Chitown_Mike

Hmmm, interesting. I have seen plenty of cops out there but never with cyclists pulled over, or stopped for that matter. And I have never seen a cop on the trails on a bike. Plus they don't have a posted speed limit and the only thing on their sight is "speeding is prohibited" which is vague.

I usually am done riding before 10 am, so there is only joggers, runners, and cyclists out at that time anyway. I do know later in the day they get grumpy with fast cyclists as I have heard them holler over the loudspeaker in their car to slow down but that's been about it.

svtmike

Western suburbs here.

Ride out of SW Naperville and Plainfield, usually on a variety of loops through towns along the Fox and Illinois Rivers (Yorkville, Sheridan, Minooka) and back.

Alloyrider

Joliet plainfield area

Riding most of the trails out here and soon be riding out to oswego and morris for longer rides.

FSUGOLFPRO7671

James here - I live in the SW suburbs in Plainfield and typically ride the local forest preserve trails like Lake Renwick. I still consider myself a noob but can probably hang in there for a pretty brisk 15-20 mile ride right now with my hybrid and am always looking for new tracks to try out. Hoping to install my new saddle this afternoon and head out to set a new PR for distance in one ride tonight (shouldn't be too hard assuming the new saddle is all it's cracked up to be!). I'm always looking for supported events down in the SW burbs so if anyone is planning to ride in any let me know!

dohc97 

Jose here, i just starting riding everyday for exercise a few weeks back. I really have always liked bikes and i feel drawn to older ones(i guess for the personality and pocket friendliness). Im out in Elmwood park and i ride about 12 miles on local streets, currently using my trek mtb and hoping to get my 87 centurion back on the road soon...i like fiddling with mechanical things hence why im an auto tech during the day.

FlatAndWindy

I live in "as far west as you can go and still be in" Logan Square and commute to the loop every day for work (Wrightwood <-> Logan Square <-> Milwaukee <-> near Union Station). Trying to get into some riding on the weekends. I started doing the commuter thing last summer. Curious about randonneuring, touring, bicycle maintenance and old Cannondales.

Thanks for the heads up on this. I was on that trail a couple weeks ago and didn't notice a sign anywhere for the speed limit. It definitely puts a damper on my enthusiasm to return.

cannabinoid

Hey all. I live on the NW side about 2 blocks from the North Branch Trail. Never heard of the forest preserve cops messing with bikers before however they have harrassed me while taking a stroll after dark before: note to police-you can't "close" nature. Anybody else like taking the north branch trail to the botanic gardens and not having to pay for parking?

Chitown_Mike

I have been riding (not this past weekend at least) on Saturday with a few other riders who attend a local church. I randomly rode past them a few weeks ago and been riding with them ever since. We do the ride from Devon/Milwaukee to the Botanical Gardens and back.

I also do a solo ride sometimes early mornings. I live right by Milwaukee and Elston a few blocks away from the NBT.

deancostopoulos

Hey everyone... Dean from Plainfield. Normally ride on the weekends, heading south and west from downtown Plainfield. Always up for a good ride with a littl advance notice. Ride safe everyone.

kmcrawford111

Hey there. I'm Kevin from Valparaiso, IN - the furthest SE suburb. We do have a bus system to Chicago for weekday commuters that accommodates bikes, which is something the South Shore commuter train system doesn't do (except folders).

I'm a year-round commuter. I have a 16-mile (each way) commute, and usually alternate doing that between my road bike and my electric-converted Swobo city bike, except in the winter when the Swobo gets used more (I have studded tires for it). My typical pace is 15-16 MPH (on the road bike). I also have a two-speed Brompton folder that I use here and there when convenient, and for quick trips in my downtown. I strive to be car-lite.

I do some occasional rec. and endurance rides as well. I enjoy bicycle mechanics, and am getting more and more interested in wheelbuilding.

Chitown_Mike

km what do you wear for our lovely winters? I am planning on commuting this winter and not rely on my car. Plus to avoid the lovely traffic that seems to worse when the white is falling

kmcrawford111

In the winter I typically dress in layers - some long underwear or the like under regular cycling pants OR pants with a second layer of insulation, long-sleeve shirt (or two) under a jacket, and maybe a tshirt too - it all depends on the temp. of course. I wear a balaclava when it's under 50 F and clear ski goggles when it's under 30. I wear winter cycling gloves - sometimes two layers. If it's extremely cold I'll wear two balaclavas, but I cover my mouth and nose with just one of them so I can breathe well enough. I also wear a heavy wool coat sometimes. I've been wearing Lake MXZ 302 shoes, which I think are no longer made, but my feet have NEVER been cold in them. I did pick up some Northwest cycling shoes for my road bike (I use SPD-SL) last year, but I typically ride the city bike in the winter which as of the recent electric conversion no longer requires special shoes, but I'll wear the Lakes without cleats until they're worn out.

An additional consideration when commuting is planning for two different sets of conditions - when working the day or evening shift the conditions can change quite a bit in the passing 8 hours. The midnight shift is nice in a way in that the conditions are typically about the same coming and going.

I've found that the keys to this are (1) to make sure NOTHING is exposed - I overlap my layers (i.e. pants and shirts around the waist) to help this. (2) Don't overdress - the hottest I've ever been was when it was 20 degrees because I wore too much and was a sweaty mess by the time I got to work. It takes experimentation, but it's entirely possible to be quite comfortable in the cold.

Speaking of this, I need to order some new insulated pants. For whatever reason it is very hard to find these.

wippen

Checking in from Rogers Park. My home base is near the Morse Red Line. Any favorite routes to, from, or through here?

derek.fulmer

Resurrecting this thread. We should organize some regular rides. Thoughts?

deancostopoulos

This is a good thought. I currently live in Plainfield and will be moving to the West Loop in Chicago. I'm game as long as I can plan for it

derek.fulmer

I've been riding loops at busse woods for a while. It's great for base miles but I'm ready to hit the Tarmac. Anyone up for a mild road ride tomorrow? 20-22 miles around some low traffic roads? Last minute post but I've been working all day.

Chitown_Mike

Where are you located Derek? I am assuming NW burbs from your Busse usage. I am planning on heading up the North Branch Trail on Saturday early morning and doing 40-50 miles (depending on what time I have).

big chainring 

I'm Paul from Wilmette. Ride on Saturdays and or Sundays. I have been joining in with any group ride I happen upon on the weekend. Most are just too darn fast. Anybody know a slower, like 18-20 mph, group that rides up thru Wilmette.

delcrossv

Isn't there a no drop ride out of Higher Gear?

delcrossv

Wha? Heck, my kids do 15 on there. Maybe just an urban legend.

derek.fulmer

I'm in Schaumburg. I work all day Saturday and my bike is in for a tune up. But, feel free to shoot me a PM and we can maybe start coordinating a ride in the coming week or so.

big chainring 

Rode with the Higher Gear group today. Nice ride, a bit fast at times, just challenging enough. Thanks for the recommendation.

Chitown_Mike

I might have to check them out, they are an almost 10 mile ride from my house but I can use that as a warm up. Plus they leave earlier than the other groups I have ridden with which will probably work out better for my schedule.

mrevilandy

I just moved to niles area, and I want to ride. Anyone want to show me around? Lol

Chitown_Mike

I live just south of Niles in Chicago and frequent the North Branch Trail that runs up along the north branch of the Chicago River. I also ride with some folks that leave out of Skokie/Niles on some spirited rides early on the weekends.