Triumphrat

lindsayt · 05-01-2007

Okay, so I finally have my appt. at the Chicago passport bureau for Monday, May 7. I'll be riding down from the Twin Cities on Sunday. Anybody have route suggestions? I'm thinking US-61 south out of the Twin Cities, to where it merges with US-14, then US-14 all the way into Chicago, jumping on I-94 for the last few miles to the Monroe St. exit. Anybody taken this route and have comments, or want to suggest an alternate route?

The way back I'll probably just take the superslab to save time; but on the way down I'm looking to have a fun two-lane ride!

Baltobonneville · 05-01-2007

Somewhat off topic, but since you mentioned it ...

I wonder why you think you'll get a passport so quickly that you have to ride to Chicago for it? I've been waiting two months for my routine mail-in renewal, and it's holding up planning for several foreign trips because I have no idea when it will show up.

In the past, it's never taken longer than three weeks at most, usually two weeks, for me or anyone else I know, to get a US passport.

In any case, enjoy the ride and I hope that you get your passport before you need it. :-D

lindsayt · 05-01-2007

I have an appointment for a same-day renewal, which is why I'm driving to Chicago. Only the 14 regional passport centers are able to do this, and they charge an arm and a leg, make you make a reservation, and require you to have an itinerary for within 14 days. It's a PITA, but it works.

OldTimeBiker · 05-02-2007

Do you know your way around Chicago? US 14 is known as Northwest highway as you enter the metro area from the Northwest. From about the time you enter Harvard Il. in McHenry County, you're going to be in an increasingly congested metro area. On a weekday it will take you several hours to travel the 50 or so miles from the state line to downtown Chicago. I highly recommend ending your scenic route in Madison Wisconsin and taking I 90 in from there.
With all due respect, people from Minneapolis and similar cities have no idea how big and congested the greater Chicagoland area can be. ONLY New Yorkers and Los Angelino's can relate. Good luck

Orpheus · 05-02-2007

I think the problem is that I-90 and I-94 are just as bad if not worse as highways like 14 and 41. When I rode my T100 from Milwaukee to Chicago in October, 41 moved faster than I-94. Hell, surface streets were moving faster than I-94. Getting out wasn't really any quicker.

I've lived in SoCal for the past 8 years, but I don't actually think Los Angeles compares for bike traffic since you can at least lane split in L.A. No such luck in Chicago.

lindsayt, you're probably better off taking the quickest/lowest congestion way in with a lot of time to spare and saving the scenic route for the way back. Another thing to seriously consider are the tolls once you get any distance in on an interstate.

[ This message was edited by: Orpheus on 2007-05-02 01:25 ]

lindsayt · 05-02-2007

I've spent a lot of time in Chicago, but I always just take the interstates into DT, and/or park out a ways and take the trains in. I was looking in Google maps and was concerned about how slow US-14 might be in from harvard, which appears to be about where things start getting congested. I've actually had surprisingly good luck getting in and out of DT on I-90, but then I always try to make my way in or out either on the weekends, or late at night on weekdays. On my way in on Sunday afternoon, I don't expect it to be too bad; on my way out Monday, I expect it will be "interesting".

OldTimeBiker, per your advice I'll seriously consider superslab from Madison. That's just the kind of feedback I was looking to hear - locals who know the road conditions better. Thanks!

OldTimeBiker · 05-02-2007

The stretch of 41 between the Wisconsin line and the city limits and US14 between McHenry county and the city limits are vastly different highways. Take my word for it, I've lived here ALL of my 55 years. US 14 will put you through several suburbs with heavy traffic and stoplights and shopping centers etc. and past a very heavily attended thourobred race track before you even get close to where you need to go. Once you get past the area of O'Hare airport you'll be in Chicago, and in a matter of blocks you could go from a very nice quiet area to a streetgang /drugdealer infested area. What I'm saying here is if you don't know your way around, you could stumble into a bad area of town very easily.
It's true that the interstates run slow through Chicago most of the day, but they move and they'll get you there. Tolls are a consideration, but the stretch from Beloit to Chicago will be about $4. The tollways end when you enter the city.
The only construction you will encounter would be at the toll plazas that are being rebuilt. The major project for the area is south of the loop (downtown), and should not effect you.
Stick to my previous recommendation about taking the interstate from Madison and you should get in and out with a minimum of delay and hassle.

