Cycle for Change Ride route advice (Brookfield Zoo to Milwaukee County Zoo)

Hi, I'm planning the Cycle for Change Ride route (Brookfield Zoo to Milwaukee County Zoo) for about 30 riders. From Brookfield Zoo to around Austin and Kennedy is settled. The next step is to bridge Austin and Kennedy to Sheridan Road. The North Branch trail seems to be the obvious choice but I'm concerned that we might overwhelm the North Branch trail with this many riders. Any suggestions/advice? The link to the route is below. Thank you in advance.

http://goo.gl/maps/Uc9R 

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Permalink Reply by Liz on July 12, 2012 at 4:50am

I maght suggest Longcommon/Riverside drive to East Ave. instead of the des plains ave,   Longcommon/Riverside is fantastic for cycling.  

Permalink Reply by Liz on July 12, 2012 at 4:52am

Also I would suggest that you stay on Sheridan road once you pass the Naval base.  The path through that area is not nice (gravel, straight and boring, goes through sketchy areas) while Sheridan is much more pleasant. 

Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on July 12, 2012 at 5:31am

Cameron Puetz said:

I wouldn't be any more concerned about overwhelming the North Branch Trail than any of the other trails on your route. On 

 

Wrong.   North Branch Trail is unlike the other trails in that it is twisty and full of blind turns which makes passing anybody treacherous even when riding alone. 

 

If you want to take the NBT, better make it every man for himself until you get off it.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on July 12, 2012 at 6:31am

Tough choice.  Longcommon has some confusing intersections through Riverside, but the scenery is beautiful. At Harlem Ave., you enter Berwyn and it becomes Riverside Dr.  The scenery continues to be fine on the Berwyn side.  East Ave. is going going into Oak Park. 

For speed and fewer intersections/conflict points, Des Plaines is much better.

The North Branch Trail is unlikely to be crowded. Courtesy is a good idea.  There are plenty of blind turns - good place for common sense to regulate your speed.  When you get into Morton Grove and further north, watch out for horses.  There are stables in the area, and you may see horses on or near the trail.  Stay clear and use caution so you don't spook them - bad for you and the rider.  Also watch out for wildlife.  It's not uncommon to see deer on the NBT.

Liz said:

I maght suggest Longcommon/Riverside drive to East Ave. instead of the des plains ave,   Longcommon/Riverside is fantastic for cycling.  

Permalink Reply by Howard Lo on July 12, 2012 at 1:44pm

Hi Liz, Thanks for the suggestion. I looked at Des Plaines and Longcommon/Riverside and as Anne suggested it's a tough call. Longcommon seems nicer than Des Plaines but it's also only two narrow lanes and even if we kept it to two wide it could cause a backup and annoy drivers. We're leaving early in the morning and taking up a lane on Des Plaines seems to be better option. Also, it's a long trip and we want to keep the pace somewhat on the fast side.

 

I appreciate your response.

Permalink Reply by Howard Lo on July 12, 2012 at 1:49pm

Hi Cameron and Evane, Thanks for your responses. We've had fifteen on the path before and it has worked if the ride line is drawn out. Thirty could be pushing the limits. I think I am leaning towards a street solution. Please let me know if you have further thoughts.
 
envane x said:

Cameron Puetz said:

I wouldn't be any more concerned about overwhelming the North Branch Trail than any of the other trails on your route. On 

 

Wrong.   North Branch Trail is unlike the other trails in that it is twisty and full of blind turns which makes passing anybody treacherous even when riding alone. 

 

If you want to take the NBT, better make it every man for himself until you get off it.

Permalink Reply by Michele on July 13, 2012 at 12:49am

Given all the turns, I would think the North Branch trail would be a lot slower than a street option.

Permalink Reply by Howard Lo on July 13, 2012 at 1:44am

How about East on Lawrence, North on Pulaski (Crawford), East on W Pratt Ave and then pick up the North Shore Channel Trail (parallel's N. McCormick Blvd)? I updated the map so that you can see it easier. Thanks.

Permalink Reply by Liz on July 13, 2012 at 2:34am

Good point, usually I've done just a couple of people for the longcommon route, but with multiple people it makes it easier to take a lane on Desplains. 

The streets around the path aren't too bad, the biggest problem areas are around the highway crossings and strip malls. 

here's my street route suggestion from oak park into kenosha

Permalink Reply by Liz on July 13, 2012 at 2:44am

PS, this sounds like a really great event, and a really nice century, I start ragbrai that day or I'd be up for it. 

Permalink Reply by Howard Lo on July 13, 2012 at 3:21am

Thanks for the map!
 
Liz said:

Good point, usually I've done just a couple of people for the longcommon route, but with multiple people it makes it easier to take a lane on Desplains. 

The streets around the path aren't too bad, the biggest problem areas are around the highway crossings and strip malls. 

here's my street route suggestion from oak park into kenosha

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on July 13, 2012 at 3:58am

Early on Saturday morning, Des Plaines is likely to be wide open and very fast.  I hope you guys have a great ride.

Howard Lo said:

Hi Liz, Thanks for the suggestion. I looked at Des Plaines and Longcommon/Riverside and as Anne suggested it's a tough call. Longcommon seems nicer than Des Plaines but it's also only two narrow lanes and even if we kept it to two wide it could cause a backup and annoy drivers. We're leaving early in the morning and taking up a lane on Des Plaines seems to be better option. Also, it's a long trip and we want to keep the pace somewhat on the fast side.

 

I appreciate your response.

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