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This is a self-supported ride with no SAG service so be sure your bike is in good working order. A bike computer is helpful for following cue sheet in case we get separated. Recommend you bring a tent or hammock, sleeping bag or warmer clothes to wear at night, headlamp or flashlight, 2 water bottles, spare tube, CO2 or pump, bike lock, sun screen, snacks, camera, and adventurous spirit.  There’s a chance we’ll have non-bikers drive out and join us for camping and hiking.  They could transport gear, tents, hammocks, etc. but as of now, plan to bikepack everything in and out.  Please let us know if anyone plans to drive.

 

This ride is 50% limestone trails so a bike with at least 1.5" wide tires highly recommended.  Here's the route (reverse to come home). Print Cue Sheet.

 

Sat.

Metra Rock Island District line boards at LaSalle St. station at 8:30am Sat. and arrives Joliet at 10:00am.

From there we’ll bike 60 miles to Starved Rock/Matthiessen area over roads and crushed limestone trails.  We’ll camp at City Limits 2853 N Rt 178 Utica, IL.  Cost is ~$30 for 4 people and includes firewood.

 

Sat. late afternoon

After setting up tents and hammocks, we’ll bike 5 miles south over to Matthiessen State Park and spend 1-2 hours exploring the canyons. Time permitting, we'll stop at Starved Rock's St. Louis Canyon afterward.  Then we'll head to dinner in North Utica where there's several good dining options before returning to camp for the night.  Bring lights for your bike for the 1-mile ride back to campground after dinner as it will likely be dark.

 

Sun.

We'll pack up camp and load up our bikes, likely by 7 or 8AM, and head back to North Utica for breakfast. There's at least one place open early on Sun. morning.  We’ll then bike 60 miles over the same route along the I&M Canal back to Joliet for the return Metra ride home.

Trains depart 2:15, 4:15, 6:15, 8:20pm for a 70 min. ride to the Loop.

 

Misc.

The amazing scenery in the canyons and on the I&M canal should be all the motivation you need to join us for this fun-filled weekend!  If you’ve never been, now’s your chance.

 

An $8 weekend pass (purchased on train) covers entire roundtrip Metra trip.  Bring a bungee cord or something to tie up your bike inside your train car.  More info about bikes on Metra trains.

 

Ride will be cancelled/postponed if high chance of rain.

Questions?  Just ask.