Group Rides

Here are all the details on the rides and stops. Check our WhatsApp group. before each ride for any last-minute updates. We'll also post updates at each ride stop so you can reconnect if you're separated from the group.

You must be registered and wearing a wristband to participate in all rides and events.

All scooters capable of 35-ish mph are welcome, but slower bikes should stay toward the front of the pack with the Ride Leader.

Thursday, August 29

“Early Arrivals” ride to O’Hare Airport
Briefing:(all riders) 8:45pm at Pizzeria Serio
Ride Leader:Bryan
Ride departs:Pizzeria Serio at 9pm
If you are going on the ride, place your pizza order before 8pm
Route:Google Map (may re-route when displayed on phone!)
Rest Stops:Resthaven Cemetery, other stop depends on flight patterns for optimal plane viewing (announced at briefing and on WhatsApp)
End point: Gene and Jude's Hot Dogs around 11pm.

Friday, August 30

Earlybird Ride and Genuine/Scooterworks warehouse tour
Ride Leaders: Bryan and Jason
Meetup: 3pm at Genuine Scooters 2700 W Grand Ave, Chicago, for tour.
Please park behind the building at 2705 W Superior, as shown in this photo.

Genuine/Scooterworks would like to get some photos and footage of us, if you're not comfortable with appearing in their social media, please let us know when you arrive.
Following the tour (about 4pm), we'll make short hops to: (no map needed, check WhatsApp for timing)
Liberation Kitchen,2054 W Grand Ave, Chicago, (Vegan dougnuts, ice cream, snacks)
An hour of freeplay at Logan Arcade Popup at Liberation Kitchen)
Tarnish, 1948 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, (Gifts and accessories for biker chicks and the men who love them)
Bucket O' Blood, 3182 N Elston Ave, Chicago (science fiction/horror/punk books movies and records)
End point:Martyrs', 3855 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, in time to grab dinner (many options) or visit a couple record and book shops before the big show.

Midnight ride
Briefing: (all riders) 11:30pm, Martyrs stage.
Ride Leaders: Ben and Ken
Ride departs: Midnight from Martyrs', 3855 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago.
Please keep idling and engine noise low near Martyrs', we'll direct you to a nearby staging location at the briefing.
Route: Google Map (unlikely to translate to your phone accurately)
Rest Stops: TBD
End point: approx 1:30am at Late Bar 3534 W Belmont Ave, Chicago.

Saturday, August 31

Main ride
Scooter Blessing: 11 am, Scooterworks Chicago parking lot.
Briefing: (all riders) 11:15am, Scooterworks Chicago parking lot.
Ride Leader: Jason
Ride departs: 11:30am from Scooterworks Chicago, 5410 N Damen Ave, Chicago.
Route (part 1): Google Map (may re-route when displayed on phone!)
Rest stop: approx 12:30 at BP/Sunset Foods, 1812 Green Bay Rd, Highland Park. Rest/gas stop: approx 1:30 at BP/Graham's Marketplace, 3301 Dempster St, Skokie. Route (part 2): Google Map (unlikely to translate to your phone accurately)
Rest stop: (time permitting) approx 2:20 at the Garfield Park bandshell. End point: approx 3pm at Motoworks Chicago, 1901 S Western Ave, Chicago.

Evening ride to the Union Stock Yard gate
Briefing: (all riders) 4:45pm, Motoworks Chicago.
Ride Leader: Jason
Ride departs: 5:00pm from Motoworks Chicago, 1901 S Western Ave, Chicago.
Route: Google Map (may re-route when displayed on phone!)
Rest stop/photo op: approx 5:45pm at Union Stock Yard Gate, W Exchange Ave & S Peoria St, Chicago. End point : approx 6:30pm at Marz Community Brewing, 3630 S Iron St, Chicago.

Sunday, September 1

Morning ride
Briefing: (all riders) 9am, Dark Matter Osmium.
Ride Leader: Jason
Ride departs: 9:30am from Dark Matter Osmium, 1117 W Belmont Ave, Chicago.
Route: Google Map (may re-route when displayed on phone!)
Rest Stops: TBD
End point: Noon at The Native, 2417 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago.

Map

Here's a Google "My Maps" with all rally locations and ride routes marked. It's a thing of beauty, especially on a desktop/laptop. It's great for reference, but not for navigation, sorry. We try a new way to share routes every year and nothing is optimal, this is at least in a clear format everyone will be able to access.

