Saturday, October 26 Buckingham Fountain to Illinois State, 54 miles
Out Our Front Door organized this ride to begin at Buckingham Fountain, overnight at Illinois State Beach in Zion, IL and return the next day to the northwest side of the city. We did the first day ride and detoured off the second day (routing to our house in Buffalo Grove).
Below is an overview of the two day map. On day 1 we rode along the lake from the green marker up to the state park, near the Wisconsin state line.
Here is our starting point, Buckingham Fountain. Julie is in the right side of the pic.
Looking at the city before we take off...
First rest stop was at an old lighthouse in Evanston, IL.
The group milling around the lighthouse.
The second rest stop was at an old water tower in Ft. Sheridan, IL. Here we are beneath the water tower.
The end destination was the campground at Illinois State Beach park...
But due to the rain, our end destination was the hotel at Illinois State Beach park.
Day 1 mileage: 53 miles.
Day 2 took us from Illinois State Beach, north into Wisconsin, west along the state line and south down the Des Plaines River trail. We split from the group in Libertyville, IL. Below is a map of our route (it shows part of day 1 ride too).
Sunrise over Lake Michigan.
Our group ready to leave the state park Sunday morning.
Riding up the shore of Lake Michigan through the north section of Illinois State Beach park.
Sunday's riding group...picture of people taking pictures of each other.
Close to Wisconsin we cut through a huge marina. Here is a picture of the Sea Dog. Notice Julie in the picture for a size comparison.
Going west through Wisconsin we crossed the "subcontinental divide" (which I didn't even know existed).
Day 2 rest stop in Independence Grove:
Much of the Des Plaines River trail was flooded south of Libertyville. This ultimately lead to a detour to Milwaukee Ave. The trails have nice signs to let you know if the trail is open or not...unfortunately they are not up to date. (Notice trail directly behind the sign).
Day 2 mileage: 54 miles
THE END!
