Introductions - Haling from LaGrange IL

Greetings!
I am a young 46, but chubby "clydess" who is getting into riding and training for my first century this October. So I've got 11 weeks and a decent ride to do it on. I have always disliked running, and have a jogging speed that is slower than most people walk. I like riding and feeling the wind and the freedom. And I need a fitness challenge so I'm doing a cancer ride outside Vegas. There's some hills there I understand and not many to train on here in Cook/DuPage County.

If anyone out there can point me in the direction of a good road or trail that is basically uphill for 5+ miles, I would greatly appreciate it even tho it will make me sore!

Thanks!

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Welcome to bike forums...

Lemont is where the hills are highest around here (le mont, get it?) but it's more like 1/4 mile not 5 miles. Try Main street or Timberline drive just south of the I&M canal.

The I&M canal trail will take you right to it but I would not try to reach the trail by La Grange rd. There is really no place to ride on the bridge over the Des Plaines valley. Willow Springs rd is OK, or take Plainfield rd. to Madison or Rt. 83 and go south.

Lemont is just south of the Des Plaines river. Immediately to the North there is a nature preserve which has several gravel paved loops. The largest is nine miles and it's pretty hilly. It's doable on a road bike with 28mm or wider tires.

P.S. I think it's "athena" not "clydess"!

Welcome to the forums.

Thanks for the info, I will check it out. I think "clydess" has a nice ring to it. :D
I'm still really new at this. I don't know the lingo yet.