I woke up, got ready, and had some time to visit with Barb & Mike before I started biking at 8:00. Another beautiful day for biking. It was almost 60 degrees when I started with clear skies. A slight breeze was going to be behind me most of the day.
I made it about 100 yards before being stopped by a utility truck on the bike path. I had to get off my bike to walk it around the truck. When the two workers saw my bike, they stopped me and we had a good conversation about my adventure and my gear. They thought it was awesome!
The first five miles of the day were on bike lanes and paths. Of the two, I preferred the bike lane – it’s closer to traffic, but you don’t have to worry about cars at all the driveways and crossings.
Then I made it to the Dupage County network of trails. They were not all paved, but all were in great condition. Several miles in prairie and some pretty wooded sections.
Not many flowers on the trails today, but I did capture these.
Then I was on the Illinois Prairie Path for about ten miles. On the path I came upon a group of about 20 young kids who were riding bikes with training wheels. There were a few adults walking along with them. Probably a local day care. Those kids were all over the trail and had no idea that other people were on the trail too. They were super cute, but it took a while to get past them.
At 30 miles, I got on the Fox River Trail, which I would be on for most of the rest of the day. I had last biked on this trail over 20 years ago when I lived in Schaumburg and would ride it with my brother, Joe. I remembered much of the trail. The Fox River was high from the recent rains.
In the town of Batavia, I must have missed a turn, because when I rounded a corner there were 20 steps in front of me. With the weight of my bike, I can’t get my bike up stairs. Now, you may call it luck, but I think I have angels looking out for me, because at the base of those steps were two women who were out for a walk wearing exercise outfits. They couldn’t tell me how to avoid the steps or where I took a wrong turn. So, since I’m working on asking for help when I need it, I asked them if they would each take an end of my handlebars and help me as I lifted the rear wheel up the stairs. They agreed and the three of us carried my bike up the stairs. I joked that their walk just turned into a CrossFit session. I was at the top of the stairs and back on the trail in no time.
I stopped in Saint Charles for lunch at a local restaurant. Then just after that I came across a section of the trail that was flooded and closed.
I was talking to a couple of cyclists about how to get around this section, because they were heading the opposite direction. They said that I could easily walk my bike up the embankment on the left, then walk down the train tracks at the top and around the flooded section. I was thinking about how heavy my bike was and that maybe I would just ride through the flooded section, when another cyclist biked through it and said it was deep enough to soak his shoes and he wished he wouldn’t have done it. So, after chatting with the original two cyclists about my adventure and them leaving, I tried to walk my bike up the embankment. I made it about half way before my shoes slipped, I fell down, and skinned my knee up. I was wondering if I was going to be able to get my bike up the embankment when two young men (Daniel and Eric) came walking down the tracks and asked if they could help (thank you angels!!). I said, “yes”, but I think it was a rhetorical question. Daniel grabbed my handlebars and I pushed the back of the bike. I kept on slipping, so Daniel (being a big guy) picked up my bike by himself and asked me if I wanted it on the train tracks or on the side. I asked him to put it on the tracks, which he easily did by himself. I thanked them both for helping me. So, that is how I ended up on train tracks for the second time on this adventure.
Getting my bike down the embankment after the flooded section was easy enough and I then continued down the trail. Downtown Elgin was nice with a riverboat casino and a nice riverside walk.
Another cyclist, who was going my way, slowed down to talk with me about my adventure as we peddled along. He had done some long bike tours and we shared stories. It was a great way to pass a few miles.
About 2:45 I made it to my brother Joe’s house in Cary, IL. I had a great evening with Joe and his family. We ate Chicago deep dish pizza for dinner and then went out to the local ice cream shop for dessert.
Joe’s granddaughter, Riley got a little carried away with her milkshake.
For the day, I biked 60 miles and climbed 1,361 feet. I’m spending a few days here with Joe and his family. Also looking forward to lunch with my old college roommate, Mod, tomorrow. I’m planning on getting back on the bike on Monday (weather permitting).
Awesome post. Love the trail angels.
You certainly are top on the list for angel rescue services! Be careful on those railroad tracks! Great pictures of family. Love the milkshake one.
Glad the angels came along when they did. Thanks for all the pictures. I am looking forward to seeing you soon. Love Dad.
More great pictures Jim. Making a lot of progress. Glad to hear you feel better.