IPP DPRT transition

I’m planning my long ride for 2014 and working to perfect this 90mile route http://goo.gl/maps/KNZzW  using Fox River Trail, Great Western, IPP, to Des Plaines River Trail. 

I’m not sure about the transition from IPP to DPRT, what’s the safest route?  I’ve read a few posts here about IPP in Maywood  and surrounding areas not being too bicycle friendly.   As an alternate I was thinking of going north on York to North Ave eastward, or Butterfield to Washington, to make the transition from IPP onto DPRT but I’m not sure about these routes either. 

So before I venture out in the car looking for routes I’d like to ask the veterans how they transition to IPP/DPRT, please help.

And I would appreciate if others have comments on the entire route too.  I was thinking of doing it in the fall and leaving around 4-5am.

Thanks,

John

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bailey Gene Newbrey on December 19, 2013 at 7:56am

1st Ave. to Madison to Thatcher to the DPRT works great for me. Very short stretches on busy roads.

Permalink Reply by OLB 0.1 on December 19, 2013 at 8:57am

This is a much better option than riding on North Ave west of Thatcher, especially where it crosses I-290 and I-294.

Bailey Gene Newbrey said:

1st Ave. to Madison to Thatcher to the DPRT works great for me. Very short stretches on busy roads.

Permalink Reply by Rich S on December 19, 2013 at 9:11am

5th Ave to Washington to Thatcher is another option if you prefer quieter and slower streets for the transition. I'm not a fan of 1st Ave out there. Traffic tends to be fast especially since a lot of drivers are just getting off the Eisenhower right there. 

I've only ridden the DPRT as far south as Lawrence. I've heard it can get pretty rough down by North Ave. Not sure if it would be to the point that road or cyclocross tires would be inadequate but something you may want to check out ahead of time. Or have a backup street route. 

Your loop looks like a really fun ride! Another idea for another day would be to take your route except head north on the Prairie Trail to the WI border. Then head east to the DPRT and take that south. I really like the Lake County sections of the DPRT. Either way have fun! 

Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on December 19, 2013 at 9:25am

You might want to get familiar with the southern section of the DPRT before your big ride. there's a couple tricky spots where you could lose the trail at transition points. Not a huge deal, but if you're on a tight schedule, it'll pay to be prepared. 

Permalink Reply by JohnB on December 19, 2013 at 4:47pm

Thanks for the reply's everyone.  @Kelvin, yes I was looking at Googleearth of the DPRT trail and I see what you mean, thanks for the tip.

Permalink Reply by Tim Heckman on December 19, 2013 at 6:18pm
I commute on the IPP, and it's perceived issues are overblown. But Madison Street between 19th and First (or Thatcher) is perfectly fine for biking, and a little faster and generally glass free. I've only ridden the DPRT from Foster north. Side streets like Lathrop or 76th are good if you want to avoid some of the rougher sections on the south end.

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