Great Lakes - Starved Rock Hill Climb this weekend

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YEAH I GOT TO RIDE

That was close. I was kicking myself for not figuring out a way to get my bike invited on the Starved Rock trip. We hiked and camped out yesterday there. Then made it home today for me to get in a nice 30 miler. Then me and kid watched the BEARS (Tivo) in the baby jail.

Oh yeah, I found me some hills over at Starved Rock and think I need to map us out a route through them. Maybe 30 or 50 miles with some nice steep rollers for these parts!! We only need one more nice weekend!!! Later.


Next weekend looks OK (weatherwise) . want to organize something and start a new thread? I'll help.




Oooh, sounds exciting. From driving around there this weekend I mapped out this route......Starved Rock Route (http://routeslip.com/map.php?map=10975). There is a steep arse hill through the Park then Rt 71 heading West has plenty of climbs with twist and turns.

I rode some of these roads on the Bike Psychos Century and surprisingly the traffic was light. We would want to roll out fairly early though to avoid any traffic issues.

Any other interest or thoughts? I still need to get clearence from the Chief but it is likely doable for me as it wouldn't be an all day thing. Later.

Who's in? Saturday or Sunday?

Can I vote for 1) and 3) ?

I might be free this Saturday, but it's too early to tell.

However, I' gonna need some other stragglers to chime in.

I may be more motivated with a bigger crowd, only because I'm a slow rider and there's a better chance of other slow riders with more participation. :D

I really don't want to hold anybody back. :o

And you mention the word "hills." What are those? ;)

I think I could make Saturday if we roll somewhat early. As of today it is forcasted to be Partly Cloudy with 14 mph SW wind and high of 54. However, we all know how that can change. Later.

Big maybe on this one. Mapquest says it's nearly 2 hours for me to get there and I'm not sure I want to drive that far there and back. We shall see.

Big maybe on this one. Mapquest says it's nearly 2 hours for me to get there and I'm not sure I want to drive that far there and back. We shall see.

Carpooling is a possibility. If you can make it to Kane County, I could get you the rest of the way. (still time consuming, but less gas used) I've got room for 4 bikes on my hitch rack, and 1 or 2 more inside, depending on # of passengers.

I'd come over for the ride from Indiana but I have to go to a wedding!

Carpooling is a possibility. If you can make it to Kane County, I could get you the rest of the way. (still time consuming, but less gas used) I've got room for 4 bikes on my hitch rack, and 1 or 2 more inside, depending on # of passengers.

Bah, you're right. This is probably the last chance for a group ride before the weather turns. I will talk to the neighbor and see if he is in. Have you tried the route yet...how does it look?

I think I could make Saturday if we roll somewhat early. As of today it is forcasted to be Partly Cloudy with 14 mph SW wind and high of 54. However, we all know how that can change. Later.

I was just checking your garmin stats ahem. Was it really that windy on your Monday ride?

Bah, you're right. This is probably the last chance for a group ride before the weather turns. I will talk to the neighbor and see if he is in. Have you tried the route yet...how does it look?


Nope, but I'm game for anything under 50 miles.

...:(...wife working....both days...

I was just checking your garmin stats ahem. Was it really that windy on your Monday ride?


Yes. The wind seemed light as I headed out, but as soon as I got out in the open and turned North BAM......right in the face. Actually coming back East was worse. I was chugging along and the legs wanted no of it. Still glad to get out though. The clock is ticking on riding season for us.

I have ridden part of this route during the Bike Psychos Century. The part down Hwy 71 along the river. It has some steep inclines and twisty decents. At the time we rolled through it in the morning hours there was not a car in sight. I have driven part of the rest. Otherwise, we may just have to see where it takes us.

I'd like to attend. Haven't voted yet because I know I have something on one of the days (I think Saturday) but I'm not certain. That would make me a definite maybe for Sunday...

P.S. I have a new bike on order but it isn't strictly to replace my old Trek. Commuter...

Hey Shider -

How many gears you have on that older Trek?

May not take much to upgrade to STI if you're so inclined. :)

The Trek is a 2X7 (39-53, 13-21). That could make some hills fairly interesting. No real interest in upgrading it; I appreciate it for what it is. Well actually I DO want to upgrade it, but I'd like to start with the frame, wheels, drivetrain, and shifters so that pretty much means a new bike...:D

Good news! I should be in for either day for the ride.

Looks interesting.... gotta see what's going on this weekend, though.

I don't hate hills but I can't make it, I have blown off too much stuff over the last couple of weekends. I must make peace with the wife and kids. :)

Have a good ride!

There's a front porch waiting for me to rebuild it this weekend. So I'm out. And although hills don't like me very much, there were some nice ones in and around Governor Dodge State Park (Wisconsin) that I did this past weekend. Nice, but a bit tougher than I anticipated on my Giant Cypress (hybrid) which I had because it was a family camping/hiking/biking thing and we were also doing some cross-country ski trails in the park. I've been through Starved Rock a lot of times (always by car, though) and it shoud be great for riding. There's some nice little hills in there, especially for the flatlands of Illinois. Enjoy!:)

I hate hills and besides, my shifts changed this week and Im working nights, so the bike is just about mothballed for the winter :(

wife and i are staying at a local bed and breakfast sat nite, was planning a sunday morning ride on my own but if there is a ride id join in, if not thanks for the map..
love hills, did the hilly 100 in indiana last weekend

karl

I voted for Saturday, but it looks like Sunday may be better for me. I just want to ride either way. I should have concluded negotiations by Thursday :) !

