Northwest Illinois, with its vacation Mecca of Galena, is one of the most scenic and fun-to-bike areas in the state. And it's where The Grand Illinois Trail And Parks bike tour is going in 2014.

Plan to join up for a six-day ride through the areas trails, country roads, small town, and along the Mississippi River.

Consider: From Sunday, June 15 to Friday, June 20, 2014.

Pick your riding mileage – anywhere from 260 to 500 supported miles.

Two nights and one day in Galena – enjoy the town or do a century. Your choice.

It's a loop ride. Start and end in Oregon, Illinois. No need to bus back or forth.

Best of all: the ride supports bicycling advocacy through the League of Illinois Bicyclists and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Contact: Chuck Oestreich, chuckace2@gmail.com, 309-788-1845, http://www.bikelib.org/maps-and-rides/rides/gitap/