Palatine, Des Plaines & Elgin loop from Barrington

This loop is rated as a moderate road ride. It covers approximately 109 kilometers (67.7 miles) with about 393 meters (1,280 feet) of elevation gain, so a good level of fitness is recommended. While there are some climbs, they are not exceptionally challenging for a fit cyclist.

The route features mostly well-paved surfaces, making it suitable for road bikes. However, sections that might incorporate parts of the Palatine Trail or Des Plaines River Trail could introduce some variation. The Des Plaines River Trail, if included, is predominantly unpaved but well-graded, and tires of 32mm or larger are recommended for optimal comfort on those sections.

You'll experience diverse scenery, including wooded areas, golf courses, parks, and lakes. Notable highlights along the way include the Eastern Bluebird at Grassy Lake Forest Preserve, the Palatine Bike Trail Wooden Bridge, and views of the Des Plaines River and Fox River. If the route incorporates the Des Plaines River Trail, expect serene natural escapes through forest preserves with oak forests, meadows, prairies, and wetlands.

The route offers scenic beauty in all seasons, particularly if it includes the Des Plaines River Trail. Spring and fall generally provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage, while summer is also great for cycling. Always check local weather conditions before you head out.

While specific parking areas for this exact loop are not detailed, Barrington and the surrounding towns (Palatine, Des Plaines, Elgin) offer various public parking options near trailheads or town centers that could serve as starting points. It's advisable to research parking availability at your chosen starting location.

Generally, no specific permits or fees are required to cycle on public trails and roads in this area. However, always be aware of any local regulations or specific park rules if you plan to stop or deviate into forest preserves or other managed areas.

This is primarily a road cycling route. While dogs are generally allowed on leash in many forest preserves and parks, bringing a dog on a 109 km racebike loop might not be practical or safe for the animal. If you plan to bring a dog, ensure they are comfortable with long distances and check specific rules for any trails or parks you might enter.

Yes, the route passes through sections of several official trails, including the Palatine Bike Trail, Fox River Trail, and the Des Plaines River Trail. You might also encounter parts of the Arlington Heights Bikeways and the Schaumburg Bicycle Network.

Given its distance of nearly 109 kilometers and moderate difficulty, this loop is generally not recommended for young children or casual family rides. It's better suited for experienced cyclists looking for a longer road ride. However, shorter, family-friendly sections of trails like the Palatine Bike Trail or Des Plaines River Trail could be explored separately.

The loop passes through several towns, including Palatine, Des Plaines, and Elgin. These towns offer various opportunities for cafes, restaurants, and convenience stores where you can refuel and take a break. Planning your stops in advance is a good idea for a ride of this length.

Public transportation options like Metra commuter rail serve some of the towns along or near the route, such as Barrington, Palatine, and Elgin. Metra typically allows bikes on trains during off-peak hours. Check Metra's official website for their current bike policies and schedules to plan your access.