[Trufance]

well about to make the move back to chicago (north suburbs to be exact lincolnwood/skokie)

been in phoenix for 8 years now and i'm headin back home

what is the riding like around these parts? anybody know some good map sites? i know route slip and thats about it. how about an official chicago map?

i'm pretty sure the roads won't compare to those out here in az but somebody help me find the best roads to ride, especially for commuting downtown

best style bike to ride as well, because i ride a 700x23c right now and i don't know if that will cut it all year round

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[John Wilke]

well about to make the move back to chicago (north suburbs to be exact lincolnwood/skokie)

been in phoenix for 8 years now and i'm headin back home

what is the riding like around these parts? anybody know some good map sites? i know route slip and thats about it. how about an official chicago map?

i'm pretty sure the roads won't compare to those out here in az but somebody help me find the best roads to ride, especially for commuting downtown

best style bike to ride as well, because i ride a 700x23c right now and i don't know if that will cut it all year round

http://www.freedomcrowsnest.org/forum/images/smiles/rofl.gif Sorry, I couldn't resist !

Remember, you're leaving Phoenix ... not moving to Phoenix. Yes, winter means 50 degrees ... but below zero - not above. :p

Try reading past posts in BF ... answers to ALL your questions are there.

[Kenal0]

http://www.dot.state.il.us/bikemap/STATE.HTML

Kenal0

[nietsmas]

you can also search on http://www.motionbased.com for routes that others use...

[Zaskar24]

Here is about the best info you can get abot the MTB scene in the Chicagoland area. I am a new member myself and they are a very active group for trail advocacy and also trail building/upkeep.

http://cambr.org/SMF/index.php?board=20.0

Scott

[Psimet2001]

The scene is huge here. Much bigger than when I lived in the South West for sure, but that was almost 20 years ago.

Too many resources for routes around here to list. You just need to get here and post threads about route suggestions near a particular area.

Chicago Bike Federation has a map you can buy from them.

IDOT has extensive maps of the whole state with recommend bike routes on them.

Routeslip, Mapmyride.com, BikeRadar, etc...tons of rides out there. Check League of Illinois Bicyclists (www.bikelib.org I believe) for club listings in your specific location. They will most likely have a website and contact e-mail for someone who will most likely have routes in your area and/or will invite you out on a group ride in your area.

If you can't find somewhere to ride or a organized event within 1-2 hours of driving absolutley every single weekend from March through October and group rides within a short distance from your house 1-5 nights a week....then you aren't trying.

[duppie]

Try htpp://www.chicagobikes.org for all sorts of information, including an online map. A city of Chicago map can be picked up for free in most bike stores as well. The updated version usually arrives sometimes in May or June.
Year-round commuting is possible although it can be a challenge. I commuted by bike through last winter, except for snowy days. The coldest I can remember was 5 degrees and a windchill of -25degrees F, although temperatures in the teens were more normal. Be prepared to invest in some good winter riding clothes. If you can afford it, look into investing a second bike that can be used a winter beater. Salt, slush and snow can be harsh on your bike. Given the distance you will be commuting (24-30 miles RT depending on where you live) a cyclocross type of bike may be preferrable, but that is very personal.
I commute 21 miles RT daily. This spring I started riding a FG with dropbars, but in the winter I ride aluminum MTB with a rigid fork.
Depending on where you will live there are various route options to ride downtown. Lakefront path is one, Riverfront park to Lincoln to Wells is another. You may even be able to ride the brandspankin' new Skokie Valley trail.

Duppie

[SweetLou]

Chicago has mountains?

[whitesox]

you should move back to Chicago during the winter... that way you'll know what you're getting back into:eek:

can I have your job in Phoenix?:D

[John Wilke]

Run what'cha brung. Plenty of riding to be done, plenty of good company to be had.

[wireless]

Chicago has mountains?

No, we ride in ravines and gullies , which is the next best thing :o

[Trufance]

you should move back to Chicago during the winter... that way you'll know what you're getting back into:eek:

can I have your job in Phoenix?:D

if you can cook and handle chefs swearing at you

sure

edit:
oh yea! great replies, thanks for all the info

so it sounds like i won't be riding my 23c tires in the winter, haha
i'll have to look into getting a cyclox or mtnbike for the winter

[devildogmech]

Having been to Pheonix, I'll take Chicagoland.... Welcome home.

I'm one of those wussy fair weather comuters (>50f please) so I couldnt answer any question about winter riding.....

If your feeling adventerous, you could try my comute... Into the heart of Gary, IN (once the murder capital of the USA! :D)

[ilmooz]

I'm one of those wussy fair weather comuters (>50f please) so I couldnt answer any question about winter riding.....

50 degrees was my limit too but I've pared it down to 35 with the addition of some better cold weather clothing. I call it quits when my Gatorade starts freezing on rides.