NManBart
11-29-04, 01:15 PM
n/a
Touring - Planning a Trip to Chicago
Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.View Full Version : Planning a Trip to Chicago
hubs
11-29-04, 03:51 PM
um ... snow and blowing snow and drifts and wind and winter can really block roads ... especially the ones you would want to be on (less traveled) ... and I can't imagine being anywhere near one of those salt/plow trucks as it barrels along. I ride in the winter, but I can't even imagine touring across Wisconsin until about March.
The state of Wisconsin publishes bike maps. There are four altogether covering each section of the state. They are done by the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin in conjunction with the Wisconsin DOT. There's a nice rail/trail most of the way down from Milwaukee to Chicago. And from LaCrosse Wisconsin East almost to Madison there is an awesome rail to trail ... but I don't know if they plow it.
Fly south ... and then bike.
good luck whatever you come up with!
The state of Wisconsin publishes bike maps. There are four altogether covering each section of the state. They are done by the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin in conjunction with the Wisconsin DOT. There's a nice rail/trail most of the way down from Milwaukee to Chicago. And from LaCrosse Wisconsin East almost to Madison there is an awesome rail to trail ... but I don't know if they plow it.
Fly south ... and then bike.
good luck whatever you come up with!
Guest
11-29-04, 04:05 PM
I have no idea.
Like hubs, I'm more concerned for your safety. Roads are closed, there will be a lot of snow, and it will be pretty darned cold. Before you even attempt this, you'll want to research your equipment first to ensure you have the supplies, gear, clothing, etc. to do this.
Back when I was living in the south suburbs, everytime there was a snowfall, the roads closed. We lived a couple of miles north of where the countryside was, but my buddies that lived out in the countryside, like in Peotone and Beecher weren't so lucky. When it snowed, the roads closed, and no one could get in or out for days... sometimes weeks.
I vote for the cycling trip in the south or on the West coast... like from Sacramento on south to Mexico or something like that. It's more realisitic and safer.
Koffee
Like hubs, I'm more concerned for your safety. Roads are closed, there will be a lot of snow, and it will be pretty darned cold. Before you even attempt this, you'll want to research your equipment first to ensure you have the supplies, gear, clothing, etc. to do this.
Back when I was living in the south suburbs, everytime there was a snowfall, the roads closed. We lived a couple of miles north of where the countryside was, but my buddies that lived out in the countryside, like in Peotone and Beecher weren't so lucky. When it snowed, the roads closed, and no one could get in or out for days... sometimes weeks.
I vote for the cycling trip in the south or on the West coast... like from Sacramento on south to Mexico or something like that. It's more realisitic and safer.
Koffee
Rogerinchrist
11-29-04, 07:15 PM
um ... snow and blowing snow and drifts and wind and winter can really block roads ... There's a nice rail/trail most of the way down from Milwaukee to Chicago. And from LaCrosse Wisconsin East almost to Madison there is an awesome rail to trail ... but I don't know if they plow it.
Most rail/trails are snowmobile trails in the winter!!!
NManBart,
Most rail/trails in WI are state run and require a pass ($).
Maybe you can have a "planning" meeting or two with your club during your Christmas break, maybe a cross country ski outing if you have snow by then. I know that it seems to be no problem at your age but training is a really important factor in any tour! Training time will also bring out the the serious riders,compared to the those who might talk it up too much. Shoot for a spring or early summer ride toward Chicago, maybe Madison & back.
Send me a Private Message if you want some training info.
-Roger
Most rail/trails are snowmobile trails in the winter!!!
NManBart,
Most rail/trails in WI are state run and require a pass ($).
Maybe you can have a "planning" meeting or two with your club during your Christmas break, maybe a cross country ski outing if you have snow by then. I know that it seems to be no problem at your age but training is a really important factor in any tour! Training time will also bring out the the serious riders,compared to the those who might talk it up too much. Shoot for a spring or early summer ride toward Chicago, maybe Madison & back.
Send me a Private Message if you want some training info.
-Roger
jharte
11-29-04, 09:24 PM
NManBart,
Snowbiking/touring can be a little tricky and sometimes the fun turns into a real bite. Test all equipment before you take it into the field. I've been surprised on more than one occasion by foul (cold) weather. My family thinks I'm crazy but I still sleep in my backyard (in the snow!) to test new heaters, stoves, and sleeping bags. It's fun.
Gather lots of info. Play with equipment. Have a back-up plan just in case. Good luck!
Snowbiking/touring can be a little tricky and sometimes the fun turns into a real bite. Test all equipment before you take it into the field. I've been surprised on more than one occasion by foul (cold) weather. My family thinks I'm crazy but I still sleep in my backyard (in the snow!) to test new heaters, stoves, and sleeping bags. It's fun.
Gather lots of info. Play with equipment. Have a back-up plan just in case. Good luck!
Tom Sabo
02-23-05, 11:43 AM
Hi,
Adventure Cycling Maps are really good ones. You can order them on the web. Also, Contact you Department of Highways and Roads. They very often have excellent maps and bike routes laid out planfully.
Adventure Cycling Maps are really good ones. You can order them on the web. Also, Contact you Department of Highways and Roads. They very often have excellent maps and bike routes laid out planfully.