechanical support at stops along the route. Support vehicles cruise the course for riders who need mid-ride help.

Adult registration is $50 through Saturday, Sept. 19. Day-of registration jumps to $65. Youth riders 17 and under pay $15 but must ride with a registered adult.

Parking is not available at Gillson Park.

Organizers direct riders to three downtown Wilmette surface lots, where parking is free on Sundays. Riders can also take the Metra UP North Line to the Wilmette station or the CTA Purple Line to the Linden station.

This is the ride's second year at Gillson Park. The event spent its first 40 years at Dawes Park in Evanston before restrictions from the Evanston Parks and Recreation Department prompted the move. When the shift was announced in August 2025, then-chair Peter Glaser told the Evanston RoundTable that Gillson Park is "a beautiful location" that is "convenient to downtown Wilmette."

A portion of registration proceeds goes to nonprofits that promote cycling. Charitable partners raising money through rider participation this year include the Children's Tumor Foundation, Envision Unlimited, the Recyclery Collective and Vivent Health.

A local group called Climate Cycle is also fundraising through the ride to support bike parking and cycling programs at Evanston/Skokie District 65 schools, the Evanston RoundTable reported.

Orange arrows painted on the pavement mark every route. Riders receive cue sheets and a wristband at check-in. The wristband doubles as a ticket to rest stops and on-course support.