I'm going to be in the Chicago area (in Elmhurst) for the first week of August while my mother is in the hospital having a hip replacement. I grew up there and know some rides, but things have changed and some of my old rides are no longer all that nice. I haven't lived there since 1981. The IPP is fun but a bit limited after a few trips and not so suited for putting your head down and getting in a good hard ride. I've got a Chicago Bike Federation map and book which is somewhat helpful, although the latter is not so useful for road rides.
I'm hoping for suggestions for routes, fast-ish group rides, etc. especially in the western suburbs. Hills are too much to hope for, from my memory of the area. Suggestions in the 40 to 50 mile range in particular would be great, since my time will be a little constricted by hospital visitation.
I rode with the West Suburban Wheelmen a few years ago. Their rides start early and average 20mph leaving from Lombard. http://wsw-lombard.home.comcast.net/
Velo Club Roubaix has a hilly route in Bull Valley ( N of Crystal Lake). I rode the hilly parts of their route many times each week. Their route misses another "very long hill (17%)". If you're interested I can give you a route from the Prairie Path N of Crystal Lake. http://www.vcrbiketeam.com/maps/bullvalley.pdf
Racers still ride from Naperville & Harper College on weekends.
Tim McNamara said:
I'm going to be in the Chicago area (in Elmhurst) for the first week of August while my mother is in the hospital having a hip replacement. I grew up there and know some rides, but things have changed and some of my old rides are no longer all that nice. I haven't lived there since 1981. The IPP is fun but a bit limited after a few trips and not so suited for putting your head down and getting in a good hard ride. I've got a Chicago Bike Federation map and book which is somewhat helpful, although the latter is not so useful for road rides.
I'm hoping for suggestions for routes, fast-ish group rides, etc. especially in the western suburbs. Hills are too much to hope for, from my memory of the area. Suggestions in the 40 to 50 mile range in particular would be great, since my time will be a little constricted by hospital visitation.
I rode with the West Suburban Wheelmen a few years ago. Their rides start early and average 20mph leaving from Lombard. http://wsw-lombard.home.comcast.net/
Hmmm, that would be very convenient indeed. Less than a half-hour from home by bike.
Quoted message said:
Velo Club Roubaix has a hilly route in Bull Valley ( N of Crystal Lake). I rode the hilly parts of their route many times each week. Their route misses another "very long hill (17%)". If you're interested I can give you a route from the Prairie Path N of Crystal Lake. http://www.vcrbiketeam.com/maps/bullvalley.pdf
Racers still ride from Naperville & Harper College on weekends.