I may even been in the route area tomorrow and drive it off to see how it is? Later.

<snip>I may even been in the route area tomorrow and drive it off to see how it is? Later.

MAN! I've GOT to get into this "insurance" gig. Take trips during the day. Leave for rides during the week....


...but no. I had to listen to my dad. "Be an Engineer son. You'll get to build things that matter to people. You'll get to spend nights in bed wide awake wondering if you missed something that could cause a failure leading to an injury or death. It's a BLAST!"

I don't mind 15-20 miles in mediocre weather, but I'm not up for driving 90 minutes one-way to ride 40 miles and hills in cold and possibly rain. One or the other I can handle, but not both when it's supposed to be for fun. Call me fickle, I have it coming to me. If the weather holds like Saturday's forecast, I'd be interested. Slow... but interested.

P.S. I assume someone knows a good place to gather for lunch afterwards in the area!

I don't mind 15-20 miles in mediocre weather, but I'm not up for driving 90 minutes one-way to ride 40 miles and hills in cold and possibly rain. One or the other I can handle, but not both when it's supposed to be for fun. Call me fickle, I have it coming to me. If the weather holds like Saturday's forecast, I'd be interested. Slow... but interested.

P.S. I assume someone knows a good place to gather for lunch afterwards in the area!

That is basically exactly the way I except for me it's more like 105 minutes. If the weather is nice, I might be in, but that is still a long haul for 40 miles of hills. I'm not too keen on the idea of commuting to and from the ride for more time than the ride itself lasts :( .

MAN! I've GOT to get into this "insurance" gig. Take trips during the day. Leave for rides during the week....


...but no. I had to listen to my dad. "Be an Engineer son. You'll get to build things that matter to people. You'll get to spend nights in bed wide awake wondering if you missed something that could cause a failure leading to an injury or death. It's a BLAST!"


Well, I kinda have to be down in LaSalle for a mediation, so techinically I am in that area working. I may get done early and I may NOT go back to the office and I may drive the route. My job is 75% desk work and 25% field work, such as attending court, trials, and mediations. You know I am the guy that your company turns a claim in to because missed something and have been sued for 1 gazillion dollars. :) Later.

You know I am the guy that your company turns a claim in to because missed something and have been sued for 1 gazillion dollars.

How, umm..... reassuring..... it must be to your clients that their gazillion dollar cases are being meditated upon by a guy on his road bike out on the farm roads.... :o

This weekend's no good for me, even though I love suffering up hills for some inane reason I have yet to figure out. Got a block party / hay ride / bonfire deal on Saturday afternoon/evening and then Psimet and I are thinking of meeting up in Carpentersville on Sunday to watch the Chicago Cyclocross Cup (www.chicrosscup.com)races. Anyone else want to check out the 'cross races? There is no Bears game on Sunday, by the way, so this is a good one to get the kids watching some racing!

Anyone else want to check out the 'cross races? There is no Bears game on Sunday, by the way, so this is a good one to get the kids watching some racing!

I like how the take "cross" to the next level.

http://www.chicrosscup.com/standings.html

If you cross-dress, you get an additional 10 points. I'm from wholesome McHenry county, we don't tolerate open cross-dressing, tight spandex wearing bikers!! We prefer them in the closet. :)

How, umm..... reassuring..... it must be to your clients that their gazillion dollar cases are being meditated upon by a guy on his road bike out on the farm roads.... :o


:) Lucky for me the legal system operates between the hours of 9am to 2pm!

I like how the take "cross" to the next level. http://www.chicrosscup.com/standings.html If you cross-dress, you get an additional 10 points.

Only for the Montrose Harbor event.... Hmmm..... :D


I'm from wholesome McHenry county, we don't tolerate open cross-dressing, tight spandex wearing bikers!! We prefer them in the closet. :)
That's not what we hear about Hebron.... :p

That's not what we hear about Hebron.... :p

OK, you got me, what's with Hebron?

OK, you got me, what's with Hebron?

Never mind. I was making an awkward attempt at McHenry County humor. Hebron's a nice little town. :o

It looks like Sunday is shaping up to be a little warmer and less windy

http://wwwa.accuweather.com/forecast.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&zipcode=61350&metric=0

So, anyone who WILL ride Sunday, please respond below.

I'll ride either day. Just set a time and location.

I'm out.

Too many honey-dos piling on for the weekend that a 6+ hour excursion is getting too hard to jam in.

Looking forward to pics and post ride reports.

i'll ride sunday, where and when to meet? i was hoping to get out early.

karl

Just found out that my friend is in town this weekend, so I am out. Have a good time everyone and stay warm!

