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Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on June 24, 2010 at 3:22pm

For the types of hills you're looking for-New Glarus, Wisconsin. For hill training half an hour away-Lemont, Illinois.

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Permalink Reply by Rob Foreman on June 24, 2010 at 4:08pm

I just finished a long ride out on the east coast that had a lot of those elevation change things called hills. I had been training mainly in Chicago and was worried about how I would perform on the hills. The ride went really well overall. I chalk it up to doing wind training: ride the lake front on really windy days. Ride hard into the wind whenever possible. Not the same as hills, for sure, but it will help.

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Permalink Reply by Joel on June 24, 2010 at 4:24pm

Some days I swear the LFP is 300 miles long and uphill the entire way. Chicago winds are crazy.

Rob Foreman said:

I just finished a long ride out on the east coast that had a lot of those elevation change things called hills. I had been training mainly in Chicago and was worried about how I would perform on the hills. The ride went really well overall. I chalk it up to doing wind training: ride the lake front on really windy days. Ride hard into the wind whenever possible. Not the same as hills, for sure, but it will help.

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Permalink Reply by Michael A on June 24, 2010 at 4:31pm

I went though all my garmin reports and looked for the greatest elevation gains, this route had the highest numbers (without leaving the state) http://connect.garmin.com/activity/34983285

Joel said:

Some days I swear the LFP is 300 miles long and uphill the entire way. Chicago winds are crazy.
Rob Foreman said:

I just finished a long ride out on the east coast that had a lot of those elevation change things called hills. I had been training mainly in Chicago and was worried about how I would perform on the hills. The ride went really well overall. I chalk it up to doing wind training: ride the lake front on really windy days. Ride hard into the wind whenever possible. Not the same as hills, for sure, but it will help.

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Permalink Reply by S on June 24, 2010 at 5:22pm

Rob Foreman said:

I just finished a long ride out on the east coast that had a lot of those elevation change things called hills. I had been training mainly in Chicago and was worried about how I would perform on the hills. The ride went really well overall. I chalk it up to doing wind training: ride the lake front on really windy days. Ride hard into the wind whenever possible. Not the same as hills, for sure, but it will help.

Christian Vande Velde also made the point that riding against the wind was almost the same as training on hills. Given that he was living and training in the suburbs (Lemont), I figure he knows what he's talking about.

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on June 25, 2010 at 4:26am

I've shared this one before and will share it again. Climb bridges while riding a heavy bike (whether the bike itself is heavy, or has heavily loaded panniers). Doing this into the wind is a bonus. Do this frequently, then go to Wisconsin and ride a lighter bike on real hills. It's worked fine for me in multiple years.

S said:

Rob Foreman said:

I just finished a long ride out on the east coast that had a lot of those elevation change things called hills. I had been training mainly in Chicago and was worried about how I would perform on the hills. The ride went really well overall. I chalk it up to doing wind training: ride the lake front on really windy days. Ride hard into the wind whenever possible. Not the same as hills, for sure, but it will help.

Christian Vande Velde also made the point that riding against the wind was almost the same as training on hills. Given that he was living and training in the suburbs (Lemont), I figure he knows what he's talking about.

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Permalink Reply by Nathan Hoks on June 25, 2010 at 4:49am

I actually think riding in wind is tougher--an invisible foe, & you're never sure quite when it's going to let up. But I just love hills. Oh well, will have to cross the border!

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on June 25, 2010 at 8:03am

try Barrington Hills or Palos Heights

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Permalink Reply by John Casey on June 25, 2010 at 3:15pm

Go to Apple River Canyon state park. It's located in northwestern Illinois between Freeport and Galena. The only place in the state where I've had to use my "granny gear." : )

http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/r1/apple.htm

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on June 26, 2010 at 8:38am

Now that area has some HILLS. :)

John Casey said:

Go to Apple River Canyon state park. It's located in northwestern Illinois between Freeport and Galena. The only place in the state where I've had to use my "granny gear." : )

http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/r1/apple.htm

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Permalink Reply by Kelly on June 26, 2010 at 8:57am

I start in Barrington and ride to Hebron (near the border of Wisconsin). There is definitely more climbing than you'll get in the city, but it is a hike to get out there. I have taken Metra in the past. If you are willing to go farther, Madison's Iron Man course (which is sometimes marked or you can find it online) is a great 45 mile loop with challenging rollers.

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Permalink Reply by vxla on June 27, 2010 at 2:44am

If you want to hit hills in the city, there was a Tour da Chicago back in 1999 that took a route that hit a good portion of the "hills" here.

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Tour-da-Chicago-1999-A-Few-Hills

Obviously you'd want to take out the hilly portions of that ride, and beware since things have really changed down on the "new east side" since 1999.

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