Inspyrd Cyclist
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Randonneurs USA Routes
RUSA Route #3470: Two Brothers Windmill Trek
- 105 km mixed terrain Populaire (65 miles) out-and-back route between Lombard, IL and Montgomery, IL with 1,359 feet of elevation gain.
- The route is almost exclusively on 3 historic Rails-To-Trails paths in Illinois consisting of the Prairie Path, Fox River Trail and Great Western Trails (former sites of Chicago and Northwestern Railroads). You will also traverse on the Timer Ridge Trail, which passes the Kline Creek Farm. A portion of the route will run along the Fox River, into the Riverwalk of downtown Aurora.
- Rural landscape, wetlands, farmlands and small communities are along this route. The terrain consists of limestone screenings and some paved areas (90/10%).
- The route passes the Fabyan Windmill (built between 1850-1860) which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- The route goes through the towns of Lombard, Geneva, Batavia, North Aurora and Montgomery, IL.
RUSA Route #2605: ILLWIND
- 101 km Populaire (62 miles) out-and-back route between East Dundee IL and Genoa City WI with 1,200 feet of elevation gain. The route is almost exclusively on the Prairie Trail bike path and consists of open spaces, wooded areas and passes through small communities. The route goes through the towns of Algonquin, Crystal Lake, McHenry and Richmond, IL into Genoa city, Wisconsin. You will pass through Glacial Park in Ringwood which includes Wonder Lake. Start close to the Milwaukee District (MD-W) line on Metra if coming in from downtown Chicago Union Station.
- This route covers both IL and WI if you are working towards the RUSA American Explorer Award.
Driftless Gravel ex-pe-di-tion 2016
GRAVEL ADVENTURE WEEKEND
September 17-18th, 2016
All Adventure Cyclists, Bikepackers, Fat, Gravel, Cyclocross, Mountain Bikers, THIS IS YOUR EVENT!
You are invited to the Driftless Gravel Ex-pe-di-tion in Illinois.
Are you looking for a gravel challenge in the fall of 2016? Are you thinking of doing the Spotted Horse Gravel Ultra and need some serious training before the event or, you have an affinity for riding gravel and love to climb and explore new regions?
Experience the beauty of the Driftless region of Illinois on the gravel B-roads of Elizabeth, Stockton and Hanover.
Please sign up via the EventBrite invite so we know how many to expect at this event.
START TIME
8:00 am both days
STARTING LOCATION
Apple River Fort
311 E. Myrtle Street
Elizabeth, IL 61028
Three route options on this FULLY SELF SUPPORTED event (meaning YOU are on your own, no SAG, no assistance provided other than cue sheets given at the beginning).
THE TREK
One full day training option either Saturday or Sunday
Saturday: 71 miles with 4,959 feet of elevation gain
Sunday: 77.5 miles with 5,385 feet of elevation gain
THE VOYAGE
Two full days training option for a total of
Saturday: 71 miles with 4,959 feet of elevation gain
Sunday: 77.5 miles with 5,385 feet of elevation gain
THE GRAND EXCURSION
One day option for the granddaddy with the full distance: 148.5 miles with 10,344 feet of elevation gain
COST
No cost associated, each participant will be responsible for all costs associated with this adventure. Donation to Axeltree appreciated in lieu of any registration fee for this event, recommendation of $25/day or $50 for full weekend. Bring cash or check the day of the event, make checks payable to Axeltree. Every participant will be required to sign a release waiver at the beginning of the event.
AXLETREE is a non-profit created to host great cycling events, support local bike advocacy, and promote a community of awesomeness. Axletree is a non-profit based in DeKalb, IL dedicated to great events, functional advocacy, and creating a community of riders riding together for all the right reasons. We work locally and socially to encourage good ridership, good etiquette, and good times.
Gravel social meet up the Friday evening before:
Galena Brewery
227 North Main Street
Galena, IL 61036
In historic down town Galena, IL
(815) 776 9917
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Mississippi Palisades State Park
Apple River Canyon State Park
Tapley Woods Conservation Area
Massbach Winery
Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa
NEARBY TOWNS
Elizabeth
Stockton
Hanover
Galena
ACCOMODATIONS
Camping (Mississippi Palisades State Park or
Apple River Canyon State Park)
Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena
Best Western in Galena
AirBNB
ROUTE
Printed routes will be given at the beginning once you sign your release waver. Downloaded route will be available 1 week prior to the event.
Computer or GPS-Garmin strongly recommended.
Route rest stops:
Day 1 or 71 mile route option:
Two options at mile 23.5 in the town of Stockton. These are the only options before returning to Elizabeth at the end of the ride.
1. Shell gas station 209 E. North Ave
2. Subway 207 E. North Ave and Shell Gas Station
Day 2 or 77.5 mile route option:
1. Mini Mart at 104 Jefferson in the town of Hanover at mile 20
2. Blanding Landing Recreational Area in the town of Blanding at River Road at mile 25
3. possible water pump at mile 30.2 at Blanding Landing
After these there are no other towns or businesses until returning to Elizabeth.
CYCLING EVENTS
RUSA Route #3425: Ament RAD Voyage
- Extremely challenging and rugged gravel 111.8 km (69.5 miles) with 5,127 feet of elevation gain populaire through the Driftless region of Illinois.
- The route is corrugated with bluffs, hills and prairies traversing through the byproduct of glacial neglect.
- Voyage includes travel on B-roads through the towns of Elizabeth and Hanover; there is very limited services on the route with one food stop in Hanover at mile 28.8, last water stop mile 38.8 at Blanding Landing Recreation Area (NOTE: not available in late fall through winter)
- 8 Information Controls on the route; stop at Blanding Landing Recreational Area on the east bank of the Mississippi River
- 80% gravel, 20% road
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/24811020
