HAMPTON, ILLINOIS (October 7, 2022) — The Rock Island County Forest Preserve District invites cyclists and spectators to take on the trail for the first-ever Mini-Enduro at Illiniwek Forest Preserve to celebrate our ten-year trail anniversary.
October 2022 officially makes ten years since the completion of the Illiniwek singletrack trail system. QC Friends of Off-Road Cycling (FORC) is celebrating the milestone by challenging Quad-Cities mountain-bikers with a small Enduro-style event — that’s a mix of cross-county and downhill racing — featuring the longest singletrack descent in the area! The min’Duro is taking off on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 2:00pm starting at the North Trailhead parking lot.
Enduro consists of timed, primarily downhill, stages with non-timed transfer routes in between. Riders must complete all stages and transfers under their own power, on the same bike, self-supported, and before the stage cutoff times or risk disqualification. Times for each stage are combined for a final finish time.
“This race fits our mission to give people the opportunity to experience the beauty of our natural resources through recreation,” said Mike Petersen, Illiniwek Forest Preserve ranger. “It’s a great source of pride to see the trails used and enjoyed by so many people for 10 years now.”
Riders and fans can stick around after the min'Duro for a cookout and spontaneous group rides. Bring a chair, beverages, something to throw on the grill, and a side dish to share. Grill will be provided.
“We want riders to revel in all the awesome that is Illiniwek,” said Drew Hanson, Illiniwek Trail Steward. “Min’Duro at Illiniwek kickstarts a new chapter for QC mountain biking events.”
Each year FORC contributes +1,000 hours of volunteer labor to local parks like Illiniwek and Dorrance Park for trail improvements and maintenance.
Set amongst the bluffs of northern Rock Island County, Illiniwek Forest Preserve features 5 miles of ultra-flowy singletrack with the longest sustained climbs and descents in the QC area. The trail was designed for athletes of all levels, featuring log overs, wooden berms and scenic views. The park offers a wide array of amenities, including primitive camping areas, 60 pads with water and electric hookups, a boat launch ramp, hiking trails, a picnic shelter and a scenic wooded bluff picnic area overlooking the Mississippi River.
For more information about race day, sign-up and volunteer opportunities, click here.
About the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District
The mission of the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District is to maintain and acquire lands and facilities in Rock Island County with the intent to restore, conserve and protect the waters, forests and prairies they contain and the goal to create educational and recreational opportunities for the residents of Rock Island County and beyond. The Rock Island County Forest Preserve District is governed by the Forest Preserve Commission. Today, the Rock Island County Forest Preserve Commission governs six forest preserve areas totaling 2,529 acres. They include Loud Thunder Forest Preserve, Illiniwek Forest Preserve, Niabi Zoo, Indian Bluff Golf Course and Forest Preserve, Dorrance Park, and Martin Conservation Area.
For more information about the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District, visit RICFPD.org.
