Originally Posted by
axel8
The stretch that worries more than Chicago is getting through Gary/Hammond/East Chicago. I think once I hit Chicago I can take the Lake Shore Parkway all the way north to Evanston. And Detroit, that worries me too. But I thought I'd start just south of Detroit on a Sunday morning and by early afternoon I can be in the northern suburbs. Thanks for the feedback, really appreciate your insight and experience.
Southside Chicago is a bit sketchy, but fear not. They have built a new road, fixed some streets. Just stay on the main US-41 going north.
You don't have to ride through Gary, there is a wonderful bike path further south, called Erie Lackawanna Trail which starts at Summit St. in Crown Point, IN. But it connects further north with the Oak Savannah Trail which connects with the Prairie Duneland Trail starting in Chesterton. From there US-12 turning into Red Arrow Hwy turning into Blue Star Hwy going up to Muskegon is a nice route. Muskegon State Park in Michigan has a nice camp ground.
When I lived in the US, we rode that route many many times.