This isn’t a regional ride, but the cycling enthusiast seizes the opportunity to spin whenever it arises, even when the location happens to be the trailing edge of a frontal system strong enough to blow several states on a visit with the Wizard of Oz.
A lengthy business trip has made it difficult to exercise, let alone ride a bike. Fortunately, I scheduled a mid-trip weekend visit with my brother north of Chicago who volunteered to be my training partner for a day.
The plan: Search for Dorothy. Powerful storms in Tornado Alley may have propelled her to the Chicago suburbs.
Dr. Charlie enjoys pedaling in blustery midwest weather on the Des Plaines River Trail.
The Des Plaines River Trail is a 31-mile multi-use trail that more or less follows the
Des Plaines River. Like most multi-use trails, it connects with other trails and the regional master plan will eventually connect it with even more trail systems.
We did a 20-mile out and back from Dr. Charlie’s house. The trail itself is mostly compacted sand/gravel, and many sections had been recently flooded. Although I think I’d get bored pretty quickly if it were the only cycling option, it was a great way to spend a couple hours torturing my little brother. If you happen to be traveling NW of Chicago, and you have a mt. bike or cross bike, head for this trail because there is little “multiuse” traffic, and it keeps you away from automobiles.
An added bonus: A test ride of his Gary Fisher Ferrous 29, my first attempt at riding a 29er. I rarely ride mountain bikes, but pedaling the HUGE tires on this bike felt like I was in the cockpit of an 18-wheeler.
