Celebrating our 23rd year on the air! • Airs Saturdays at 11:06 AM CST.

About Open Road Radio

Open Road Radio combines entertainment, education, and information into a weekly one-hour show airing on WCGO Radio in Chicago. Guest have included Jay Leno, Keanu Reeves, Peter Fonda, Robbie Knievel, Tom Berenger, Willie G. Davidson, industry leaders, experts, and everyday riders. ORR broadcasts up-to-the-minute race results, road trips, rides & rallies, and motorsports and engages listeners in lively discussions about upcoming legislation and other issues pertaining to motorcycle rights and safety — all things of interest to the “average Joe,” or affluent new age motorcyclist. Live call-ins make the show spontaneous and unpredictable.

ORR has been part of the most significant motorcycling events in America, including live broadcasts from Daytona Bike Week, The LA Love Ride, The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, The Laconia Rally, Race Week, Road America, and the Women in Motorcycling Conference.

The Team

For a decade Gina Woods has served as an ambassador of the extremely charitable motorcycle culture. “Open Road Radio” has enhanced and served that ethic as an active participant in community events. Indeed, ORR has been the recipient of numerous awards from leading charities and other organizations, including Toys for Tots/Marine Corps, Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, MDA, March of Dimes, and American Cancer Society. Under Gina’s direction, ORR received the MVP (Most Valuable Program) award in 2000 from the American Motorcyclist Association in recognition of ORR’s valuable contribution to the sport of motorcycling. “It’s a lifestyle not just a weekend thing,” Gina says. Her zest for life and motorcycling has been captured in magazines and photos over the years. This lifestyle is her calling.

Intern Shannon Bell says this about herself:

I am a wife and mother of two and a motorcycle enthusiast! I grew up with motorcycles and radio. I remember times I would be alone, and the radio was the only thing that would keep me company! My father, being a single parent, would take me on his motorcycle all the time. I always remember it being exciting, fearless and free. I knew then that some day I would want to ride my own and broadcast live on the radio! Here I am in 2020 making my dreams become reality. In 2016 I got my motorcycle license and that is when my journey began. I have also combined my two passions, motorcycle riding and helping local veterans. Studies show that riding a motorcycle helps relax the mind because you are focused on the riding and being free! I myself struggle with depression and anxiety. So I partnered with Women In The Wind, an all-female motorcycle group; I formed a chapter locally, WITW-Blackhawk Valley. In 2018, WITW-Blackhawk Valley sponsored the first Annual Ease the Mind benefit ride that drew in 83 participants and raised over $2,000, which was divided between three local VA Clinics to help with transportation/bus tickets for veterans. It was another success in 2019 with media and radio coverage and over 90 bikes that raised over $5,700 and all funds were given out to local veteran organizations that help with mental health illnesses! I am very proud to be part of this organization and honored to be part of the “Open Road Radio” team! Mental Illness is real and on the rise, especially among our veterans.