Csdhlhcky

Hey guys, I grew up in the Chicago area and my parents still reside there. My father recently started getting into road cycling, and I would love to plan a trip with him this fall. Do any of you know of some cool multi-day rides in the MI, WI, or NW Illinois areas?

I wouldnt generally include Illinois, but I could see some nice riding out near Galena. Also, my family used to vacation up near Traverse City and I would imagine there is some great cycling up there, but I may be wrong.

oddjob2

https://www.bikeforums.net/great-lake...ng-trails.html

Csdhlhcky

I already checked some of that out, I realize there are resources that show trails and low-populated roads but what I'm looking for is some sort of preplanned route or "touring" vacation packages of some sort. I'm unfamiliar with the area so I'd rather have a route from a previous member, or a local guide give us a route to take.

oddjob2

Reach out to BF member@irwin7638. Marc has ridden everywhere around the Great Lakes. Check out his blog too.

Simply Cycle: Real bike travel

dannwilliams

Grand Illinois Trail https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/recreati...usersguide.pdf
Depending on how many days you are planning to ride, this could be all you need.

I followed this from Woodstock past Rockford, then went up into southern WI and back a few years ago. https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/...c_id=3120&v=3F

And if you don't mind staying in one place and doing day rides from there, Trempealeau County, WI has a network of mapped loops. I love this area, rural, scenic, small town charm, but being part of the Driftless Area, the hills can be challenging. The Oak Park Inn offers a discount when staying there and riding the loops. They have a link on this page.
https://www.tourdetremp.com/?page_id=358

Csdhlhcky

Those rides in Trempealeau County look pretty great. I think that might be a bit better of a plan to drive up somewhere, and just do day rides starting from one central location. Thanks for the info!

dannwilliams

Here is another site that has some rides mapped out, from La Crosse, WI
Bicycling in the Driftless Region - West Central Wisconsin & Southeastern Minnesota - Explore La Crosse
Rides are at the bottom of the page. Don't forget to register for the Fatbike prize!

Csdhlhcky

Wow, that site has even better resources! Have you ever checked out any of those routes yourself?

dannwilliams

I have ridden through the area on some of the same roads, but have yet to use any of the loops out of La Crosse. I have used the Trempealeau County loops map, as I camped for a week and did those loops a couple years back. And it is not that far from me that once or twice a year I drive down and ride a loop or 2, worth the drive for me. In my mind, just riding in SW Wisconsin can't be beat, as I previously mentioned the great rural roads, friendly little towns and great terrain. The views from the ridge-tops is jaw dropping. My profile pic is from the "Top of the World" on loop 7, ride with the eagles, earlier this year.

La Crosse, being a larger city, has more to do off the bike, but it is not too far from Trempealeau County, and some of the rides overlap if I remember correctly.

Joe_T

Here is an organized ride out of Lansing Michigan. Ride ends the Sunday of Labor day weekend. This has 4 and 5 day rides.
DALMAC - Home Page

If you do the 5 day up you ride across the Mackinac bridge

tarwheel 

Check this website:

Trails | Michigan Trails and Greenways

BR46

The trip that my wife and I like to do is ride from car farry to car farry. We take the Lake Express car farry from Milwaukee to Muskegon Mi. Then ride bikes to Ludington and take the SS Badger back to Wisconsin.
It's about 185 miles round trip

"Fred"

check out the LMB they have many multiday ride in Michigan and all are nice rides. Here is a link LMB Bicycle Tours

dedhed

Around Wisconsin Bike Tours

Mike_Kelly

If you decide on the Traverse City area check out the "Tunnel of Trees". One of the nicest rides I have been on.

The Tunnel of Trees

OldsCOOL

Very, very narrow road. By now, most of the motorists are alert to cyclists. Gorgeous ride. (My home area)

DougG

I've gone on a couple of the tours offered by Buckeye Country Roads and enjoyed them both!