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Chicago Tribune
July 28, 1996 TRAVELING THE TRAILS A BIKER'S GUIDE TO THE PEAKS AND PERKS ALONG THE MILES Author: Paula Lauer. Special to the Tribune. Edition: NORTHWEST FINAL Section: TEMPO NORTHWEST Page: 1 Index Terms: CYCLING LIST RECREATION Estimated printed pages: 6 Article Text: Remember the first time you rode a two-wheeler? The balance and coordination needed to keep the thing upright seemed so elusive at first, but then, just when you thought it was hopeless, it clicked. Dad's puffing and panting as he ran along behind was gone. All that was left was the wind in your ears and the distant cheers, "You did it! Keep going! Not too fast!" These days there's no better place to rekindle that joy than on the miles and miles of northwest suburban bike trails that wind their way through forest preserves and state parks and along abandoned railroad rights-of-way "They're definitely one of our more popular amenities," noted Dave Perfect, operations supervisor for the Kane County Forest Preserve District's 35-mile Fox River Trail. To help you decide which bikeways best fit your style, we've hit the trails and talked to veteran bikers and trail officials to compile a sort of Biker's Guide to the Bike Trails. We'll tell you such things as where the facilities are located, how safe the path is for family bike riding and some of the more interesting sites. Along the way, you'll also find some of our favorite sidetracks, from Kane County's only natural waterfall to some of the best places to stop for sustenance. The granddaddy of trails in the northwest suburbs, the Fox River Trail follows former Aurora, Elgin and Fox River Electric Railroad routes along the river. With a few detours on designated street routes, you can ride the trail all the way from Aurora to Crystal Lake. Trail users include "kids after school, seniors out for a walk, Rollerbladers and every kind of bicycle that you can imagine from mountain bikes . . . to recumbents," said Bob Barkhurst, executive director of the Dundee Township Tourist Center in East Dundee. Situated next to the trail, the center averages about 13,000 visitors a year while, overall, there are an estimated 2 million trail users annually, according to Jon Duerr, the Kane County Forest Preserve District's director of field services. One of 17 links in the 475-mile Grand Illinois Trail, the Fox River Trail also connects to the 55-mile Illinois Prairie Path to the east, the 17-mile Great Western Trail west of St. Charles and the 10-mile Virgil Gilman Trail in Aurora. For something a little less linear, you can head out to one of the most popular biking loops, in Cook County's Busse Woods. Or, for a more secluded experience, try the rolling trails of Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry County. The possibilities, like some of the trails, are virtually endless. Happy trails! Prairie Trail North 7.5 miles Route: Begins just south of Ringwood and Barnard Mill Roads intersection in Ringwood. Follows the old Chicago & North Western Railroad, with the old ties making up the surface, and ends at the Wisconsin state line. Description: Shared with hikers and horseback riders. The rough surface and rolling terrain make this trail challenging, but the scenic wide open spaces and woodlands are worth the sweat. Mountain bikes strongly recommended. Family friendly: Not suitable for young children or trailers. Amenities: None on the trail, but detours to downtown Richmond or Ringwood are nearby. Sidetracks: Allow time to poke through the many antique shops in Richmond. Also consider a side trip (one-half mile east on Harts Road) to Glacial Park, which has 8 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, restrooms and a barn exhibit. More information: McHenry County Conservation District at 815-678-4431. Prairie Trail South 4.9 miles, paved Route: Starts at Virginia Road in Crystal Lake and extends south to the Kane County line in Algonquin, where it hooks up with the Fox River Trail. Description: Follows an 1850s abandoned rail route through natural and restored prairie and wetlands. "There's also a heavily wooded section that's always nice and cool right after the bridge over Illinois Highway 62," noted Algonquin resident Kathy Herman, 53, who rides the trail year-round. "It's got an old fashioned summertime smell, and when it was 100 degrees last summer, it was like heaven." Family friendly?: The flat, paved surface makes this stretch good for families with small children or parents pulling trailers. Amenities: Crystal Lake Ski and Bike at the trail head offers service and skate rentals. There's also a portable toilet. Worth noting: There's not much shade in Crystal Lake, and a portion of this trail cuts through a gravel mine, so avoid it on hot summer afternoons. More information: McHenry County Conservation District at 815-678-4431. Fox River Trail Kane County line to East Dundee 5 miles, paved Route: Starts in Algonquin north of Illinois Highway 62 crossing and extends south to Illinois Highway 72 in East Dundee. Description: After crossing Illinois Highway 31 in Algonquin, you'll ride through mostly shady woods. Riverbank stretches in Carpentersville offer nice views. Look for great blue herons and egrets north of the Carpentersville dam. Family friendly?: The flat, paved surface and generous shade make this stretch pleasant for small children or parents pulling trailers. Amenities: Prairie Trail Bike Shop is just north of the Kane County line in Algonquin, and downtown Algonquin is just a stone's throw away north. There are restrooms at the Fox River Shores Forest Preserve in Carpentersville. Trailside at the East Dundee end is the Dundee Township Tourist Center, which has restrooms, snacks, free D'Angelo spring water, maps and area information. Worth noting: Late afternoons, watch out for deer crossing or standing