Riders traveling over the miles of trails that wind along the banks of the Fox River have come to see Pottawatomie Park as an oasis, a serene and scenic place they can stop for clean restrooms, tasty refreshments, and shelters from sudden storms. And at the park’s Bike Plaza, they also have a place where they can fix a flat, adjust their brakes, or straighten a slanted seat.
Two bike repair stations are available along the Fox River Trail thanks to a cooperative program in 2016 with the St. Charles Park District and the Making Kane County Fit for Kids Funding Consortium.
One is located on the north side of the stone restroom facilities adjacent to River View Miniature Golf; the second station is across from Langum Park on the east bank of the Fox River along to Route 25. Vibrant signage directs bikers to each plaza, which are also outfitted with water bottle fill stations, benches, and weather-proof bike path information holders.
“One of the scariest things for bikers is to be out on a trail and not have a way to take care of any mechanical emergencies,” said Laura Rudow, Superintendent of Parks and Planning. “Our bike repair stations can give riders great peace of mind.”
Each station come equipped with numerous commercial-grade, rubber-coated, flexible cable-tied tools, including various-sized screwdrivers and wrenches that enable bikers to do everything from raising or lower a seat to adjusting tire alignment. Elevated hanger arms allow the bike to be mounted at eye level to make repairs easier to manage and an air pump helps take care of any flat tires. The Bike Plaza in Pottawatomie Park also includes weather-proof brochure holders with maps of the Fox River Trail.
“The biking community is a very active, socially connected network,” said Rudow. “Our Bike Plaza is helping make the park district even more of a destination for avid bikers as it provides respite to the distance biker.”
With miles and miles of trails throughout St. Charles connecting to adjacent communities, there is ample opportunity to explore the Fox Valley area. Trails include:
• Great Western Bike Trail
• Fox River Bike Trail (includes East Side Bike Trail & Norris Woods Bike Trail)
• Peck Road Bike Trail – 1.3 miles
• Randall Road Bike Trail – 3.7 miles
• River Bend Bike Trail
• Virgil L. Gilman Trail