Got to the campsite right on the waters edge. Splendid sunset and campfire as the stars lit up. Super riding through the National Forests that speckle the area.
There were signs warning road users of Elk crossing, beautiful trout streams cross-crossing the way and the occasional bald Eagle soaring overhead.
We’re on a multi-day trip through the Dairlyland of America. From the historic lead mining center of Galena IL we headed north along the Mississippi through wooded dales and along barn scattered ridges. Back roads, gravel trails, reedbed carpeted bottomlands, and sprouting cornfield amidst oak woodland. A splendid part of the State.
Zooming through the City here’s a white Triumph Tiger owner haring through South Rogers Park along Sheridan Road. I was heading home when I spied it.
Spring weather on a Sunday means “let’s get the bikes oot!” Oil change then a spin north to Lake Bluff for a coffee and scone. Many bikers were out too!
“Ooh. Stop!
With your feet on the air and your head on the ground
Try this trick and spin it, yeah”
With the temperatures in the mid fifties I decided to grab a quick spin up north through the Skokie lagoons. Nice to be in the saddle and running along at a healthy clip through the trees. Certainly cobweb clearing activity.
Temperatures in the upper fifties and blue sky. So a run up along the Lake was called for. It would certainly have been rude not to. Pumpkin spice latte and chocolate chip cookie at a coffee shop in Lake Bluff gave the destination a purpose.
This bridge is one of four rare Scherzer rolling lift bascule bridges in Joliet that cross the Des Plaines river. Once a thriving transporation hub, this crossing built in 1933 would lift to allow the barge traffic from the nearby Sanitary and Ship Canal through. Carrying both industrial products and raw materials it was arterial in Chicagos economic success up until the 70’s.
Marvelous autumnal ride to a State Park south of the City. A good 200+ miler through cityscapes, rolling cornfields, and coloring woods. Old bascule bridges and the penitentiary in Joliet, hawks aloft over the River bluffs. Splendid!
My commute home took me along Wacker Drive that follows the Chicago River through the towering architecture of downtown Chicago. Setting sun light warms the upper floors of the Tribune Tower behind me.
Lucky parking spot directly outside of the office in the West Loop. Friday traffic on the way home was slow and backed up. Otherwise a nice spin along LSD.
Rail crossing on a back road leading to Lake Michigan. Very pleasant riding conditions that I would hope to continue well into Fall.
– another year volunteering as a member of the support team who carry race officials around the bike course. Looking for rule infractions such as drafting, earbud use, riding on the right ( the right is only for passing). A few CPD bikes were present on their shiny Harleys. It was a sharp start with a 5am meet for volunteer coordination.
The Tiger looking sharp against a nice green car. The RAF roundel befitting the natural hue. Overcast and drizzly ride to Zion. Nice greasy combo breakfast at Emily’s. Fresh coffee, eggs over easy, and pancakes.
Enjoying the commute. My company has parking in a nearby ramp which is very convenient to take the Tiger down LSD (aka Jean Baptiste Point du Sable Lake Shore Drive). I came home via the Adler Planetarium promontory, which offers a marvelous view back to the City.
A back lane in Lake County that is usually gated off. It threaded through corn fields, old oak savannah and a horse paddock. Two track and muddy puddles. The Tiger loved it.
geordiebiker.com 