"Dave W." <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> The Chicago Bicycle Federation (CBF) publishes a great map of the area. Several counties are
> highlighted with color-coded routes and streets that are geared (pun) especially for the cyclist.
>
> It was assembled with the input from many area cycling clubs which adopted their local area (of
> the map) and suggested relatively safe roads. In addition, paved and crushed limestone trails are
> also included. This map is about $7 and should be found at most area bicycle stores, or
>
http://www.chibikefed.org
Good suggestion.
>
> If you get out to the 'burbs, check out the Illinois Prairie Path, which is a 61-mile crushed
> limestone system. It connects to other DuPage and Kane County trails, including the excellent Fox
> River Trail.
http://www.ipp.org These are not "horse trails" as you suggest. We get over a
> thousand users per day on the IPP.
Not at all what the OP wants (as in the OP) and, yes, they are horse trails in a sense, and that's
just what he meant. The last time I rode the NW section from Wheaton it was as bad as riding
continuous rumble strips from all the pocks that horses left in the soft limestone surface.
> Hills. Hmmmmmmm. Not much of them around Illinois. Perhaps Palos Hills area. Some there. A series
> of rollers in Kane County west of St. Charles. Check out the vicinity of Campton Hills Road and
> Town Hall Road. That's where we go. Nothing mountainous, but will get the red blood cells flowing
> if you route properly.
For hills, it's NW Illinois/SW Wisconsin or bust.
> Can't help you much with the backpacking. Perhaps the state park around Starved Rock? Not
> difficult, but pretty area (forest, river, waterfalls).
>
> Single track you say? Just north in lower central Wisconsin, is a place called Kettle-Morraine.
> Better stores will have maps of that. There is a parking fee (about $7 last time I was there), but
> well worth the 50-75 minute drive. Bring friends to share the fee. There's a north and a south
> section, with different difficulty levels found on a proper color-coded map. Search in Google, and
> you'll find the official site for that. Really neat country bike/general/soda store there just
> outside the park (I hope its still there!).
>
> - Dave W.
>
> >
> >"Matthew Reed" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:<eBfsa.6222$%
[email protected]>...
> > I recently moved to Chicago from the Mountain West and I am severely depressed about my outdoor
> > options. I am trying to stay positive, but I need help. Anyone who can tell me where I can ride
> > up a hill or down a twisty road will get a lot of appreciation from me. Also, is there
better
> > single track than the horse paths west of town? While I am at it, is
there
> > anywhere near here to backpack? Any wilderness areas etc? How far do I
have
> > to go to get some quality outdoor time?
--
Robin Hubert <
[email protected]