Is Chicago to Madison a one day ride?

Hey folks - I know there are people who can ride 170 miles in a day like the Cliff Bar guy. I'm not one of them. With some time on the trainer and a little company I could ride to Madison from Chicago in two days. Whaddayathink?

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Permalink Reply by Mike Bullis 5.5-6.5 miles on March 14, 2009 at 10:21pm

Two days is easy enough with some training. Did Carpentersville to Madison in two days way back in 1985. Thanks to a tailwind I did the return trip in one the following weekend. Camping or staying in hotels?

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Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on March 15, 2009 at 9:22am

Metra to Harvard cuts the ride down to ~85 miles and you'll only miss the most boring parts.

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Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on March 15, 2009 at 1:46pm

Camping. I'd really like to know more about the direct route to Madison that doesn't include high-speed traffic and speeding car surprises on narrow country roads. My route follows the safest possible method - on trails. I did try heading to Madison out of Harvard but it was scary and I got doored in Beloit (still have a scar on my right arm to prove it). The trail route also includes methods of bailing out - does the direct route have any escape plan via bus?

Really guys, if Ludlow is game for the 110 mile 2nd day sprint into Madison and we can get some folks interested then we should definitely do it. Keep in mind that there are some wicked hills just outside Madison though..... We planned on a three day ride to be safe and I'd be riding three days if I was by myself but I'm open to ideas.

Really would like to see you guys at "Bar Night" Thursday or at my meeting on Saturday to discuss. I've got the map sets printed with color aerials. Also I'm heading up to Kenosha/Racine Saturday rain or shine to scout out the Kenosha lakefront and Racine trail with my GPS.

Would like to hear from riders who want to make the ride to Madison a one-day event sans rail or bus. The randonee idea should also be tabled with ideas like a 'round trip event Chicago to Madison and back.

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Permalink Reply by Chris on March 15, 2009 at 7:42pm

I did this in July as a one day ride. brutal 20 mph headwind the whole way too. Took the trails out basically to Woodstock and then rural (letter) roads. Gorgeous ride. Especially out near woodstock. Nice, rolling hills, sunshine.... whoo-eee