jjhabbs 

Hey guys,
Steve and I organized a vintage ride back a few years ago. I'm thinking about doing that again launching it from the new Vintage Road Bike Garage.
The question is would you guys be willing to ride on some bike trail if its very smooth crushed limestone? I know its not a class favorite but it's a nice trail.
I was thinking a 30 mile route then coming back for a nice lunch at the bike garage.

What do you think?

Thanks

John

steelbikeguy

I had a great time last year and would love to attend again!
As far as crushed limestone... it depends on what "some" means.
A few miles, as a way to connect route segments, would be fine.
If it was a 30 mile ride on crushed limestone, then I'd have to pick one of my bikes that I didn't mind seeing covered in dust.

Steve in Peoria

b dub 

This would be around Naperville right? Any particular date(s) in mind?

philbob57

Depending on the date, time, and location, I'd join. I am, however, a slow rider, so it would have to NOT be a no-drop ride for me to participate.

Road Fan

Last year a member from the Ann Arbor area and a few others set up a similar ride in the area Nw of Ann Arbor, MI. It was a great experience, with known and unknown folks, great bikes to look at and talk about, and a relaxing lunch out in a great back yard.

I'm very interested! I may stay over in Evanston and visit some family.

76SLT 

I'm in.

KAH

Depending on the date and time I'd do my best to attend. My ride would be considered somewhat modest by the standards of this forum but it’s Eroica compliant if I switch out the clipless pedals. I would be fine with any distance surface or speed if the weather is good.

smontanaro 

I'm interested. If there is going to be a fair bit of gravel, I'd just ride my Eisentraut (32mm Gravel Kings and fenders). Got a date in mind?

beech333

I might be. It would depend heavily on the temperature. My AC is out and we are waiting an unknown amount of time for parts, so I am trying to only ride during cooler periods of the day, since I cannot cool down as easily as usual. (Yes, I am spoiled.)

What is the gravel route you are thinking of? Prairie Path? Danada?

jjhabbs 

Yes. But I'm going to have to find a good route other than the bike trail. The bike trail that goes right next to my Bike Garage is smooth gravel. I dont think everyone is going to want to ride on that on their vintage bicycle.
JJ

jjhabbs 

I was thinking the prairie path. but I think some may think its to "messy". What do you think?

JJ

jjhabbs 

Just an update for you all. I have to find a good route that I think everyone would like. We do have the Illinois prairie path that goes right next to the garage. It is very smooth but of course its crushed limestone. Ive ridden on it a few dozen times and my bike doesn't get trashed but I want to respect others that don't want to ride on that. I need to find a good route. I was thinking sometime in July. I know that I could put something together but it would go through a lot of residental. This is the Chicago suburbs. NOT the best as far as scenery is concerned. However I think a bunch of C&V'rs would care more about the bikes and possibly the food after the ride. LOL..

Can we have a vote?

Yeah or Nay on the crushed limestone Illinois prairie path?

JJ

smontanaro 

Illinois Prairie Path would be fine for me.

beech333

Hmm, I was regularly riding part of the prairie path about 12 years ago, but have not been back in a while. I will have to look into taking a ride that way in a couple weeks.

How are the trails right now? I remember taking a branch shortly after they put down gravel one time and it was rough with narrow-ish tires. I think it was the only non-crash time that I had to throw in the towel and call my wife for a pickup.

When the trail is compacted, it was enjoyable with even narrow tires.

plonz 

I’m 3.5 hours away in Grand Rapids and can always use a reason to visit family in Chicago. Totally date dependent so put me in the maybe column.

old's'cool

Years ago, when I was temporarily quartered at the north end of Naperville near Warrenville, I regularly rode the Prairie Path all the way to downtown Aurora on my road bikes and didn't have any issues with it. Mostly smoother than the disgraceful paved roads around here.

Spaghetti Legs 

Depending on timing, I would consider as I have in laws in Lake Bluff. I’d suggest picking a route that is safest for social riding, and usually flat dirt and gravel fits for that. Other than museum quality bikes, riding an old bike shouldn’t be an issue. Odds of dinging up a paint job are low until you start talking about fast riding on chunky rocks. Other than that it’s just cleanup and lube job afterwards.

nomadmax 

I'd be a no on the crushed rock thing, at least for my good stuff. That said, it wouldn't prevent me from going if my schedule would cooperate.

steelbikeguy

I'd probably bring my Borthwick, which is a custom fillet brazed frame built by a fellow in Iowa in 1989. It doesn't mind a bit of abuse now and then.
It's at the other end of the spectrum from the Hetchins that I brought last time... very simple and unadorned.



Steve in Peoria

smontanaro 

Kinda off-topic for the thread, but it seems we have more potholes than usual this year. I was doing a pretty typical (for me) ride from Evanston to Lake Bluff today and thought I should just get some darn hi-vis paint and highlight all the potholes. They are particularly hard to see while wearing sunglasses going in and out of the dappled shade from the trees.

KAH

I’m a Yeah on the crushed limestone. I think Spaghetti’s idea of the route that is safest for social riding it a good one.

If the day works for me my plus one will be “Tina” so named for her vintage patina. She’s shod with some old 28mm Rubino’s that have seen a good deal of gravel already (ya she deserves gum walls).


I've done the crushed limestone I&M Cannel Trail from Romeoville to Lockport and found it a bit dusty but easy going I imagine Naperville’s Limestone would be similar.

djm323

jj:

Had a great time on your previous ride and shindig. I generally avoid the IPP on road bikes, but most of it should be fine, especially with my newly-installed fat 28s (well, 25.5 mm measured), although there are occasional soft spots. Only caveat is that it could be pretty messy if we get a thunderstorm a couple days prior to the ride.

:djm

jjhabbs 

I just rode a large portion of the trail today. It was fine. The only thing is if it rains the day before there might be a messy spot or two. Most of the lime is washed away and its very very smooth. Let me put some dates together. If I decide to do it I will start a NEW thread. I know that will bug some of you but once the ride is official I think it will get the appropriate attention.

Thanks!

JJ

iab

Hey man. Did this happen? Did I miss this?