O'Hare International loop

This route is classified as a "difficult" touring bicycle ride and requires a very good fitness level. It's an 89.8 km (55.8 mi) loop, best suited for experienced cyclists due to its length and some potentially challenging sections where you might need to push your bike.

The O'Hare International loop primarily features paved surfaces. However, despite being mostly paved, some segments may be unpaved or more challenging, potentially requiring you to push your bike. This contributes to its 'difficult' rating.

The O'Hare International loop is estimated to take around 5 hours and 10 minutes to complete for an experienced touring cyclist, covering its 89.8 km (55.8 mi) distance and 174.5 meters (558 feet) of elevation gain.

Along the route, you'll encounter a mix of urban and suburban landscapes. Notable highlights include the Skokie North Shore Sculpture Park, the White Female Figure Statue at Ronan Park Sculpture Garden, and natural areas like The Preserve at Oak Meadows (Salt Creek Trail) and Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods).

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several other trails. You'll ride along parts of the Salt Creek Trail, Red Paved Loop, North Shore Channel Trail, Des Plaines River Trail, and Busse Forest Trails Red Paved, among others.

While specific rules for the entire loop aren't uniform, many of the forest preserves and trails it passes through, such as Busse Woods and sections of the Des Plaines River Trail, generally allow dogs on leash. Always check local regulations for each specific segment you plan to ride with your dog.

The best time to cycle this loop is typically during the spring or fall when temperatures are milder. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter often brings snow and ice, making cycling challenging or impossible on some sections.

Generally, you do not need specific permits or pay entrance fees to cycle the public trails and roads that make up the O'Hare International loop. However, it's always a good idea to check the websites of the individual forest preserves or park districts for any updated regulations or special event fees.

Given the loop's length and starting point in Evanston, you could look for parking near the North Shore Channel Trail access points in Evanston. Alternatively, parking is available at various forest preserves along the route, such as Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods), which offers convenient access to parts of the loop.

Yes, as the route passes through urban and suburban areas like Evanston and near O'Hare, you'll find various cafes, restaurants, and convenience stores. It's advisable to carry sufficient water and snacks, especially for the longer stretches between towns or amenities.

For this long and difficult ride, pack essentials like plenty of water, energy snacks, a repair kit (spare tube, pump, tire levers), a first-aid kit, and appropriate cycling attire for the weather. Given its length, a fully charged phone and navigation device are also highly recommended.