For those in search of biking possibilities outside of Chicago, Bicycle Illinois is scheduling several events this summer.
http://www.bicycleillinois.com/

First there’s the Bicycle Illinois Cross-State Bicycle Tour, July 1-8, 2006. This is a 7-day, 6-night tour starting way down south in Cairo (pronounced Kay-row, by the way) and ending in Chicago. The tour includes lodging and all the support services you’ll need along the way and costs about $500. You can also sign up for just part of the ride, if the whole tour doesn’t fit your schedule (the website includes directions from local Amtrak or Greyhound stations).

Then there’s the Northern Illinois Ride, July 30-August 2, 2006. This begins in Muscatine and ends in Chicago and costs about $150, which again includes road support and lodging.

Another event, called Bicycle Illinois Premier, is scheduled for August 12-19, 2006. Details for this are still in the works.