Autumn Sun Harvest: Bike Tour to Illinois Beach State Park in October with Out Our Front Door out of Chicago, IL

EVENT DETAILS

Pace: Casual. 12-15mph. Intermediate level.

Trail/Route: Paved road with minimal gravel incorporated.

Lodging: Tent (camping gear not provided). We will stay at Illinois Beach State Park (IL DNR) located at 1 Lake Front Dr, Zion, IL 60099 (map).

Itinerary:

Day 1: 40 miles | Day 2: 55 miles, or 2 miles with return on Metra

Support:Self-supported. Not vehicle support.

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Get ready for crisp, cool air mornings and the smell of autumn, as we tour the forests of Northeastern Illinois.

A seasonal landscape, where vast tracks of color flush red, yellow and autumn bronze, in the valley of the DesPlaines. A regional ride through the woods and prairies that lies beyond Chicago. But before we get there… house pumpkins, gourds, and cider fill the north shore communities, as we travel north and feast our eyes upon architectural masterpieces.

Learn about the towns, the lay of the land, and the unique ecosystems along the way, as the guides drop knowledge on top of your noggins at each breakpoint.

The group will ride to and camp on the youngest land in the state at Illinois Beach State Park, discover the Dead River, go on a guided nature walk, and learn what the Chicago area looked like before European settlement. And what better way to end the first day of riding than to relax around a campfire, on a cool night with warm apple cider on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Day two, you can choose to do the 55-mile return along the Desplaines River Trail, or just hop on the Metra train just outside the campground. Gather some friends, check out the itinerary, and let’s have a good time.

Transfers: Out Our Front Door has limitations for ticket transfers, but may accommodate in the event certain criteria are met. You may review this updated Transfer Policy flowsheet to determine what next steps you need to take.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Campground fees (sites, firewood, etc.)
• Food for Day 1 dinner and Day 2 breakfast.
• Education about our local history and nature
• Really nice and supportive guides

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• Food for Day 1 lunch and Day 2 lunch (we will stop at designated restaurants, but the guides will not pay for these meals).
• Snacks

WHAT TO BRING

Required Items:

• Your bike!
• Helmet – encouraged but not required
• Tent & Camping Gear
• Head Lamp
• Cash/Debit/Credit Card for your food and your drinks
• Photo I.D. and Emergency Contact Info
• Two spare inner tubes and tools to replace a flat (guides will be able to assist)
• At least 2 water bottles
• Bike lights, front and rear
• Lock for your bike
• High energy snacks
• Change of clothes, including swimsuit and/or rain gear!
• Phone battery pack
• Camp mug, plate/bowl, eating utensils
• Welcoming, adventurous, can-do attitude