Just found out that my friend is in town this weekend, so I am out. Have a good time everyone and stay warm!


Funny, that's the same excuse my wife keeps giving me:D

It looks like Sunday is shaping up to be a little warmer and less windy

http://wwwa.accuweather.com/forecast.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&zipcode=61350&metric=0

So, anyone who WILL ride Sunday, please respond below.

I am in for Sunday. Need to start by 8am though.

I have only ridden part of this route I mapped out. The part down Rt 71. It was twisty and steep in spots. Not much of a shoulder but traffic was light that early Sunday morning I rode it. The ride through the center of Starved Rock is a steep one too as I drove it last weekend. Hopefully the balance of the roads are decent and paved ! :)

We can meet at Buffalo State Park and head out from there. I used there as the starting point on the RouteSlip.

RouteSlip (http://routeslip.com/map.php?map=10975)

That gives us a little warm up before we have to cross the river. I am open to anything. Just let me know.

I am very jealous. I have been through there and it will be a great ride. You guys are gonna die on those hills. One or two of you might stop to swap your chainrings and cassette...instead of a 39X27 you'll be running a 12X52....

Sunday at 8 AM would work great for me. We can complain all we like about those hills (they look very scary in routeslip) but in reality they are Illinois public roads that can't be much over 7% grade and the total elevation change is less than 250 ft.

39x21

Sunday at 8 AM would work great for me. We can complain all we like about those hills (they look very scary in routeslip) but in reality they are Illinois public roads that can't be much over 7% grade and the total elevation change is less than 250 ft.

39x21

I will bet my Garmin comes up with more elevation change for the ride. It provided way more elevation change for the BFNIC century then RouteSlip did. Plus, we will pass by two of these signs (well not the grade sign, but the other one!);

http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/rules_of_the_road/image/downgrade.gif

Either way it will be totally different for me and my normal country road corn field rides. :)

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that these hills won't have me puffing as I struggle to the top. I just didn't want anyone to get scared off. Paved Illinois roads rarely go much over 7%. Yes there are occasionally steeper ones but they don't last for very long. If you take the elevation of the river (~450 ft) and find the highest point around (~700 ft) no single hill in that area can be over 250 ft. I'm sure there will be a lot more ups and downs than routeslip shows but there can't be a mountain in there.;)

I'm with you on this one though, it'll be a lot different from my normal rides through farmland. :)

I'll be there at 8, i'll be riding over from the B&B about 10 miles away, look for a guy on a red and black Orbea.
lookin froward to meeting some new riders..

karl

are there any bike shops in the area?

Funny, that's the same excuse my wife keeps giving me:D

What are you implying...:rolleyes:

50's sound good, but it's going to be closer to upper 30's at 8am since it's supposed to be in the lower 30's Sat night.

50's sound good, but it's going to be closer to upper 30's at 8am since it's supposed to be in the lower 30's Sat night.

Tights and armwarmers, baby! So we'll see you there?

I'll be there at 8, i'll be riding over from the B&B about 10 miles away, look for a guy on a red and black Orbea.
lookin froward to meeting some new riders..

karl

are there any bike shops in the area?

Feel free to grab us some bagels or something from the B&B before you head over( what better way to ingratiate yourself to the group;) )

http://local.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=bike+shop+ottawa+il&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=49.089956,81.738281&ie=UTF8&latlng=41354824,-88836824,14289032665372437345

30 degrees shmerty degrees. i am ready to ride. it will be a long sleeve baselayer, long sleeve jersery, skull cap, maybe some ear muffs (i have sensitive ears :) ) and leg warmers. now if i can get to the PI outlet store tomorrow i may dump the ear muffs for a cycle specific cap and the warmers for some tights. who knows.

so 8am at the Buffalo Rock lot off Dee Bennett Rd..........Here (http://dnr.state.il.us/LANDS/LANDMGT/PARKS/sitemaps/buffalo_rock.gif)

and another view Here (http://www.stateparks.com/buffalo_rock.html)

looks like we got four; me, dekalbSTEEL, shider, and karl. anyone else??

30 degrees shmerty degrees. i am ready to ride. it will be a long sleeve baselayer, long sleeve jersery, skull cap, maybe some ear muffs (i have sensitive ears :) ) and leg warmers. now if i can get to the PI outlet store tomorrow i may dump the ear muffs for a cycle specific cap and the warmers for some tights. who knows.

so 8am at the Buffalo Rock lot off Dee Bennett Rd..........Here (http://dnr.state.il.us/LANDS/LANDMGT/PARKS/sitemaps/buffalo_rock.gif)

and another view Here (http://www.stateparks.com/buffalo_rock.html)

looks like we got four; me, dekalbSTEAL, shider, and karl. anyone else??

balaclava, baby!

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/5344/ffrr5ao6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

So we'll see you there?

I'm not up til 7:30 through the workweek, let alone up at 6am on a weekend! :eek: I know, I'm pathetic. :(

THE b&b doesnt serve breakfast untill 8:30 to 9:30 so i may miss it. told wife to grab me something for when i get back. but i'll bring something.. :)

see u at 8.

karl