Howdy,

I get Veteran's Day off next Friday, so I am planning a three day bike tour out of Chicago. Anyone want to come? 

My plan is to take the Metra to University Park on Friday and pedal about 60 miles SE to Jasper Pulaski Wildlife Area in IN (http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3091.htm).  I rode my bike there in early October and there was about 6,000 migrating sandhill cranes.  They are suppose to peak in late November so I expect to see between 8-12,000. These birds are big (3.5 ft tall) and NOISY! Check out a photo from my last trip:

The riding was pretty easy, though the wind is what is going to make this nice or hellish.  Saturday my goal is to pedal west and I think the wind will determine where I get.  My goal is to pedal to Midwin tallgrass Prairie about 70 miles away.  Sunday would be to the Rock Island Metra in Joliet or (again depending on the wind) keep going to the city. This is totally flexible. My only priority is seeing the birds, and on my last trip I went north so west would be the next direction to hit. 

It should be a lot of fun, and one of those last chance tours before the winter (though I am game for some winter touring if anyone else is).  Camping will be on the down low.  That means there won't be showers, bathrooms, electricity, etc.  However that also means it will be quiet, free, and dark enough to see some stars (hopefully). 

I have a spare bike trailer if you want to come but don't have a trailer.  You will need camping gear (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, rain gear, warm clothes, tent).  I have a small two man tent that I could share if need be.  I also have a small stove for cooking. 

Ride on,

Sara