CHICAGO — What began as a small Father’s Day activity has now become a treasured tradition for many families across the Northwest Side. On Sunday, Portage Park and Dunning neighborhoods came alive with the sight of smiling dads, kids, and bicycles during the 19th annual Eli’s Cheesecake Father’s Day Bike Ride — a 10-mile journey aimed at celebrating fatherhood and community bonding.
Organized as part of Father’s Day weekend, the event brought out families eager to trade screen time for ride time, creating shared memories that span generations.
“It’s just a fun thing to do. It’s a fun time. It’s a great event, nice time with community and family,” said Jose Del Valle, a participating father.
A Tradition Passed Down Through Pedals and Memories
The bike ride is more than a recreational outing — for many, it’s a symbolic tradition of quality time and mutual support. Among them was the father-son duo Aurelio and Victor Ayala, who have participated for the past three years.
“When people ask, ‘What do you do on Father’s Day?’ Well, we go to the bike ride. After that, we go with the rest of the family for a celebration,” Aurelio Ayala shared.
Victor, his teenage son, echoed the sentiment:
“Whenever it’s us two, we’re never in the house, we’re always somewhere doing something — and it’s really nice.”
Eli’s Cheesecake: A Local Company Creating Community Moments
The event, sponsored by Eli’s Cheesecake, has grown significantly over the years. Marc Schulman, president of the company, reflected on the evolving participation.
“Now you have grandchildren as we do, and it’s really great to see people come back,” Schulman said. “It’s fun to watch the younger riders grow over time.”
Schulman emphasized that the event is not just about cycling, but about building a deeper sense of community through generational engagement and annual consistency.
Fatherhood on Two Wheels
Beyond the fun and the finish line, the ride represents a deeper lesson in fatherhood — one of showing up, being present, and carving out time amidst the rush of daily life.
“When you start doing something and it’s becoming a tradition, hopefully, [my son] knows you need to be a good father,” said Aurelio Ayala. “It’s an example like hey, you got to spend time with the kids.”
For many participants, it wasn’t about the distance or the destination — it was about riding side-by-side with the people who matter most.
Did you or someone you know participate in this year’s Father’s Day ride? Share your photos and favorite moments with us in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — we’d love to feature your story!
