Chicagoland Tour De Cure

[Wiswell]

*Cross posting in Regional Rides and Events*

I've done the Madison, WI Tour De Cure for years as my one fundraiser ride but this year I have a scheduling conflict. I looked at the Grafton version but the longest distance is 50k which isn't worth it to me.

So I investigated Chicagoland Rides and discovered the Chicagoland one is out of Wheaton. Here is the route (I would do the 60 mile ride, which looks like it's the 100 cut off by the green).

http://main.diabetes.org/site/DocSer...df?docID=91441

I know the map doesn't provide much detail - anyone done this ride or know anything about the route? I've been done there in the car (at least St. Chuck area) and it seems to be pretty flat (this is not really a consideration, seeing as I am used to hills). I am more wondering if it involves a lot of traffic (I assume so) as well as frequent stops for intersections.

[Psimet2001]

WISWELL! How goes it?

Those are all of our normal stomping grounds. I can see a lot of questionable areas, but in general they are taking people down paths when in heavier traffic areas Near the river and East of there.

As a part of an organized ride it should be OK.

[Wiswell]

Would it be spectacular views of suburban sprawl I assume? The Madison version offers spectacular view of corn buds. I've done Tour de Cure for years and have raised a lot of money so I want to stick with it (lifetime goal is to raise $10,000, then I can quit).

The Ellis is performing grand. Almost 6,000 miles of smooth shifting and rolling wheels. I STILL have the original front tire (but will be replaced before spring); replaced the rear around the 4,500 mark.

[Psimet2001]

You'll have a mix of path/trails - rail trail style MUPs. Also suburban sprawl. Then the majority out West will be flat Illinois farmland. Wind is always a huge factor.

[Road Fan]

Wiswell, sorry to hijack, but can you tell me about your Ellis? I've been meaning to check them out for a custom bike.

[Wiswell]

I'll PM you.

[nixternal]

I did the 100 mile route last year and will be doing it again this year. The only time you are actually on a trail is to get you across the river. Not much trail at all, even for the 60 mile route. Elburn, LaFox, Sugar Grove, and Maple Park are filled with the budding corn. 47 is about the sketchiest portion you will ride. There is a bit of a shoulder but even then, a truck passes at 55+ MPH is enough to tighten the sphincter as you approach the ditch. Fairly flat course with the only major hill coming out of Campton Hills. Some rolling in the farm land, but nothing crazy. Don't think that the winery stop will provide wine, because they don't :/ Just hamburgers and some other snacks and drinks. Though I don't think you get to go to the winery on the 62 mile route.

[Wiswell]

Nixternal - Good info. Sounds similar to the Madison route (mostly corn) and I am glad there is not a ton o bike path. I've got some time to think about my plans.

[nixternal]

Nixternal - Good info. Sounds similar to the Madison route (mostly corn) and I am glad there is not a ton o bike path. I've got some time to think about my plans.

Yeah, there seriously is only about 2 miles on the trail for the longer routes, and that is when you leave the 1st rest stop (Big Woods Park in Batavia) to E. State St. in Aurora. After that it is all roads. Though there is a rest stop in St. Charles, but I don't think you hit that on the 62-mile route, that is off of the trail, so you only use the trail to get to it.