Long loop rides?

I'm looking for suggestions for longer loop rides leaving from and returning to the city. I rode the various bike paths/trails north to the WI border last weekend and really enjoyed that, but now... what's next? The up and back nature of that ride was also not ideal. So:

If you were going to do 60-100 miles on a nice Saturday, where would you go and what route would you take?

If you wanted to do up to, say, 200 miles in a weekend with an overnight somewhere (camping or hotel), where would you go and what route would you take?

All suggestions welcome, but the idea is that the ride originates in and returns to Chicago w/o the need for a car. Of course, if you've got a great ride suggestion that requires a car, that could work, too, but...

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Permalink Reply by ilter on March 23, 2011 at 4:50pm

Your question reminded me of T.C. O'Rourke`s blog. He tells about a few 50+ mile rides around Chicago he did in preparation of randonneuring(?) events. I don`t think there are maps or anything. It`s a good read nevertheless.

http://parisorbust2007.blogspot.com/

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Permalink Reply by Michael A on March 23, 2011 at 5:06pm

You can also search garmin's rides via http://connect.garmin.com, crete a free account and then click on the explore tab

here is a link for organized centuries

http://www.mikebentley.com/bike/ilrides.htm

here are a couple of routes 80+ miles I did last year

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/46511771

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/43749874

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/34983285

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on March 24, 2011 at 3:12am

long overnighters could go to Bong Recreation area, Rock Cut St. Park, Dunes St. Park.

Good long loops are out to Barrington, Palos Heights, Three Floyds Brewery, Two Brothers Brewery.

If you use metra you can really get out of town!

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Permalink Reply by JeffB on March 24, 2011 at 4:03am

Has there been a good discussion of GPS devices? I'd appreciate a link.

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Permalink Reply by Eduardo on March 24, 2011 at 5:41am

I was looking at this nice 80 miler ride the other day.

Wicker Park to Fox River

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on March 24, 2011 at 5:48am

That's a great route to get to Two Brother's Brewery.

Eduardo Acosta said:

I was looking at this nice 80 miler ride the other day.

Wicker Park to Fox River

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Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on March 24, 2011 at 6:09am

Kelvin Mulcky said:

That's a great route to get to Two Brother's Brewery.

Here's how to get to Two Brothers on (mostly) roads:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Chicago-to-Two-Brother-Brewery...

...because hitting those bumps at every intertsection on the IPP gets old really fast. On the other hand, you will be amazed at how hilly that area can get when your not on a smoothly graded former rail track.

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Permalink Reply by Eduardo on March 24, 2011 at 6:23am

Yes, I live out this way, (West Chicago 60185), so I'm very familiar with the IPP and GWT.

Might as well hop off the IPP and take a rest in Villa Park and hydrate at Lunar Brewery on Saint Charles Road before you trek to Two Bros.

Kelvin Mulcky said:

That's a great route to get to Two Brother's Brewery.

Eduardo Acosta said:

I was looking at this nice 80 miler ride the other day.

Wicker Park to Fox River