Twisties in or around Chicagoland

studog · #1 01-28-2006, 11:34 PM

Chicago motorists, in our flat lands of Illinois, there has to be some
fun roadways our there. Does anyone have some suggestions?

Thanks.

Deuce Coupe Effect · #2 01-29-2006, 07:01 PM

I know there are some nice roads in state parks and such. I recall Starved Rock had some nice roads, though it has been a while. Otherwise we are sadly left with few roads. On the bright side we aren't THAT far from the Dragon.

**Motor On** · #3 01-29-2006, 07:13 PM

Sheridan from the city to lake forest (best when done at night,low traffic. Always seen a mini on there when I drive at least half), starved rock, Il 25 from geneva to elgin and if your up for a bit of a trip, the minesota wisconson broder is real nice.

Snappychip · #4 01-29-2006, 07:16 PM

Well I have found some nice roads out further west between Crystal Lake and Rockford and just over the boarder in WI

**Motor On** · #5 01-29-2006, 07:43 PM

That reminds me north of woodstck there are some good twisties that link subdivisions

Paul · #6 01-29-2006, 08:12 PM

Drive west fellow MINI motorist! Galena is your destination

I spent two full days driving the twisties around Galena while my wife was at a conference at Eagle Ridge last autumn. I'd go back in a second!

Try the back roads between Galena, Scales Mound and Elizabeth. Specifically, try Buckhill Rd., N. Ford Rd., N. Council Hill Rd., W. Council Hill Rd., Schapville Rd. and all the small roads around that area.

Just be aware, that if you wander up into Wisconsin the roads go from great to pea gravel covered

I kept a map with notes that I can put online later this week if you or anyone else likes. The above list of roads are from memory. Just let me know, I'd be more than happy to.

Dave Messina · #7 01-29-2006, 10:12 PM

Paul, please do post your map when you get a chance -- I get up to the Western burbs fairly regularly.

Ozbone · #8 01-30-2006, 07:41 AM

Definitely Sheridan Road, especially just north of Winnetka (Tower Road).

studog · #9 02-04-2006, 09:08 PM

I know about Sheridan Rd past tower, that's good for about 30 seconds
I just looking for more. Ya Paulr, if you can post your map(s) that would be
great.

Thanks

Paul · #10 02-05-2006, 11:15 PM

I uploaded a map with what I think are some good roads highlighted on it. The original PDF came from the Galena website.

Good Galena Roads Map

Complete Galena PDF Map

If anyone goes out there, let me know what you think

DrkSilver163 · #11 02-06-2006, 09:07 AM

ok, i live in the suburbs, so i like to do what i call a sheridan run...already said.

BUT...if you are willing to drive 1 hour up to wisconsin (boring toll roads), head up here:

http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?ad...=l&trf=0&mag=2

sorry about the link, but it takes you to a page that has the coolest road ever...its technically a state park, but it forms the perfect track-like road. elevation changes, hairpins, cool stuff. And its right by a lake. great picnic area. you gotta be careful tho, i clmost died on it sliding on a patch of leaves and falling into a casm of trees. but its a lot of fun.

powershot · #12 02-06-2006, 06:24 PM

Silver lake is cool - I do alot of training up there and beyond - on a bicycle that is. I suppose most of the training routes we have would be excellent, so in that case - Silver Lake and go west to Lake Geneva on back roads. The further east (towards Racine / Kenosha) the terrain will be flatter. The areas around Alpine Valley and Kettle Moraine (south branch) are pretty good as well.

As most have implied, you need to get out of the burbs if you want to have fun.

Makyo · #13 02-08-2006, 07:28 PM

Too cool! Thank you all for posting the suggestions. Can't wait for a nice warmish day to try one of them out!

Dave Messina · #14 02-09-2006, 01:57 PM

I second that -- thanks so much paulr and DrkSilver163 for taking the time to post maps. I'll be back up in Chicago over the summer, and I look forward to trying those out...

Paul · #15 02-09-2006, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Messina

I second that -- thanks so much paulr and DrkSilver163 for taking the time to post maps. I'll be back up in Chicago over the summer, and I look forward to trying those out...

If you want to tag-team any of these twisties, PM me next time you're up this way

-paul

ChrisWyso · #16 02-09-2006, 09:49 PM

I'd love to tackle some of these when our weather gets better. I took delivery in November, so I really haven't had any "great" days to head out and have fun. The most fun I'm having now is on my commute up to work. I work just north of O'Hare, and take 294 north. Well, I get on 290, and the ramp from 290 west to 294 north is my "fun" spot. As long as there's not too may people taking the ramp, I can really get her cornering. I've previously passed 5 cars on the ramp (it is 2 lane for 75% of the ramp), but when the ramp's clear & I can use both lanes, look out! I managed to get it up to 95-mph at the apex of the hill just before the right turn into the merge. She didn't even hint about coming loose, she just sunk her claws in and ran. But I'd definitely like to get more cornering time it!

-Chris

tsukiji · #17 02-09-2006, 10:05 PM

Thanks for that link! That's right along on of my favorite motoring routes and I've NEVER turned into the park—I will now!

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrkSilver163

ok, i live in the suburbs, so i like to do what i call a sheridan run...already said.

BUT...if you are willing to drive 1 hour up to wisconsin (boring toll roads), head up here:

http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?ad...=l&trf=0&mag=2

sorry about the link, but it takes you to a page that has the coolest road ever...its technically a state park, but it forms the perfect track-like road. elevation changes, hairpins, cool stuff. And its right by a lake. great picnic area. you gotta be careful tho, i clmost died on it sliding on a patch of leaves and falling into a casm of trees. but its a lot of fun.

MiniMaxx · #18 02-10-2006, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulr

Drive west fellow MINI motorist! Galena is your destination

I spent two full days driving the twisties around Galena while my wife was at a conference at Eagle Ridge last autumn. I'd go back in a second!

Try the back roads between Galena, Scales Mound and Elizabeth. Specifically, try Buckhill Rd., N. Ford Rd., N. Council Hill Rd., W. Council Hill Rd., Schapville Rd. and all the small roads around that area.

Just be aware, that if you wander up into Wisconsin the roads go from great to pea gravel covered

I kept a map with notes that I can put online later this week if you or anyone else likes. The above list of roads are from memory. Just let me know, I'd be more than happy to.

I can assure you that few if any at all roads see any "pea gravel" We have some great twisties. Some are State designated "Rustic Roads" Get out in the counties away from the cities and a great twisties pop up anywhere

ernesto · #19 02-10-2006, 09:17 PM

The Wisconsin Kettle Moraine area http://www.onwisconsin.com/harley100...kettlemors.asp is a nice drive, but a bit away from chicagoland. I have wanted to do a group drive, but there aren't many good places for eats for a larger crowd.

Paul · #20 02-10-2006, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MiniMaxx

I can assure you that few if any at all roads see any "pea gravel" We have some great twisties.

I was only referring to the roads around Galena.

Specifically these.

I've hit some very good twisties (with good open stenches) coming back from Madison several times. From Madison down towards Harvard, follow the back roads that parallel US 12 to Whitewater then head south to Richmond. At Richmond start to parallel US 14 till you get to Harvard.

DrkSilver163 · #21 06-08-2006, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsukiji

Thanks for that link! That's right along on of my favorite motoring routes and I've NEVER turned into the park—I will now!

hey, watch yourself on that road, i nearly got a wreckless driving ticket on it. so be wary. and sorry to ressurect a clearly dead thread, lol.