Yes, we have all the maps in a regular Google maps format, too, but when you open them on your phone, it's going to ignore our routes and send you onto the highway. Not sure why Google can't figure that out, but we posted the links above anyway.

More information

The following information is available in this printable PDF, along with group riding hand signals and diagrams.

Arrive early, with a full tank of gas.
Check lights, brakes and tire pressure ahead of time. Charge your phone. Bring tools, spares, cash, credit card, sunscreen, water, license, insurance, and registration.

Gear up!
Eye protection is mandatory in Illinois. We recommend wearing a full-face helmet, gloves, sturdy shoes with ankle protection, and an armored jacket.

Listen carefully at the ride briefing
Be on time for the briefing, and pay attention, even if you’re an experienced rider. Every group—and ride—is different. We’ll discuss the route, stops, signals, communications, and procedures, and introduce you to the ride officials:

Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. Don’t join the group ride unless you understand our rules and are willing to follow them.

Be ready to go
With our tight schedule, we must depart immediately after the rider briefing. There’s time to put on your gloves and helmet, but not to change your visor or strap down your gear or fiddle with your electronics. Get that done beforehand!

Know the pace, know your place
Slower scooters and less-experienced riders should line up towards in the front of the group, behind the corner markers. Bigger/faster bikes should stay in back, in front of the sweep.

Ride in staggered formation
We ride in a staggered formation within one lane. Think of it as “staggered single file,” not two separate lanes. This allows maximum safe space around riders. The leader stays to the left, with other riders staggered behind them. Maintain “two Mississippi” behind the rider directly in front of you and “one Mississippi” behind the rider diagonally in front of you. Less space is unsafe, more space allows cars to break up the group. If the leader signals for single file,

carefully zipper-merge, and allow “two Mississippi” between each scooter.

In either formation, avoid riding side-by-side or passing.

If a vacant position appears, check around you, signal, and move diagonally into the empty space. Riders behind you should re-align accordingly. Do not pass other riders.

Corner marking procedure

Our large group will become separated over the course of the ride. Do not run lights or block traffic!

  • At each turn, the ride leader will signal a corner marker (usually but not always in a pink vest) to stop at the corner in a safe, visible location.
  • Corner riders will stay put and direct riders to turn, until they see the sweep rider approaching.
  • f you’re separated from the group, just stay on the road you’re on, until you see a corner marker, then turn as directed. So long as everyone stays in front of the sweep, everyone will stay on course.
  • Corner markers may need to pass you to get back to the front, keep an eye out for them, and don‘t follow them.

Be self-sufficient
We do not have a chase vehicle

this year, and the ride officials’ priority is to keep the group moving. If you must stop, or can‘t keep pace with the group, signal, check your blind spots, and pull over. We hate to leave you behind, but we have 200+ attendees, and we’re on a tight schedule.

  • If you’re leaving the group early,

    pull over and wave other riders past, so they don’t follow you off-course.
  • Do not signal the sweeper for help unless it’s a serious medical emergency.
  • If you get lost or separated from the group, don’t recklessly try to catch up, simply check the schedule (or WhatsApp) for the next rest stop and meet us there.
  • You’re an adult, in a big city with plenty of resources. Call roadside assistance or a motorcycle tow company, or lock up your bike and get a lift to the next event.
  • That said, it sucks to be stranded alone. Find a buddy or two and agree to watch out for each other.

Keep your eyes open

Never take it for granted that anyone (in the group, or otherwise) will do what you’d expect. Use your mirrors and turn your head frequently to check your blind spots. Any sudden unexpected action can have serious repercussions. Watch brake lights for cues. Don’t distract yourself with music or electronics.

Be a good citizen

Riding through a busy city in a huge group requires cooperation and responsibility. Your choices and attitude affect everyone else in the group. Aggressive riding, jackassery and stunting will not be tolerated. If you’re distracted, frustrated, or uncomfortable, excuse yourself, ride solo to the next event, and calmly/politely/privately communicate any grievances with the organizers at an appropriate time.

Disclaimer

This rally is organized by a loosely-knit and ever-changing group of hardworking volunteers who do it solely for your entertainment and for the benefit of the scootering community. Please understand that the individual organizers, sponsors, and venues accept no liability for damage, theft, loss, or injury. To participate in this event, you must sign the waiver stating you've chosen to accept accountability for any risks incurred. If you don’t sign the waiver, you’re are not a Slaugterhouse participant. If you’re not willing to be responsible for your actions, respect others, and follow the rules, please stay home.