The Workout: Saddle Up Your Bike, Hit The Road (Or Trail)

Is it true? Has spring really arrived here in the Chicago area? One only has to look outside to see that sure sign of spring: bicycles filling the roads along the North Shore. Cyclists are coming out of hibernation, cruising up and down Sheridan Road, much to the dismay of some motorists.

It seems at some point, everyone bikes on Sheridan Road. It's almost like a requirement to live here. Sheridan Road engenders strong opinions among cyclists. Personally, I like the impressive lake views and the even more impressive real estate. The condition of the road through Winnetka is generally good, although once you get into Glencoe, potholes crop up like weeds. (It should be noted that cyclists are not allowed on Sheridan between Tower and Scott.) With few traffic lights, it can be a pleasant straight-shot ride. However, due to the large number of cyclists, there are many bike/car interactions, with lots of blame heaped on both sides.

I think the high volume of bike traffic can actually help cyclists by constantly reminding motorists that they're sharing the road. Keep in mind, however, that the driver coming up behind you may still be in bike-hating mode from having to work around a pack of cyclists riding three abreast. As always, courtesy works both ways.

Many aspiring cyclists tell me that they like riding outdoors but are afraid of cars. Fortunately, we're lucky to have several paths for cycling nearby, although be warned that you'll be sharing them with slower-moving pedestrian traffic. offers a nice car-free route through Glencoe and Winnetka, but its paved portion is relatively short.

For a longer trail-based route, my favorite is the North Branch Trail, which runs through the Cook County Forest Preserve. It starts at Dundee, just south of the , winds along the Skokie Lagoons, and extends down into Chicago, ending at Devon Avenue. All told, it's about 20 miles long. There are some street crossings, but there is a tunnel to pass under the Edens and an overpass to cross Lake. For the most part, the trail is scenic and shady, making it ideal for hot summer days. It offers smooth pavement for its entire length, so cyclists can travel at a reasonable speed, although remember to use caution when approaching pedestrians.

If you want to add a few more miles and are willing to brave surface roads for short stint, you can connect from the North Branch Trail to the Skokie Valley Trail. Simply follow the North Branch Trail to it's northern end at Dundee Road, then cross Dundee into the service driveway for the Botanic Gardens. Enjoy the lovely views of the back of the Gardens as you continue through to the exit, turning left onto Lake Cook Road. Head west on Lake Cook over the Edens to get to the Skokie Valley Trail. The entrance to the trail is just behind the gas station on the north-west corner of Skokie Boulevard and Lake Cook Road. It's a paved rails-to-trails path that extends north for about 10 miles with limited street crossings.  

Another one of my favorite rides is a combination of roads and trails. I follow Sheridan Road through Glencoe, staying on it as it runs north from downtown Highland Park. I then cut in to Fort Sheridan, which has a nice, quiet loop and some spectacular lake views. At the north end of Fort Sheridan, I head west and hop on the Robert McClory Bike Path heading north. The trail runs onto surface streets just north of Lake Bluff, at which point I usually head back home.  Need some more ideas? Search at Map My Ride or stop at a local bike shop, such as Green Bay Cycles, for an Illinois Bike Trail map. 

One caveat: Riding with a buddy is always recommended, especially on these trails since large stretches are heavily wooded and remote. Remember to bring a phone and supplies to change a tire. And don't forget water, snacks, helmet and sunscreen. So find a friend, hit the road and get out there.