Cycling the Grand Illinois Loop

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  • Опубліковано 26 гру 2023
  • The Grand lllinois Loop is an 535 mile bicycle route in northern Illinois from the Chicagoland area out to the Mississippi River and back again. The route follows mostly bike path, either rail-trail or canal towpath. But some of the route is on paved roads shared by cars. Most of these roads are quiet back country roads with light traffic. I started in the Western Suburbs in the town of Carol Stream, right next to the Great Western Trail. From there I rode west to find the Fox River Trail and followed it north to McHenry. I then cycled west through northern Illinois farm country on my way through Rockford and Freeport and into the Illinois Driftless Area. This hilly section goes past the Apple River Canyon area to Galena in the northeast corner of Illinois. Galena is on the Mississippi River so I followed it south through Savanna where I jumped on the Great River Trail all the way to the Quad Cities. South and East of the Quad Cities I picked up the Hennepin Canal Towpath near Colona and followed it to the Illinois River. There was a short section of road riding through LaSalle-Peru to connect up with the I&M Canal Towpath. The I&M took me all the way back to Joliet and Chicago to complete the Loop. What a grand adventure right off the front porch of the Chicagoland area accessible to millions of local residents.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 249

  • @mattf4357
    @mattf4357 6 місяців тому +17

    Another great video Paul. Thanks to you, I completed my first bikepacking adventure last summer. Pittsburgh to Cumberland. It was a lot of fun and I used your video for some help on the trail. Keep up the great work!

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +2

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. The GAP is a great trail. The C&O is also cool. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @randygravel2057
    @randygravel2057 6 місяців тому +3

    I love the way he talks/narrates. Like he’d punch ya in the face if you weren’t out riding your bike enough. 👋

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      LOL!! I'm also a HS wrestling coach. Maybe that's where it comes from. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!😎

    • @randygravel2057
      @randygravel2057 6 місяців тому

      @@paulsuchecki3985 Your vids motivate me to get back on the bike (and go to do one of your trips).

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      @@randygravel2057 Cool. It's working then.

  • @paulcheng5752
    @paulcheng5752 6 місяців тому +1

    Hi Paul, thanks for wearing helmet on bike tours. You are setting a good example to us .

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +2

      I've had some close calls recently. Finally found a comfortable helmet. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @geoffreyhoney122
    @geoffreyhoney122 6 місяців тому +2

    Darn it all anyway Paul! You're goin' ta get me across the border with these cool trails and especially the tow paths! Had to scratch my head thought when you used the name of my nation's capital! So we share an Ottawa after all. Thanks for showing people that you can tour in October if you hurry & do shorter sections! I did a tour around this time too (our thanksgiving, which is way earlier than yours). Great footage and love the geographic lessons! Off to ride my bike now.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I hope to ride across Canada some day. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @Outrjs
    @Outrjs 2 дні тому

    Lucky blessed lucky blessed

  • @delkelso
    @delkelso 6 місяців тому +3

    Paul, another great video. love the hand drawn maps and the drone shots really add a lot of context. excellent job! thanks!

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Glad you like them! Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @TrailoFire
    @TrailoFire 6 місяців тому +1

    Ah man I was so busy before Christmas I somehow missed the notification for this video. Me and my son watch all your videos and he wants to bike tour with me someday. Thanks for sharing bro, Godbless

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  4 місяці тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it! Sorry about the slow response. Happy Holidays. God bless you as well. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @breakheartdan
    @breakheartdan 6 місяців тому +3

    Hey Paul, that looks like a great route. I like how you give a brief history of the area you’re traveling through.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @eluthriastarise1770
    @eluthriastarise1770 6 місяців тому +1

    As many others have said, also love the narration and backstories to these small towns. With such spectacular visuals though, does anyone else feel like the background music detracts from the experience rather than enhances it?

    • @Raycursion
      @Raycursion 6 місяців тому

      ☝🏼The sound of gravel riding would be sweet, especially in the helmet & selfie stick shots!

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Thanks for the feed back as well. Others have made similar comments. Stay safe and ride on!!

    • @stringbanger54
      @stringbanger54 4 місяці тому

      I like the music.

  • @siemenz1225
    @siemenz1225 6 місяців тому +1

    Paul's riding is full of style and elegance. Thank you for the inspiration and Happy New Year and Happy riding! 🎉🎉🎉

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks so much. I really appreciate it. have a great 2024. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!😎

  • @joeciezkowski277
    @joeciezkowski277 6 місяців тому

    Just started following your videos a few months ago, and I love them! Keep riding! Keep posting!

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +1

      Welcome aboard! Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @coffeesocket2607
    @coffeesocket2607 6 місяців тому

    Great job with all the footage and editing! Thanks for sharing Paul. Always love the videos, appreciate all the work you put into making them! Putting lots of these routes on my bucket list :)

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Much appreciated! Thanks for watching. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @imstillhereileft7530
    @imstillhereileft7530 6 місяців тому

    On my bucket list this late spring, thanks 🙏🏼

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +1

      You should! Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!😎

  • @madiantin
    @madiantin 6 місяців тому

    What a great route! I'm glad to see you completely recovered!

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Mostly recovered. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @trailcamcycling
    @trailcamcycling 4 місяці тому

    Last summer I did a 2 day trip from McHenry to Rockford and back. I stayed at Rock Cut state park it was great! This summer I am planning to make it all the way to Galena and catch a ride back the other way. Very excited!

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  4 місяці тому +1

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it! I heard Rock Cut S.P. is a very cool place. I didn't camp on this trip. Between Freeport and Galena there are some good hills. Have a great ride. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @bikeyclown4669
    @bikeyclown4669 6 місяців тому

    Great video. Keep them coming. I enjoy the historical and geological information you share about these places.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @tonyorme6446
    @tonyorme6446 6 місяців тому

    Another great video…love watching your videos!

