Bike enthusiast Tom Armstrong takes a picture Thursday morning in downtown Elgin, before going on a ride with a group of local cyclists promoting bike-to-work week. June 14, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
A group of cyclists rides north on Douglas Avenue in Elgin Thursday morning to promote bike-to-work week. Their ride included cycling through the northeast side and Lords Park. June 14, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Anna Moeller of Elgin left takes the front position in riding her bike Thursday morning in Elgin to promote bike-to-work week. June 14, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Barb Broeske (left) and Rich Wagner of Elgin take the lead in riding north on Douglas Avenue in Elgin Thursday promoting bike-to-work week. June 14, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Ron Rudd of West Dundee and city councilman John Steffen ride along Douglas Avenue in Elgin Thursday with a pack of cyclists promoting bike to work week. June 14, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
ELGIN — The Fox Valley has come a long way in recent years in making the bicycle a practical, local alternative mode of transportation or recreation. But an 18-mile bike ride Thursday morning from East Dundee to downtown Elgin and back — including a round …
