Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Matt Roben on April 5, 2010 at 8:45am

I would totally do the ride all the way- 100 miles isn't too bad- even a slower 15mph is 7 hrs and if we leave early morning that gives us all day to ride and still have all evening to relax- leave at 7am and get in easily by 3pm even with stops- or by 1pm if we are bookin' along...

Permalink Reply by igz on April 5, 2010 at 8:47am

there would be an extra day in there, unless you are just kickin it for the weekend and no friday or monday

Matt Roben said:

I would totally do the ride all the way- 100 miles isn't too bad- even a slower 15mph is 7 hrs and if we leave early morning that gives us all day to ride and still have all evening to relax- leave at 7am and get in easily by 3pm even with stops- or by 1pm if we are bookin' along...

Permalink Reply by Liz on April 14, 2010 at 7:37am

I don't think I would up for a full 100 miles/day fully loaded. Especially on gravel trail, the combination of the extra weight on the bike and the inefficiency of gravel make for a long day. End of season I may get more ambitious after building up a large base.

I would be up for Metra/Overnight Car Parking lot to do 50 miles on the I&M, hang out for a day, and ride back to Metra/Car Parking lot.

Permalink Reply by BalloonBiker on April 14, 2010 at 8:14am

I'd probably end up doing the metra down just because I find the nearby suburbs to be an unpleasant place to bike. I'd much rather get out and be fresh for a scenic and nicer biking area.

Permalink Reply by Sarah Urbansky on May 14, 2010 at 2:44pm

Hey, any updates on this ride? We really want to go to Starved Rock!!

Permalink Reply by igz on May 24, 2010 at 9:25am

We've barely washed the smoke smell off our shirts and its TIME TO START PLANNING for the next ride.

We have learned a few things in organizing the MAY ride, and im sure many have suggestions for helping in managing large groups like the last one, sharing info, etc

lets start talking/planning/getting excited for the next installment of PITCHING A TENT and Starving for Summer

Permalink Reply by BalloonBiker on May 24, 2010 at 9:33am

So, I was just thinking about this ride and googled "camping starved rock" and came across this gem: http://www.papamurphs.com/starvedrockcamping.htm

Basically it's a bar right by the the park that has it's own primitive campground. I gave them a quick call and they said they may allow reservations to be made for that weekend.

Here's their philosophy:
Papa Murph's Tavern and primitive campground provides a great campsite for a fraction of what the other campsites charge. Plus, we let you come and go as you please. Your on vacation, you don't need a chaperon and definitely don't need a curfew!

After your day of fun at Starved Rock State Park or Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort, relax in the tavern and play some pool, video games, juke box and of course fill up on Pizza or other food items. If you'd rather sit by your campfire, firewood and alcohol are available for carry out


Would this be of interest to anyone?

Permalink Reply by Tim Saylor on May 24, 2010 at 9:36am

In case it impacts anyone, June 20 is fathers day.

Permalink Reply by BalloonBiker on May 24, 2010 at 9:37am

Oh, and accoring to the website, the Starved Rock state park campground's campsites are already full:

http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/i&m/east/starve/Camp...

Permalink Reply by Dr. Doom on May 24, 2010 at 9:46am

Just called over and got some relevant info.

We can't reserve sites for any June weekend. Just can't do it; they're booked up. I do have the numbers for three private campgrounds that are all really close nearby, so if we want to do that we can, but camping at the actual site is a no go.

If we want to do this later in the summer, by the way, they'll be switching to an online reservation system as of July 7.

Also, sadly, the trails and campgrounds at Starved Rock are non-alcoholic. (The picnic areas, though, are not.)

Permalink Reply by Dr. Doom on May 24, 2010 at 9:49am

I see I wasn't the first to come up with this info! I'm going to say that the bar campground sounds like my kind of place.

Permalink Reply by Dr. Doom on May 24, 2010 at 9:56am

And to go for the rare three posts in a row...

Called Murph's. They were totally nonplussed by a group of possibly 40+ people and suggested they would just stick us in a corner of the field. Fees are $7.50/night per person and the main rules seem to be no RVs and all campers must be 21. Also don't need to do any big reservation fooferaw, just let them know we'll be coming. Downside is, er, spartan accommodations—running water and Port-o-potties seem to me the main features—but given the substantial upsides like the onsite bar and the presumed lack of interest in how rowdy we're being I'd suspect this isn't a dealbreaker.

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