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Permalink Reply by Bob on February 8, 2010 at 4:53pm

funny that you mention that,,i have a friend of mine that I proposed the same ride. i thought about rideing up there and staying one night then head back the following day. haven't actually checked out any routes yet, but am curious to see what other people will suggest.

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Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on February 8, 2010 at 5:08pm

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid...

This could be improved on, but it's a decent route as is. There are some more scenic routes going through Racine (Root River Trail) but cutting west to Country Road H will get you there fast. And its pretty scenic in and of itself - rolling farms. You don't want to take Sheridan the whole way.

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Permalink Reply by Brett Ratner on February 8, 2010 at 6:27pm

I did this last year with a bunch of guys. Would love to do it again.

We basically took Sheridan road up the whole way, but switched to farm roads when we got to the Wisconsin border. That swung us out west a bit, and made the ride a full century.

The most direct route, I believe, is Sheridan road, which also becomes route 32 when you cross into Wisconsin.

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Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on February 8, 2010 at 7:12pm

If you have a GPS my page will get you there, no route planning required. Do bring a few maps in case you get lost.

The Root River trail in Racine is just wonderful as is the Kenosha lakefront. There are faster ways but I think you'll be missing out. Taking the fast road will only get you there maybe an hour earlier. You might also be wondering why you didn't take some time to smell the roses.

The route is completely on city, county and state recommended trails and roads.

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Permalink Reply by Bob Kastigar on February 9, 2010 at 11:56am

Starting out at Devon and Caldwell in Chicago, on the North Branch Trail, all the way to and through the Botanic Gardens:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid...

Turn left or west a short distance on County Line Road to just past Skokie Blvd to the Skokie Valley Trail:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&;
msa=0&msid=107769023605596399400.0004756de0e5da739c343&ll...

Off to the right, the Skokie Valley Trail to the end, then a little on-street riding north along Green Bay Road:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid...

Turn left, or west, onto the North Shore Bike Path, and follow this to the Des Plaines River Trail:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid...

Turn right or north and take the Des Plaines River Trail all the way to Russell Road which is just about the border between Illinois and Wisconsin:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid...

Turn right or east and take Russell Road a short distance over to Ill Cty Hwy 37 and turn left or north and follow this which turn into Cty Hwy H or 88th Avenue in Wisconsin.

Very scenic route, gets you close, and you can find the rest of the way to Milwaukee easily.

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Permalink Reply by Bailey Gene Newbrey on February 9, 2010 at 12:00pm

Last I saw, in the summertime, the Root River Trail was un-rideable in portions.

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Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on February 9, 2010 at 3:25pm

The DPR is quite rough, IMHO....but it all depends on your preference and tires. I'm a wimp on muddy trail. But perhaps I'll have to give Bob's route a try someday.

It is possible to bypass the Root River Trail through downtown Racine if trail conditions are unfavorable. One would then follow the MRK to the end and take Route 32 to the the lakefront portion of the Oak Leaf (in my opinion - - ).

I've been on the street route a few times until I finally went on the Root River trail last year. What a difference. The street is not anywhere near as pleasant or scenic. But if you can't ride the trail then you do what you have to do.

Get a hold of Racine CVB or Public Works before you decide to bypass the trail. They're there to inform you and encourage you to visit:

262-884-6400

Public Works -

(262)636-9121

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Permalink Reply by Grocky on February 9, 2010 at 6:29pm

Thanks everyone for your replies. I appriciate it very much.

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