This week we will take the McClory bike path along Chicago’s swanky North Shore taking in architecture, area history and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.
We’ll park near Ft. Sheridan Metra station (see below), go through Ft Sheridan and then head north on the trail through Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. We’ll ride through quaint downtown Lake Bluff toward the lake and then circle back to the trail for a total of about 25 miles.
The path is extremely well maintained, is paved asphalt and concrete and most have just been repaved. The surfaces are smooth with very little elevation change. There are several places for rest stops and bathroom breaks.
Highlights:
Allow me to quote directly from our volunteer ride leader Al:
“The ride inside the Fort Sheridan Reserve will be on some trails and some streets. That will give everyone a flavor of the area and the history. There are outlooks with posted signs of the history for those that are interested and would like to take pictures. I'll plan on driving on some streets that show the types of housing dating back into the 1800"s and how they have been transformed for today's living.
From the reserve, we'll head back onto the dedicated "bicycle and pedestrian only" McClory Trail which takes us north along one side of Sheridan Road, through downtown Lake Forest, back along Sheridan Road, by downtown Lake Bluff and north up to the entrance of Great Lakes Naval Base. On the way back south, I like to go off the trail into downtown in Lake Bluff, by the train station and head east about a half mile to the lake. It's very scenic and shows the housing stock in the area, everything from early 1800's to today. The area is very wooded and most of all, very charming. I'll guide everyone back to the trail and head back south to where our cars are parked.”
But wait, there’s more!
“If anyone would like to stop for some lunch, there's a "very" casual and fun restaurant that I like called "The Mean Wiener" in Highwood that's about another half mile south of the parking lot on Old Elm Road. We can ride our trikes there by taking the dedicated bike path south, along Sheridan Road, right to the restaurant. It's very good fast food...hot dogs, hamburgers, beef sandwiches and really good Mexican! It has lots of indoor and outdoor tables. There's ample parking for those that want to load their trikes and take their cars.”
Details:
On Sunday, August 23 we’ll meet at the Fort Sheridan Metra "overflow" Parking lot located at the northwest corner of Sheridan Road and Old Elm Road at 9:45, for a 10am departure. This lot is across the street from the larger Metra Parking lot on the south side of Old Elm Road. It's right on the trail. According to Google, it is free on Sundays, but just in case, be prepared to pay a small fee. (See map and screenshot for location.)
Ride end time is approximate.
Riding distance about 25 miles
Facilities available trailside.
Ride at your own risk
What to bring:
Your recumbent bike or trike (no recumbent? your regular bike is welcome!!)
Helmet
Snack/Water
Money for lunch if you decide to join us.
Weather:
We’ll ride in any weather, except steady downpour or dangerous heat/air quality. Notification, if necessary, will be sent by 6pm Saturday, Aug. 22.
REGISTRATION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS EVENT: