Kettle Morraine Beta

[Rontele]

I am coming to the reality that I have to leave Colorado in two weeks and return to the midwest. Seems like it has been mild (by midwest standards) and pretty dry, so I am figuring I might as well get back on the mtn bike.

I understand that Kettle Morraine is the closest "good" mountain biking to Chicago? Can it be done as a day trip? Is it easy to find my way around there or am I doom3d to be lost at least once?

[hoarhey]

I haven't been there in 10 years, but you can do as a day trip from Chitown, just leave early, probably 2-3 one-way.

The loops are pretty easy to figure out, so I would say getting lost is not likely.

There was a lot of rain in that area last week, could be very soggy.

[trainnvain]

I did some nice riding out in Kenosha (right next to a golf course, something spring. Can't remember the name.)
I'll look up the name when I get home.

[marshalolson]

step 1: buy a big bike

step 2: huck it all over chicago

[Rontele]

step 1: buy a big bike

step 2: huck it all over chicago

Lets do it then. Style me out

[Squatch]

marshal is king of the skyscraper roof hucks

[Schralper]

Well back in the day. Deer Grove forest preserve was fun, especially night rides. I don't think I could ride back there w/o lights.
Although KM was rippin, midweek. This is the riding now-
http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o7vukkAwD4

[marshalolson]

marshal is king of the skyscraper roof hucks

you clearly didn't see the youtube video of me ripping the hancock

[Squatch]

you clearly didn't see the youtube video of me ripping the hancock

did you opt for the traditional horizontal lattice drop or go for the more technically challenging diagonal lattice entrance?

[Froman]

The kettles were great 10 years ago, but now they suck - they are all "paved" with limestone or have plastic mesh covering the hills to prevent trail errosion - too many FIB weekend warriors destroyed the trails .

Stick with the Emma Carlin and the connector trail - the John Muir trails are more popular, so they are the ones that the DNR destroyed by laying down gravel and other anti-errosion crap. Try to stay off the XC ski trails across the street.

Another recommendation, mentioned above, is Petrified Springs/Parkside - in Kenosha Cty, WI. I grew up riding those trails and they are a lot of fun, considering the location. Theres about 10 - 12 miles if you link all of them together. PM me if you want directions and info.

[wanghoeby]

Funny you mention this, I was just out on the trails a few weeks ago, unfortunately not the ones you talk of.

I assume we are all talking about the southern portion of Kettle Moraine, I've only ridden the northern trails near Fondy. Those trails were wide and extremely non-technical, with a lack of traffic they can be quite fast and fun. Anyway, I think you might run into some trouble with the parkies though, they're pretty stern about closing the trails when it's wet. And with the recent snow finally melting out and periodic rains I couldn't imagine them to be ride-able for at least a few weeks, which in your case might be good timing.

If you end up following through, let me know, I'd be up for a ride.

[Rontele]

Funny you mention this, I was just out on the trails a few weeks ago, unfortunately not the ones you talk of.

I assume we are all talking about the southern portion of Kettle Moraine, I've only ridden the northern trails near Fondy. Those trails were wide and extremely non-technical, with a lack of traffic they can be quite fast and fun. Anyway, I think you might run into some trouble with the parkies though, they're pretty stern about closing the trails when it's wet. And with the recent snow finally melting out and periodic rains I couldn't imagine them to be ride-able for at least a few weeks, which in your case might be good timing.

If you end up following through, let me know, I'd be up for a ride.

I am back in Chicago on 9th. Hopefully it will warm up and dry out and we can ride!

[brizz]

always had fun on the Palos singletracks and it's within an hour of the city, but they were wet when i went down there earlier this week. www.cambr.org has a good amount of info and maps on trails in the area

[flowtron]

Froman summed it up pretty well, but I tend to be a bit more positive about the John Muir trails. Yep, theres the limestone grids and plastic crap in spots, but the trails have a pretty good if somewhat tricky flow (not tech flow, but momentum flow) and theres some short, steep climbs that will keep you honest. The best part about them is that you can get a good bit of mileage, its a great spot for building fitness. The 'connector' (to emma carlin trails) was fun last time I rode there, but I thought the "trail maint." in Emma Carlin trails was lamer than John Muir...almost pavement in spots, but that was 7-8 years ago, so that could have changed.
If you ever had the slightest inclination to buy a SS or 29er HT, or a SS/29/HT, the midwest riding woud be a great reason....then you can bring the hurt when you you come back to CO next summer.
Don't forget about Challenge Park Extreme (!) in Joliet, that could be good times on the Intense. http://www.cpxsports.com/index.php

[Rontele]

Froman summed it up pretty well, but I tend to be a bit more positive about the John Muir trails. Yep, theres the limestone grids and plastic crap in spots, but the trails have a pretty good if somewhat tricky flow (not tech flow, but momentum flow) and theres some short, steep climbs that will keep you honest. The best part about them is that you can get a good bit of mileage, its a great spot for building fitness. The 'connector' (to emma carlin trails) was fun last time I rode there, but I thought the "trail maint." in Emma Carlin trails was lamer than John Muir...almost pavement in spots, but that was 7-8 years ago, so that could have changed.
If you ever had the slightest inclination to buy a SS or 29er HT, or a SS/29/HT, the midwest riding woud be a great reason....then you can bring the hurt when you you come back to CO next summer.
Don't forget about Challenge Park Extreme (!) in Joliet, that could be good times on the Intense. http://www.cpxsports.com/index.php

I just got a Moots 29er YBB off of eBay that I am stoked to schralp the midwest with this spring. That bike will eventually be my Buff Creek, less technical, non-epic bike. Stay dry and warm, Chicago. Thanks for the info, JOe. I never hear about you skiing! This is a skiing forum, right? Hope you are well.

[pechelman]

I just got a Moots 29er YBB off of eBay that I am stoked to schralp the midwest with this spring. That bike will eventually be my Buff Creek, less technical, non-epic bike. Stay dry and warm, Chicago. Thanks for the info, JOe. I never hear about you skiing! This is a skiing forum, right? Hope you are well.

^^sweetness

stoked for you, lets see some pictures soon

[Rontele]

^^sweetness

stoked for you, lets see some pictures soon

Not until I get back to Chicago. But still FKN Stoked

[flowtron]

Siiiick David. That bike will slay the shit out of the Kettles.
I've been skiing a bit. I'm up in Bozeman at the moment and spent the last 2 days slaying the shit out of my skis on Bridger's 32" base. Lets just say most of the reef rock on Bridger is about 34". With about a foot of fresh snow on Thurs. the skiing was sooo good, but sooooo fucking scary.
We're headed to SLC tomorrow to enjoy some high pressure at the old stomping grounds, the skiis need some serious TLC to be taken care of at ye old P-Dog shoppe.

[Rontele]

Siiiick David. That bike will slay the shit out of the Kettles.
I've been skiing a bit. I'm up in Bozeman at the moment and spent the last 2 days slaying the shit out of my skis on Bridger's 32" base. Lets just say most of the reef rock on Bridger is about 34". With about a foot of fresh snow on Thurs. the skiing was sooo good, but sooooo fucking scary.
We're headed to SLC tomorrow to enjoy some high pressure at the old stomping grounds, the skiis need some serious TLC to be taken care of at ye old P-Dog shoppe.

Glad you are getting out and getting sum. Stoked on the Moots.

[Rontele]

This is such a fucking longshot, but anyone interested in driving up tomorrow? It will be cold, but it is also Easter Sunday, so we will have the trail to ourselves. The Emma Carlin trails opened today and I am jonesin for some singletrack.

I don't think there are any Chicaggots that mountain bike, however.