Well, we had a pretty nice day for riding here in Chicagoland today and I just got back from riding the entire Paul Douglas Bike Trail and the connecting Crabtree Bike Trail.
I was about to write how there were no problems at all on either of the trails until I got to the very end (last 1/4 mile) of the Crabtree Trail (the northern end). There is one little section that is under construction and the sign says for 2 weeks. It’s really no big deal and it is passable too if you want to get out to the parking area off of Palatine Road.
Anway, as for the Paul Douglas Bike Trail, the entire trail is open and there are no problems. Even the one section that has flooded occasionally (on the west end of Paul Douglas) was clear and dry.
There were some puddles and wet places and my legs got a light spray of water as I rode by (I didn’t slow down much from average of about 13 mph so if you slowed down more you would stay completely dry).
I was glad to see that there was no flooding on the west side of Paul Douglas like there was in the past (see the Paul Douglas Trail flooding page) even though it is still pretty wet out there. Of course we are supposed to get some big storms tomorrow so we’ll see if it stays clear and dry. I am pretty optimistic.
My favorite part of this trail remains the loop around Paul Douglas (skipping the part along Algonquin Road) but the little strip that goes into the Crabtree preserve (about 1 mile) is very nice too. The Paul Douglas loop is about 7 miles (counting the part along Algonquin Road).
Well, it was great to get out there today and the Paul Douglas Trail is still a great place to ride. If anyone has any updates, please let me know or post a reply if you like.
Later, Rob.
Well I have been out riding quite a few more times since this original post but just on the local trails so far this year.
Tonight was in the 80s and I only had time for my shorter route which I do in the north east part on Inverness (between Roselle and Ela and Palatine Road and Algonquin) rather than my longer route in the Paul Douglas forest preserve.
I don’t have as many bike miles this year (so far) as I have in the previous few years by this time (I keep track of everything!) but I have been riding at a pretty decent pace this year which feels really good.
More later..
I just rode the Paul Douglas trail and there is currently no flooding or construction, etc.
It has been very wet though and a few days ago the usual part (on the Huntington/Freeman road side) was flooded once again. It was about 2 to 3 inches deep for about 8 or 10 feet. It was not a problem to ride through but if you were walking, jogging or maybe even rollerblading it would be an obstical.
I’ve jut been out to the Paul Douglas Bike trail a couple of times this week and all is clear. They even finished mowing the shoulders of the trail so it has a wider cleaner feel to it.
Just a quick update on the Paul Douglas Bike Trail. I was actually able to get out for a ride today (not bad for 11/21) and did the Paul Douglas Bike Trail loop (excluding the strip along Algonquin Road from Roselle to Ela) and I thought I would post an update on the conditions.
The trail is clear except for quite a few sticks and leaves that you need to watch out for plus there is one dead tree that fell down and is covering one lane on the trail.
The downed tree is just east of the Grassy Ridge Meadow entrance (the forest preserve parking area) in the wooded area along Central. The tree only covers one lane so it is easy to get around but it could catch you by surprise if you are not aware of it (or not paying attention).
I actually tried to move it out of the way but it was too heavy for me to move. We’ll just have to wait for the Forest Preserve people to move it or cut it (or for someone stronger to give it a try!).
One other note on this same topic. Since it is fall, i saw 3 deer along the trail today and was actually able to get really close before they ran off. One of them had a full rack which was pretty impressive.