Steve Whitlatch 

Anyone interested in a 54 mile ride from Carpentersville to Aurora Il and back along the scenic Fox River Trail? Saturday Oct. 15th, starting at 9 am? There are a few good climbs but nothing to bad, mostly flat This is a no drop ride with a stop at a coffee and sandwich shop in Aurora for a snack and lunch at Rosie Ohara`s bar and grill in Carpentersville Il at the end. Ride goes through East Dundee, Elgin, South Elgin, St Charles, Geneva, Batavia and Aurora.

Steve Whitlatch 

If interested we can meet 8:30 am at the Otto Engineering parking lot by the fallen bridge at 2 E Main St, Carpentersville, IL 60110

Steve Whitlatch 

Any interest if I shorten the ride or change the day? The fall leaves should be peaking.

Sedgemop 

I'm interested, but suburban, morning rides are a challenge for me. I live on the north side of Chicago and don't drive. It's a good 40 mile ride to get to you. I'd probably do it if it was later in the day.

Steve Whitlatch 

Metra has a stop in Elgin. I would be happy to pick you up at the train station if that helps?

Sedgemop 

I appreciate the offer. The earliest train into Elgin on a Saturday is 8:55AM. I had looked at that already, thinking I might take the train into Elgin and ride up to Carpentersville. Anyway, if you make the ride a little later, I'm open to either option.

crank_addict

Quite a different ride vs. road. Very nice and pretty with a flavor of historic old towns. Mostly all easy going paved trail, though the only challenge sometimes is busy weekend traffic. (Steve, you recall that fellow who went down in that vintage chrome Frejus at the bottleneck?). 50/50 on whether to make it.

Steve Whitlatch 

We could also meet in Elgin during the ride? You would only lose a few total miles but would make them up on the return trip to the train or I could drive you back to the train. The trail goes through downtown Elgin right along the river close to the train station. We would probably be passing through downtown around 9:15 or so?

plonz 

Did a lot of miles on that trail back in the day. Nothing like it down here in Houston. Hopefully you get some takers on what should be a great day in the saddle.

Steve Whitlatch 

Well I sure hope you make it. Your company and riding spirit make these rides even more fun.

Yes I remember the old guy on the Frejus. Sweet bike. He was not paying attention at a crucial spot under the I 90 bridge construction point. Got caught with his foot stuck to his pedal as everyone stopped but him. The signs are posted. Traffic lightens as the weather turns though.

kingston 

I'm interested. I live in Lake Forest about an hour away. I'll have to check with my wife to see if I'm available. Are there any rules or guidelines on bikes and equipment?

Steve Whitlatch 

A vintage bike is cool but not required. Bring the normal things for self support on the ride, spare tubes water ect..

Sedgemop 

Ah, that's a good solution. Count me in.

steelbikeguy

I do believe that I can fit that into my schedule! My plan is to bring my Raleigh Team bike. If we pop into the bike shop near the start/stop, maybe they'll enjoy seeing a bike that matches their Raleigh Team track bike?

Steve in Peoria

Steve Whitlatch 

Great! I will try to figure out the best location to meet up at and message you.

Steve Whitlatch 

Cool. Looking forward to seeing it myself. I will ride my PX 10.

Vefer

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, I'm working that day - Or I would be there. Next year??

Steve Whitlatch 

I scouted the ride today and took a few pictures to give a tease of what the scenery looks like. I also took a picture of Rosie`s were we will have lunch. The outdoor patio will hold the bikes and has a nice view of the river. The trail was not very busy. It`s funny, as soon as the weather turns perfect for riding, the people put their bikes away for the winter.

steelbikeguy

Looks like a nice route! Keep your fingers crossed in hopes that the weather holds up.


Steve in sunny Peoria

Wright Bros

You forgot a pic of 'Heart Attack Hill' coming out of South Elgin, Good Times!

Steve Whitlatch 

Well that was supposed to be a surprise. I did that hill twice today trying to determine my gearing and plan of attack for next week. First time on the Peugeot.

My strategy is to only look 10 ft ahead and just pump my legs until it stops hurting.

Abe_Froman

Dang. Looks like fun. Most vintagey thing I have is a Schwinn Varsity I turned into a fixed gear for yucks. Oh I do have a 70's Motobecane and a 60's Schwinn Racer, but neither is in any kind of condition yet for an extended ride.

Steve Whitlatch 

Just bring a modern bike and have some fun.

Abe_Froman

Doh! Just realized the 15th was a Saturday (as mentioned in original post....) not a Sunday. I've got to work. Too bad; I would actually like to ride with some of the people from the forum here.

Steve Whitlatch 

Well if the weather is bad on Saturday, I may change it to Sunday.