I have heard rumor of a race happening in this area this fall. Can anyone tell me about the trails in the area? Maybe a link to more info? I have driven through numerous times in I39...it looks beutiful, but I have not strayed from the interstate. Thanks ahead.
there are only two riding spots in this general area that I know about. they've recently opened up some trails in mattheissen state park to bikes again but I think its a pretty uneasy peace between the cyclists and equestrians so I don't think bikes are allowed on most of the trails. thers also caitlin park over closer to ottawa. I've never been myself but I've read some encouraging things. these are nice enough parks but I'm not sure how far out of my way I'd go depending on what you have closer to home. if there are plans to host races its news to me.
I have heard rumor of a race happening in this area this fall. Can anyone tell me about the trails in the area? Maybe a link to more info? I have driven through numerous times in I39...it looks beautiful, but I have not strayed from the interstate. Thanks ahead.
You have heard correctly. The Illinois Valley Cycling Association has been improving and building trails in Matthiessen State Park since last summer. A few of us from the QC went over last fall to lend a hand, and they definitely have a nice spot with great potential. They are a good group of guys and have very good support from the park rangers. I encourage anyone in the area to support their efforts.
Their Matthiessen Mountain Madness XC Race is scheduled for October 18th. Though not part of the I74 Series, there will be strong support from the I74 Clubs to help them make their race a success.
From their website: We are working at the park to create, enhance and preserve great trails experiences for not just cyclists but hikers and equestrians alike. These are your trails; we hope you will help us take care of them. Share some of your sweat equity and join us at our next trail care day.
Which direction are you headed on I-39? Rock Cut is in Rockford to the north, and there's a lot of great riding in the Peoria area.
I grew up not too far from the area you're talking about and there are a lot of great potential riding areas from parks and land all along the Vermillion and Illinois rivers. Unfortunatly cycling hasn't always been big in that neck of the woods. Sounds like that may be changing though
Thanks for the info...I will definately check out the trails in Matthiessen Park next time I stroll through. Jazn - LOVE the trails in Rock Cut state park, havent made it to Peoria yet but plan to this summer.
The bike trails at Matthiessen are multi use trails. It is a state park filled with hikers and also horses on every trail. Bikes yield to all other users on these trails, so it is constant stopping and getting off the trail for the hikers and horses. I rode here a few times and don't like it much, so I am back to riding my favorite spots up north.
Last post wasn't entirely true. There is a good working relationship and I've not run into horses that much on the trails. You may have to stop but i'd say the trails are much better and more organized than most in the area. Shorter loop but with large elevation changes and a ton of work has been put in to maintain the trails for bikers. come on out for the race on May, 1st 2011, see for yourself.
My post was totally true. There are hikers all over the trails and you have to stop for them with there dogs on or off leash. This is a big hiking and birding park, and the mountain bike trails are on original horse trails. EVERY TIME Ive been there, I have had to get off my bike every 500 feet or so. Also had some near misses with hikers as well as horses. This is NOT a bike friendly park. Plus, one of my friends was hassled by a ranger last fall for a supposed encounter with an equestrian where he didn't yield and they complained. Good luck if you ride there!
to rivermac, i have rode at mattpark 20-30 times and i have only had to get off my bike a handful of times. yes their are hikers and horses but not many to where it makes your ride not enjoyable. on a roughly 7 mile loop, if you had to stop every 500 ft, do you realize how many hikers and horses would be on the trail? quit being so dramatic and ride your bike.
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