Where can you live in this world and go from strictly urban to forest and wildlife in less than 10 minutes?

Why, Chicago of course, and what a wonderful Chicago it is!

We all know that Mayor Daley is an avid proponent of biking as his Mayor’s Message makes clear:

“As part of our effort to make Chicago the most environmentally friendly big city in the nation, one of our main goals is to promote environmentally friendly lifestyles. Bicycling is a great way to get around Chicago. It’s fun, fast, healthy and good for our environment. We want to make Chicago the most bicycle-friendly city in the United States. We have an ambitious, multi-million dollar program to establish 25 miles of new bike lanes and 200 miles of signed routes and to install 2500 bike racks. Major improvements to the Lakefront Trail are underway, with new bike paths to be built at other locations.” - City of Chicago Website

Combine the City’s (and Mayor’s) affinity for biking, and the fantastic green space the Cook County Forest Preserve provides one heck of a playground for biking enjoyment.

One of my favorite places to bike is North Branch Trail.The trail is all paved so it is perfect for road bikes like mine. The trail starts at Caldwell and Devon Avenues in Chicago, and continues north approximately twenty (20) miles to Lake County, Illinois. It winds along the North Branch of the Chicago River and the Skokie Lagoons, providing access to various picnic groves, golf courses and also the Chicago Botanic Garden. The trail is full of wildlife and flora, from deer (it is unusual for me NOT to see deer on a ride) to butterflies to bunnies, and from wetlands to prairies to lush forest.

It is a perfect place to get away from the City and enjoy a little exercise in an absolutely beautiful setting!

For more information contact me by visiting my website or call 312-264-5864.

Posted by: Connie Engel.