Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by 1s20gdv3auw5h on August 19, 2012 at 2:24am

Great chance to get a ride in.  Why ask where.  How about just ride and see where you end up in after 20 miles. Then by the time you get back you will have put in 40 miles.  Let us know where you ended up!

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Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on August 19, 2012 at 2:25am

The closest nice route from you is to ride the Northshore Chanel Trail that starts on Lawrence very near to you, and to ride that to the Green Bay Trail that goes all the way to Highland park.  That should be a little less than 40 miles for you round-trip I would guess.  If you want to add a bit more you can follow the bike route North out of Highland Park and loop around Ft. Sheridan and add another 8 or so miles. 

You will need to sign up for the Traillink website to see the maps but it is free I think.

Getting from the Channel Trail to the Green Bay is a little tricky at first but not all that difficult if you follow the route I take.

The only downsides to this route is that it is not all paved, there is a bit of crushed lime trail here and there but most of it can be avoided if you wish to follow the road that parallels the path from Ravinia to Highland park.    There aren't any bad roads to ride on except getting to the start of the trail on Lawrence from where you are in Roscoe Village.  If you can cut over to California and head north to  Ravenswood Manor and through there  it is a pretty bike-safe route. 

I do this route all the time and plan to do most of it today with my wife for a fun day.  I hope it doesn't rain too much as she doesn't really enjoy rain riding.

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Permalink Reply by David P. on August 19, 2012 at 2:54am

Take the North Branch Trail up to the Botanic Gardens and back. I like this better than the Channel trail - it's prettier, there are fewer road crossings, there's no construction and the paved surfaces are better. From Roscoe Village, Lawrence over to Elston is probably most convenient. Either mine or James' suggestions are probably the easiest options from where you live that minimize on-road time. 

David

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Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on August 19, 2012 at 7:24am

Pictures?

Morgan said:

James...great route. I did ~30 round trip, so it was perfect. I am going to try the trail David mentioned next.

Thanks all.

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Permalink Reply by Duppie on August 19, 2012 at 8:15am

Actually you can do both at once.

We did it today. Out via the North Branch Trail, thru the Botanic Garden, take a right up the hill Immediately after the rail road crossing you will see the Green Bay trail. From there on follow the route James described. 40 miles on the nose from Andersonville

Morgan said:

Thanks all. I am heading out now. I can't take both trail suggestions today, but will try one (coin flip about to happen) and will report back.

I will be on a silver Scott if you see me...looking lost.

Thanks! Morgan

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Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on August 19, 2012 at 12:43pm

I'll have to try that myself someday.

Took my wife all the way up to Highland Park today. It's the first time she ever rode more than 25 miles in one day.  She's a tired puppy right now.

Duppie said:

Actually you can do both at once.

We did it today. Out via the North Branch Trail, thru the Botanic Garden, take a right up the hill Immediately after the rail road crossing you will see the Green Bay trail. From there on follow the route James described. 40 miles on the nose from Andersonville

Morgan said:

Thanks all. I am heading out now. I can't take both trail suggestions today, but will try one (coin flip about to happen) and will report back.

I will be on a silver Scott if you see me...looking lost.

Thanks! Morgan

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Permalink Reply by 1s20gdv3auw5h on August 19, 2012 at 2:57pm

Well done!!!

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