we're planning a ride to starved rock state park this summer. just wondering if it's as cool as i heard it was.

 

There is a lot of nice riding in that area. Route 71 has about 4 miles of nice twisties just east of the park entrance. There's some pretty good eatin' around there too...all are biker friendly. In Utica, check out Duffy's Tavern...in Seneca check out Fat Daddyz and Boondocks...in Marseilles there is Snug Harbor which is right on the IL river with tables outdoors. I live about 75 miles away from Starved Rock...we head out that way at least a half dozen times during the summer. Oh...don't forget to stop at Leatherheads on 178, about a 1/2 mile north of Starved Rock Park. It's a cool little leather shop that caters to bikers.

 

We go once a year . Nice place and a nice ride

 

Can someone give a bit more detail on which roads to ride comming from the southeast....Kanakakee area
Thanks

 

Blue...I would take 113 all the way to Route 47...head north on 47 into Morris. In downtown Morris, turn LEFT onto Jefferson Street. Follow Jefferson until you hit the 2nd stop sign (there will be a "No Outlet" sign...turn LEFT and follow this street all the way into Seneca. It's a beautiful 11 mile ride on a nice winding, deserted road called Old Stage Road. Once in Seneca, this road becomes Union Street. Stay on Union St. until you intersect with Main St. (IL-170)...turn LEFT onto Main St and go south until you cross the big bridge that spans the IL river. Turn RIGHT onto the first street just past the bridge and follow this road all the way into Ottawa. At IL-23 (1st Ave.) turn RIGHT and go north until you see the sign for IL-71 (Hitt Street)...turn LEFT and follow 71 all the way into Starved Rock State Park. Enjoy the ride...it's a good one.

 

Thanks Linda, the plan is to split that trail real soon..
Being from Gary (Black Oak) and now floating around Kankakee,
I've been through and camped at Starved Rock but never spent much time in the area,
so I really dont know the bike routes.
We get up to and around the Bassin stop often.
Gotta daughter up near Big Rock so we blast through Morris often also.
Their is some nice riding down here along the Kankakee river into Indiana and ...
Gene

 

The riding is cool, just don't expect much from the staff. The state has cut the $#!^ cut out of their budget. They are operating with 1/3 less staff, with only one naturalist on duty at any time. A secretary covers the days off. It's really a shame to let a resource go to waste. If you get time, stop in Marseilles and see the Middle East Conflicts War Memorial. It is organized by a good group of riders.

http://www.ilfreedomrun.org/index1.html

Russ

 

Stopped by one time so far this year.. Went to Utica to see the rebuilding process.. its always a nice ride out that way. I enjoy it. I got atleast a half dozen times a year