It's official! We are moving to the Chicago burbs!

[ASammy1]

I got a job offer in one of the NW burbs and start April 19th. How's the cycling in that part of the country?

[Thorn]

Continue waiting for the real Chicago-ites to respond, but I believe that flatter than flat applies :) I hear that people from that area come into the Wisconsin counties of Racine/Kenosha to get hills--two of the flattest counties in the state.

But, if you don't get a reply here, try posting for info over at Bike Forums Great Lakes ( http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?233-Great-Lakes ). It is on-again; off-again active, almost everyone seems to be from the Chicago suburbs and the guys are not uber-testosterone laden so it is a safe place to play.

For non-racing info, Mike Bentley's site has been very good ( http://www.mikebentley.com/bike/mwrides.htm )

[radicalrye]

When you move you should most definitely come up to Wisco for some riding. We have some nice rolling hills here instead of flat land everywhere :)

There is a pretty great bike scene in the Chicago area. I'm sure it won't be too hard to find people to ride with. A lot of races take place there and you'll probably end up meeting people from the Milwaukee, Madison, and even the Minneapolis areas. Lots of mid-westerners are willing to travel for events.

A lot of awesome brands and companies were started here in the MW like Trek, Saris, QBP, Surly, Waterford, All City, Cars Are Coffins, the list is pretty long. So watch out for any galas, trade shows, events...cyclocross is pretty raging here if you like that at all. Even if you don't race there are some pretty wild times even as a spectator.

Hope you'll enjoy your new city!

[kjb]

Chicago is awesome for biking! There are tons of trails, good bike lanes, lots of shops, clubs and organized rides.

Check out these links for more info on Chi and IL biking (and pm me if you have questions)

http://www.activetrans.org/
http://www.chicagobikes.org/index.php
http://www.bikelib.org/
http://www.fpdcc.com/tier3.php?content_id=68&file=map_68e

Katie

[Bike Chick]

Hey there! I'm on the opposite end of the state (where the hills are) but my son lives up your way and we bike in Wisconsin a lot. It is very flat in the burbs and further south as well but you do have some beautiful riding just north of you in Wisconsin.

There are several Chicago gals in here and they can give you a lot better idea. Welcome to Illinois!

[ASammy1]

Thanks everyone! We are excited about the move and looking forward to some new scenery :D

[Bike Chick]

The League of Illinois Bicyclists site (www.bikelib.org) is a great resource that offers bicycling maps of Illinois. I think you can pick these up at any Secretary of State Office and most bike shops too. They will be a great help to you.