Plainfield, Illinois
These are the bike routes used by the Joliet Bicycle Club for their 4th of July ride. Distances are 30 miles, 45 miles, and 61 miles. The rides start from Plainfield High School.
Directions:
- Take I-55 out of Chicago towards Joliet
- Exit Route 30 West to Plainfield
- When Rt. 30 joins Route 59 (T intersection), turn Left (South) on Rt. 59
- At the first traffic light, Ft. Beggs Drive, turn Right
- Park in the High School Parking Lot
A few things about these rides:
- It's flat, country roads. They are generally lightly traveled, with the exception of County Line Road on the way back.
- There are orange pavement markers at most intersections showing you which way to go. However, some of these may be faded or covered with dirt/gravel. Take the map; don't depend solely on the markers.
- It can be HOT. Other than a convenience store near the beginning, there isn't anywhere to stop for refreshment on the 30 and 45 miles course (I haven't done the 61, so can't comment on it).
- The Luthern Church on Bell road is a good place to leave water bottles, extra gels, etc. It's half way on the 30 mile ride (the turn around point), at miles 15 and 30 of the 45 mile ride, and at miles 15, 30, and 45 of the 61 mile ride. If you have two cars, you could leave one there with supplies. Alternatively, you could stash some stuff in the bushes beside the church.
Plainfield Bike Map and Course Description
PDF file
