North Central/Northwest Illinois Rides

My friend 4-s-hsky worked out a couple a nice routes in NC/NW IL for people to enjoy. I have posted the tracks for download here.

Here are the routes and his comments about each.

Hennepin Canal/Illinois River Ride for Big Bikes<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
This track starts and finishes on private property, the tracks creator to be exact. It is meant to be ridden in a counter clockwise rotation. It is about 260 miles total. Along the way there are many bridges, river towns, locks, state parks and terrain changes. The first recommended stop would be the Hennepin Canal visitor center to learn about the canal. It was for the most part a commercial failure but quite the construction task for its day. From there a mix of sporty paved roads take you to a long stretch of narrow gravel as you enter the Illinois River Valley area. The patio on the Henry Harbor Marina in Henry is a great lunch stop. Crossing the river at Henry is a treat over one of the few remaining older two lane bridges on the Illinois. A hike anywhere in Starved Rock State Park is a good for a stretch, St. Louis Canyon personally recommended as is at the end of a beat up road on the south side of the park. You will go through several river towns on the way to the covered bridge in Princeton, plenty of opportunity for fuel and services. The track takes a cut back to the start but you can finish up in Rock Falls for services. There are a mix of gravel and paved roads on this ride, all public so be wary of traffic at all times. I assume no responsibility if you do something stoopid or illegal. Above all have fun and be careful.


Northwest Illinois Back Roads Ride for Big Bikes<o></o>
Here are a few notes for the ride. The start, camp and finish are obviously on private property, this track’s creator to be exact. The day will be about 240 miles in length. The track is meant to be ridden in a counter clockwise rotation. Keep an eye on waypoints if you need fuel. I have waypoints for but not always a track to gas. The tall rock on the left side of Apple River Canyon State Park is a good place to get off, stretch with a hike and re hydrate. The Observation Deck at the former Savanna Army Depot is worth the side trip. Look for the waypoint “Right2ArmyDepotDune” and follow that track. You will notice the entrance and exit track gets close but simply follow the brown signs to the deck as you enter the property. The exit track gives you a better view of the Army Depot. If you have time a loop through Palisades State Park is always a good time and the bluff views are pretty cool. As you leave Savanna Poopy’s bar is on your left, a good spot for a beverage or snack. Yea it’s a Harley bar but lots of families hang there also, it’s not so bad really. On the way to Fulton, Lock and Dam 13 is on the way if you wish to see a Mississippi River lock. I have the track running past the windmill in Fulton. The town has a strong Dutch contingent and this windmill was shipped here from Holland. Visiting hours may be over late in the day but it is a rather interesting tour. As you near the end, the town of Lyndon has a historic plank bridge I way pointed. There are a mix of gravel, dirt and paved roads on this ride, all public so be wary of traffic at all times. I assume no responsibility if you do something stoopid or illegal. Above all have fun and be careful.


Again, tracks can be downloaded here.

Many thanks to 4-s-hsky for taking the time to share some great rides for others to enjoy!

I can upload to ADV again so here are some files.

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