Great Lakes - Ride from NWIN into Chicago...

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devildogmech
07-23-07, 07:58 AM
Hey all,

I've looked at some local trail maps (http://www.geocities.com/huffmun/R9_Region.html), and they show its possible to ride from NWIN (Hammond) all the way into Chicago.... Are the Trails all pretty decent? Any sudgestions? Things to watch out for? I understand its a combination of Trails and streets


TIA
Billy

Torgrot
07-23-07, 08:42 AM
Where in Chicago? The Indiana part is not particularly difficult, but where in Chicago do you want to go?
devildogmech
07-23-07, 10:03 AM
I figure.... Where the fun stuff is :D. I dunno realy, I havent spent much time in the City (I'm a redneck country boy.... More comfortable in a beat up ol' truck, than a spiffy BMW).... Down by the Shore, where the museams are?

Billy

nvr
07-23-07, 10:09 AM
I've ridden from Chicago down as far as Calumet City using a combination of Lakefront Path, US41, Avenue O, and the Burnham Woods trail. It's a nicely paved trail with trees and ditches on both sides so don't go wandering off the trail. From 159th to Grant Park (where I jump on and off the LFP) is about 22 miles. The trail isn't very long so expect to be on the road most of the time. The traffic really wasn't bad as the drivers just went around me, but I DO take at least a third of the lane so they can't even try to squeeze by me. If you follow Avenue O, and stay straight (under the Skyway) onto 41, it will take you straight to the LFP. At 84th (I think, where the big church is), there is a designated bike lane (ok for the most part) that you can take all the way to the golf course (71st where the LFP starts). Some people say the neighborhoods south of 71st are scary, but I've never had a problem. I ride that way every Tuesday after work. PM me if you'd want to meet up somewhere, I can show you the route.
Scummer
07-23-07, 11:17 AM
LFP can get crowded when the weather is nice but is nice to ride on nonetheless. The neighbourhood south of 71st is getting better, but pay some attention around 79th to 87th as it can get a little hairy there sometimes (my mom-in-law lives there, witnessed a few drive-by-shootings) other than that it should be relaxed cruising.
Shubox
07-23-07, 12:45 PM
but pay some attention around 79th to 87th as it can get a little hairy there sometimes

Also known as "Terror Town" I wish I was kidding =/
meldex
07-24-07, 11:12 AM
Hey all,

I've looked at some local trail maps (http://www.geocities.com/huffmun/R9_Region.html), and they show its possible to ride from NWIN (Hammond) all the way into Chicago.... Are the Trails all pretty decent? Any sudgestions? Things to watch out for? I understand its a combination of Trails and streets


TIA
Billy

I've been considering that ride myself. But between work, school and family I have had time for a day trip. Maybe when the kids are a little older.