Get in on the action while it's hot

From basketball to mountain biking, sports-minded locals have plenty of options

The start of the FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this week has soccer fans enthralled, while golf enthusiasts will watch their favorite pros compete for the Open Championship at England's Royal Liverpool over the next four days.

Summer sporting action is in full swing, including a host of events locally for those of us that might not qualify as world-class athlete material. Whether right here in Hinsdale or in a neighboring community, enjoy the outdoors this season by flexing a familiar physical pursuit or leaning into a new one.

Team Dri Tri

Find a partner and sign up for the Team Dri Tri from 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 29, at the Oak Brook Park District, 1450 Forest Gate Road.

In this outdoor event, open to ages 12 and older and all skill levels, teams of two take turns completing 5,000 meters rowing on a rowing machine and 7 miles on an Assault AirBike before running 1.5 miles together. There is no swimming component.

Each team will be assigned a heat, with five teams per heat. This is continuously timed event, and the final time is the team's score. All registrants receive a T-shirt, and the fastest teams will be awarded prizes. Appropriate attire, including athletic shoes, are required for all events.

Registration is $50 per team. But act fast - registration ends at 5 p.m. today, July 20.

Visit obparks.org/special-events/team-dri-tri or contact Kara Smith at [email protected] or (630) 645-9542.

3-on-3 tourney

The Community House invites hoopsters from fourth grade to 35 and older to join in its annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament starting at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19 in the parking lot at 415 W. Eighth St.. Form teams to participate in co-ed competition; age divisions are based on the grade or age a player will be in the fall of 2023. Winning teams receive champion T-shirts and prizes.

The team registration fee is $200 through Aug. 1, then $225. Each team member needs to complete a waiver and email it to [email protected] before Aug. 14. Proceeds from the tournament will help provide low cost recreation activities to individuals and families who require financial assistance.

Registration closes Aug. 13, so don't let the shot clock run out. Visit thecommunityhouse.org/3on3 or call (630) 323-7500.

Bash for bikers

Join mountain bikers of all ages and abilities from all over the region at the Palos Meltdown beginning at 8:45 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 6, and taking place on the Palos forest preserves trail system south of Archer Avenue at Wolf Road near Willow Springs.

The event, a fundraiser for Chicago Area Mountain Bikers to help build and maintain the extensive and varied system of mountain bike trails at Palos, is held on an extensive singletrack trail system with all levels of rider in mind. Families can enjoy the atmosphere while participants experience a challenging and fun race experience.

The series of races kicks off at 9 a.m. with First Timers and Juniors, followed by Adaptive Mountain Bikers, Men's Novice, Women's Novice, Men's Sport, Women's Sport, Kids Race, Pro/Expert Men, Pro/Expert Women, Comp Men and Comp Women. Awards will be presented throughout.

Registration is $55, $30 for First Timers and Juniors, $50 for family of four and free for the Kids Race.

Visit http://www.bikesignup.com/Race/PalosMeltdown/Page/Info-Palos for a full schedule and to register.

Paddling primer

Aspiring kayakers ages 12 and older can get ready to navigate the water in Kayaking: Basics from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15 at Hidden Lake Forest Preserve on Route 53 just south of Butterfield Road in Downers Grove.

Learn paddling strokes and safety tips in a one-person kayak, with all equipment provided. Participants should dress to get wet and bring water, sunscreen, bug spray, extra shoes and a towel.

The cost is $20 per person; those younger than 18 must be with an adult.

To register visit http://www.dupageforest.org or call (630) 933-7248.

Downers Grove dash

St. Mary of Gostyn will hold its annual 5K Race for all ages and 1-Mile Run for ages 14 and younger, as well as a 5K non-competitive walk, beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26. All events begin and end on the streets around the St. Mary of Gostyn parish campus, 445 Prairie Ave. in Downers Grove.

The 5K race and walk begin at 8 a.m. followed by the 1-mile race at 9:15 a.m. Medals will be awarded for several age groups for the 5K race and the 1-mile run.

The cost is $35, $20 for ages 14 and younger for 1-mile run. All participants get a race shirt if registered by Aug. 17.

To register or for more information, visit http://www.stmarygostyn.org/5krace.

Author Bio

Ken Knutson is associate editor of The Hinsdalean