Pauley · 05-02-2007

Quote:

On 2007-05-02 10:07, OldTimeBiker wrote:
The stretch of 41 between the Wisconsin line and the city limits and US14 between McHenry county and the city limits are vastly different highways. Take my word for it, I've lived here ALL of my 55 years. US 14 will put you through several suburbs with heavy traffic and stoplights and shopping centers etc. and past a very heavily attended thourobred race track before you even get close to where you need to go. Once you get past the area of O'Hare airport you'll be in Chicago, and in a matter of blocks you could go from a very nice quiet area to a streetgang /drugdealer infested area. What I'm saying here is if you don't know your way around, you could stumble into a bad area of town very easily.
It's true that the interstates run slow through Chicago most of the day, but they move and they'll get you there. Tolls are a consideration, but the stretch from Beloit to Chicago will be about $4. The tollways end when you enter the city.
The only construction you will encounter would be at the toll plazas that are being rebuilt. The major project for the area is south of the loop (downtown), and should not effect you.
Stick to my previous recommendation about taking the interstate from Madison and you should get in and out with a minimum of delay and hassle.

41 is a real PIA.
I agree completely with this guy as far as 41 is concerned. Reading your post, I am under the impression you want a scenic ride. I have two recomendations.

Stay on US 14 to Woodstock, IL. Go south on IL-47 to I-90 east (tollway) I-90 will take you to I-94.

***** OR *****

From Madison stay on the "beltline" (US Rts 12-14-18) 14 will split off. Proceed east on US 12/18. You will go east, enjoying a lightly traveled 4 lane highway with nice scenery and open pavement. You will get into Cambridge, WI. 12 and 18 split follow the signs for US 12. Follow US 12 through Fort Atkinson. Stay on US 12 to route 50/120. You will see an exit sign off for Lake Geneva. It's a real nice stretch - trust me.

Follow the sign. 50 and 120 run together for a little while (5-10mins).

If you want to press on follow the 120 signs (It splits from US 12) Follow 120 (zig zags a little) south to IL-47. You'll see signs just north of the state line for IL-47 to know your on the right track.

If you want a quick break, read below:
Go straight on 50 (main st) you'll end up in downtown Lake Geneva. There's a couple of nice eateries, bars and ice cream parlors in Lake Geneva. Good photo op for the bike too. Once your there follow S. Lake Shore Drive, take that south. It will curve and take you up a big hill. S. Lake Shore Drive becomes route BB take that south.

BB (E. Lake Shore Drive will get you out of Lake Geneva and it meets up with rt 120. Rt 120 will go south (You will see signs with an arrow or mileage for Illinois 47. Follow that.

(I don't know if BB or 120 are county or state numbers)

Once your in Illinois you should be on IL Rt 47. you will soon see a green and white water tower with a basketball on it for the town of Hebron.

IL 47 is a two lane road and it runs pretty smoothly for the most part. Go east on I-90.

*****
There are a lotta of one way streets in downtown Chicago. Check online maps.
*****
Be extra cautious in Chicago - people drive worse than anywhere else. Expecially in downtown. Watch out for taxi cabs and CTA Commuter buses, I swear they have a kill qouta.
*****
If you are planning on staying in a hotel - Do not stay in the city.

If you have any questions, send me a PM

[ This message was edited by: Pauley on 2007-05-02 19:25 ]

Pauley · 05-02-2007

One more thing. Chicago does have a helmet law, Illinois doesn't. Bring one. If you end up in a questionable neighborhood - you are better off in a full face helmet with full body protection.

OldTimeBiker · 05-03-2007

I won't dispute Pauley about the 14 to woodstock to Il. 47 to interstate 90, that will give you a few extra miles of rural two lane, but it will be congested in Woodstock and on this route, on a weekday especially, because of commuters.

One thing I must dispute most vigorously is... Chicago DOES NOT have a helmet law!!! I don't know where you came up with that ridiculous statement, but it is completely false!
FOR THE RECORD... I always wear a helmet, I'm a firm believer that a motorcyclist should dress for the crash... not for the ride. But , I believe just as strongly that the decision to wear a helmet should be the choice of the individual. I believe this strongly and I am an active advocate of motorcyclists rights, including the right to choose whether or not to wear a helmet. I have been an active AMA member for 35+ years and have been an A.B.A.T.E of Illinois member for 20 years. I have served on the Chicago A.B.A.T.E chapters board of directors 10 of those years, 4 terms as President... I assure you there is NOT a helmet ordinance in Chicago.

lindsayt, in the Chicago traffic enviroment, I would suggest that you wear a helmet especially if you will be riding in unfamiliar areas. But if you prefer not to, you don't have to!