Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on June 5, 2014 at 4:48pm

There's a main entrance on Milwaukee and a back entrance on Belvidere, so either way you'll have to ride on a major road.   I briefly rode Milwaukee in that area a few years ago and it was unpleasant (single lane gravel shoulder).   The construction you see on Google Earth should be close to done or done.

You may want to consider going to the next Metra Station (Prairie Crossing), then take Casey Rd, left onto Almond Rd, then right and briefly on Belvidere, which has a paved shoulder.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Julia 3.5/7.5 mi on June 6, 2014 at 5:34am

Belvidere looks like it turns into a highway of sorts, with an access ramp at Milwaukee Ave. Is it bike friendly?

Prairie Crossing looks like a good alternative to downtown Libertyville. I could probably head across Casey Road (since the bike path doesn't seem to follow any logical sense of direction) to Milwaukee Ave and up. Thanks for the help!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jeff Blumenthal on June 6, 2014 at 6:57am

My daughter lives in Libertyville and I often take the train and ride to her home.  Part of that ride involves Milwaukee Avenue.  It's well travelled, busy, fast, ... all the kinds of things I don't want to do at my age of 74 years.  The local streets on both sides of Milwaukee are much better even though you need a good map to figure out what turns to take.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Seancarl on June 6, 2014 at 8:43am

Belvidere is a four lane 55 mph hwy at that point. Most cars are doing 65-70, I'd avoid it.

The prairie crossing route is your best bet. Casey road is hilly (can't see  over the top of the hill until cresting ) and cars also travel pretty fast down it, but will be the quickest route.  The bike paths from Prairie Crossing towards Milwaukee ave are crushed limestone / gravel. Riding on Milwaukee will be unavoidable. Here's my suggested route. https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=IL-137+N&daddr=42.3312594,-8...

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Rich S on June 6, 2014 at 8:54am

That construction on Milwaukee was still there at the end of April. It was actually fortunate because the tunnel under Milwaukee to get from Casey Trail to Des Plaines River Trail was closed. We had to take Milwaukee south to Buckley and the construction had it down to one lane each way but the closed lane was rideable.  

• ▶ Reply