Usually ride alone. Like it that way. Love it. Still, it would be nice to take a day ride with some local folks from here and other sites I attend. So I am thinking about throwing a ride out there half the time and thinking it is a dumb idea the other half.
Thinking about setting up a casual ride starting in the far west burbs / rt 47 to get some of us together.
So, to my old friend google maps, I have two ride ideas that cover some of the decent spots in this area (like Starved Rock). Main thing of course, is stopping at Cajun Connection for lunch. Real cajun food from cajun Ron in IL? Aeeeeeee!. You kidding?
Questions:
3 meet up spots each about 20 mins apart at rural gas stations to accommodate folks coming from North, East, and South burbs. (Stations on 47 in Pingree Grove, Elburn, and Sugar Grove) Ride is all rural roads or small towns. I feel good about that.
How long to go between stops? For instance, about 45 mins from last meeting place is a relative obscure Massacre site and monument. Is that too early to stop or a good time to regroup and see how everyone is doing?
Second leg would be about 45 mins again to Starved Rock. Could go to lunch then, or go about 1.5 - 2 hours following a river on one end, cross, and follow back up to eat at that time.
Does a ride need to close the loop?
How long should legs be? Loop would be about 4-5 hours. Only stop that HAS to happen is gumbo. Legs can be 45 - 60 mins with brief stops at casual, mildly cool local historical sites or little towns. Or a leg can be 1.5 hrs. On my own, it doesn't matter. What would a group of riders generally prefer?
This would likely mix sport tourers, sport bikes, and cruisers. No good?
How "hands on" does this really need to be?
Is it worth even doing?
Open to any thoughts.
Is there any interest here in riding with some IL folks?