smack dab in the middle of the trail by Fox River Shores, Herman warned. Sidetracks: The tourist center sponsors a farmers market featuring produce, crafts, baked goods and flowers 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. East Dundee has an ice cream parlor and a bakery right across the street from the trail, and there's a Dairy Queen on Illinois 72. Across the river in downtown West Dundee are more shops and restaurants. Fox River Trail East Dundee to Elgin 7 miles, paved Route: Starts at Illinois 72 in East Dundee and extends south to the Prairie Path junction in Elgin. Description: You'll pass through shady green tunnels of trees, ride along the colorful Fox River Fen (listen for frogs) and zip under Interstate Highway 90 before leaving the trail for a designated bike route down North Grove Avenue in Elgin. Pick up the trail again by the Gail Borden Library and continue your journey along the river. Family friendly?: OK for trailers, this stretch includes a section where you'll need to ride on roads through Elgin, so it's not recommended for small children. Amenities: There is a trailside rest stop at the Grand Victoria Riverboat Casino. While you'll need a reservation to gamble, the pavilion offers water, an air pump, restrooms, food, gift shops and an information center courtesy of the Elgin Area Convention and Visitors' Bureau. Beware: The stretch between East Dundee and the tollway bridge is notorious for kamikaze chipmunks trying to cross the path, especially in the spring and fall. Lightning fast and unpredictable, they've caused more than a few mishaps, warned Todd Underwood, 34, who bike commutes regularly from his South Elgin home to East Dundee. Worth noting: That castle on the right, just beyond the tollway, is private property. According to Elgin's resident historian, Mike Alft, it was built in 1937 by a man who needed a place to showcase his collection of medieval armor. It stands empty these days. Also worth noting: The bike bridge under the tollway offers great views up and down the Fox. Once on the other side, go right to Voyageurs Landing Forest Preserve or left for a few miles to Tyler Creek Forest Preserve, where there are picnic areas and restrooms. Sidetracks: Lock your bike at the riverboat and wander back up the trail to Prairie Rock Brewing Co. (127 S. Grove Ave.) or Al's Cafe and Creamery (43 DuPage Ct.) for lunch. Further up you'll find Artist's Cove (27 N. Grove Ave.), a shop/gallery offering handcrafted artwork; Alessandra's Sweet Shoppe (25 N. Grove Ave.); Fountain Square Coffee House (25 S. Grove Ave.); and, around the corner, Seattle Mountain Coffee Co. (109 Highland Ave.). Fox River Trail Elgin to Illinois Highway 64 8.5 miles, paved Route: From the Prairie Path junction, veer right along the river to St. Charles. Description: Right after the junction, you enter South Elgin and go for the ride of your life. Roller coaster hills and S-curves have made this one of the more popular stretches for thrill seekers. Farther up you'll cross the river via State Street and pass Blackhawk Forest Preserve before crossing the river again and chugging up a huge hill. At the top you can turn right into Tekakwitha Woods Nature Center (water, restrooms and maps) or continue to St. Charles. Family friendly?: Sharp curves and a few daunting hills make this a stretch better suited for experienced riders. Amenities: Right after crossing on State Street, there's a soft-serve ice cream shop and a park with restrooms. Blackhawk also has outhouses and picnic areas. The Village Pedaler bike shop is just around the corner (turn right) on Illinois Highway 31. Sidetracks: In South Elgin, be sure to stop at the Fox River Trolley Museum. On weekends you can take a 3-mile ride back in time for $2 ($1 for kids). The 3-mile River Bend spur trail starting at Blackhawk Forest Preserve goes past the county's only natural waterfall and beautiful marshes (watch out for frogs). A designated road route beyond Silver Glen Road hooks up with the Great Western Trail. For additional Fox River Trail information: Kane County Forest Preserve District at 708-232-5980, Dundee Township Tourist Center Inc. at 847-426-2255 or the Elgin Area Convention and Visitors' Bureau at 800-217-5362. Moraine Hills 914 S. River Rd., McHenry 10 miles, crushed limestone Route: 10 miles of one-way trails form three loops: Fox River (2 miles), Leatherleaf Bog (3.2 miles) and Lake Defiance (3.7 miles). Description: Rolling glacial terrain takes you in and out of woodland, marsh and prairie. Trails are hilly and shared with hikers. Mountain or cross bikes recommended. Family friendly?: Not recommended for inexperienced riders, trailers or young children. Amenities: The park features two concession areas, restrooms, an interpretive center and picnic areas. More information: 815-385-1624. Busse Woods near Elk Grove Village 11 miles, paved Route: Access off Golf Road or Higgins Road just east of Illinois Highway 53. Description: Relatively flat, winds through meadows and woods around a 590-acre lake. Family friendly?: Overcrowded on weekends. The 8 m.p.h. speed limit is pretty much ignored. Amenities: Drinking fountains and rustic toilets are scattered throughout the preserve. More information: Forest Preserve District of Cook County at 847-366-9420 Caption: PHOTO (color): Trees offer some shade to bicyclists riding along the Fox River Trail. PHOTO: The tourist center in East Dundee offers bikers a respite, with free water and maps. PHOTO: One of a number of trails in the northwest suburbs, the Fox River Trail offers bike riders a variety of scenery, from riverboat casinos to fens, shopping centers to historic districts. Tribune photos by George Thompson. GRAPHIC (color): Illustration by Susan Aiello Studio PHOTOS 3 GRAPHIC Copyright 1996, Chicago Tribune Record Number: CTR9607280165 |
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