Chainlink Tourers

Comment

Comment by Scott on January 12, 2009 at 1:12pm

Is anyone aware of any cabins within 75 miles of the loop (or within 75 miles + a metra ride)? Something with a nearby bar would be ideal.

Comment by payton on January 12, 2009 at 1:04pm

There's a pleasant "primitive" campground at Beverly Shores in the Dunes -- walking distance to the beach, a serviceable grocery store, and the South Shore Line; <50 miles from the Loop. I've done train trips there but haven't biked it yet.

Comment by BalloonBiker on January 12, 2009 at 11:40am

IL Beach state park sounds like a good ride. They also have a hotel if anyone wants to go before it warms up.

I'd also like to do a weekend ride to the Indiana Dunes. It really isn't far either.

Comment by Scott on January 7, 2009 at 9:51am

I got a lotus odyssey from craigslist in the fall and took it on one overnight ride to IL beach state park (w/ my camping hammock). Since then I picked up the carradice front panniers, swapped out a few parts, and am ready to ride again as soon as the snow melts.

What are your favorite 1 night trips from chicago?

Comment by BalloonBiker on December 22, 2008 at 4:09pm

Well,a Christmas Tour didn't really work out...but would March be too earlier for a trip? I'd be cool with B&B touring too!

Comment by o0_dan_0o on December 5, 2008 at 12:06am

i might be interested in meeting you all in the southland somewhere.

Comment by BalloonBiker on December 4, 2008 at 3:00pm

I haven't done any actual touring yet, but I think I have most of the stuff that I need. I ride a Jamis Aurora and I have fenders, a rear rack and a set of panniers. I also have a small tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag and what not. I also just got a backpacking stove at a military surplus store, though I haven't used it yet and I need to stop by REI and figure out what kind of fuel it uses.

As for a December tour....the idea kind of scares me, but it's tempting. Would Christmas weekend work?

Comment by Hannah Bass on December 4, 2008 at 2:45pm

Also, what types of bikes do you all use for touring? I've been using a peugot with two cranks in front, and am looking to upgrade for doing hills. The Peugot has held up surprisingly well so far however. I have panniers that are level and I put my tent, sleeping bag, and pad on the top. I'm able to fit all of my camping gear and riding gear on the sides + food.

Comment by Hannah Bass on December 4, 2008 at 2:43pm

Thank goodness, I did not get wet. Fenders are probably a good idea for rain/sleet days. I did about 80 miles the first day and probably about 40 the second day, and then caught the metra home to chicago. Unfortunately, I don't think that it is possible to put the same number of miles on in the winter as the summer. Most importantly, the impact of number of daylight hours really was restricting, and the shoulder of the road is smaller with the snow buildup. People were really nice though, and I made friends along the way. Anyhow, I have the whole month of December off, and would be willing to go (south this time). Would folks be up for a 2 or three day trip? Maybe to starved rock and back, or another camping location?

Comment by BalloonBiker on December 4, 2008 at 12:16pm

Oh, that sounds lovely. How long was your trip? How many miles a day did you do? I might be willing to brave a winter tour, but I don't know if that would be the best idea for a first tour.

Did you have any problems with getting wet?

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