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @joeldejesus680
    @joeldejesus680 6 місяців тому

    Love your videos

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @brianbaker1192
    @brianbaker1192 19 днів тому

    Good info for tour planning here, and thanks for putting in the effort. Last August rode part of the way home from Ragbrai (only as far as Decatur Ill tho). Used the Hennepin and Rock Island Trails along with some nice rural roads. Much hotter then.

  • @adamzitzelberger3197
    @adamzitzelberger3197 6 місяців тому

    Youre the man Paul, another awesome video

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @joelweinberger3695
    @joelweinberger3695 6 місяців тому

    Thanks for showing more great riding in the Midwest. Ride on!

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @robertnelson6553
    @robertnelson6553 6 місяців тому

    Awesome video Paul. Your camera work is really good and you tell such great stories about places on the route. Big fan. Keep riding your bike and sharing your experiences with us.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @ztrumpet94
    @ztrumpet94 6 місяців тому

    I love all the maps! Makes it easy to understand the ride.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @MegaLap123
    @MegaLap123 6 місяців тому

    Another awesome video! Thank you for taking us along!!

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @trevorknowles7912
    @trevorknowles7912 6 місяців тому

    Another great one! Fun to watch with all the drone footage. Love how your maps have just enough info to follow your route. After surviving transam I'm working on my next cross country route through the north with as many rail/canal trails as possible.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @JPBVideo
    @JPBVideo 6 місяців тому

    What a treat to see a new post from my favorite cycling UA-camr this morning! Thanks again for your wonderful travelogues!

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +1

      You are too kind!! Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @sharibrodersen704
    @sharibrodersen704 6 місяців тому

    We're always pleased when we see you've posted something new. Another good one Paul, thanks.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @StevenMichael-py1wz
    @StevenMichael-py1wz 6 місяців тому

    Long Long Time Ago I Went Hiking With You In Southern Illinois With Burger. Great Video, Can't Wait To Watch More.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Hey Steve. How's it going? Didn't we see you at the bike expo at Harper College a few years ago? Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

    • @StevenMichael-py1wz
      @StevenMichael-py1wz 6 місяців тому

      Yes you did, sorry I didn't put 2n2 together. The detail in your videos is very good. Great information. Hope you're doing well and enjoy winter 2024.
      @@paulsuchecki3985

  • @JohnScislowicz-vs4tv
    @JohnScislowicz-vs4tv 6 місяців тому

    Thank Paul for all your videos, your a great motivator, now I have to go ride my bike😁

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Go for it! Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!😎

  • @markmartello
    @markmartello 6 місяців тому

    Thanks Paul. I'm putting that loop on my list for this spring.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +1

      Hope you enjoy it! It's a great ride. Thanks for watching. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @arniemejia
    @arniemejia 6 місяців тому

    Great narrative and video footage.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @Radoslaw731
    @Radoslaw731 6 місяців тому

    Love your videos Paul😊

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!😎

  • @thiskewlchick
    @thiskewlchick 6 місяців тому

    Another fun one! Thanks for taking us along Paul.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @Bikepacking_sa
    @Bikepacking_sa Місяць тому

    Hallo, Paul. New subscriber here.
    Love your narration. Greetings from Cape Town, South Africa.
    Cheers, Tony

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  Місяць тому +1

      Welcome aboard! Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Greetings from the USA. Stay safe and ride on!

  • @kmccarr
    @kmccarr 6 місяців тому

    Glad to see you sticking mainly to trails and wearing a helmet. Always a good idea. Maybe a little more challenging finding routes but you are doing a great job on your adventures. Have a happy and safe New Year Paul.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I had a few close calls recently so I invested in a comfortable helmet. Have a great 2024. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @tubesockets120v
    @tubesockets120v 6 місяців тому

    You sir are a gem 💎 master at finding these routes and biking adventures. Yours is the only biking video on UA-cam about this loop trail.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +1

      Thanks. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!😎

  • @dtbrooks7325
    @dtbrooks7325 6 місяців тому

    Great video, well done. I'll put it on my wish list.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. It's a great ride. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @markbrown2615
    @markbrown2615 6 місяців тому

    I never knew this existed. I know there are lots of rail trails in Illinois but a loop makes logistics easier- so you’ve inspired me to map this out based on your trip. Another great video of course. Well done 👏

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!😎

  • @marcosw6893
    @marcosw6893 6 місяців тому

    Great, as always! 🚴🏼🍺

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks again! I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @reeceholmes8546
    @reeceholmes8546 6 місяців тому

    thanks Paul, you and your family have a great 2024, great stuff

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +1

      Same to you! Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @madisondeans5566
    @madisondeans5566 6 місяців тому

    Alway's an interesting route that you choose! Thanx for the ride Paul! Can't wait for spring!

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I'm looking forward to spring also. Bitter cold here right now!! Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @donaldnelson9174
    @donaldnelson9174 6 місяців тому

    Great video Paul! I rode this route clockwise starting in Rockford over 2 long weekends this past summer. Riding the GIT was my introduction to bike touring and I love it.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +1

      Very cool! It's a great trail. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @killtheradio2999
    @killtheradio2999 6 місяців тому

    Amazing video......I sent a message to a couple pages about riding the trail next summer.....I live in Rockford and a bunch of us are into bike culture, smoking, grilling meat under the stars and just hanging out......thank you so much for the inspiration

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. It's a great loop. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @michaelzimmerman2859
    @michaelzimmerman2859 6 місяців тому

    Great video! Glad I found your channel. Ride on!

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +1

      Welcome aboard! Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @shane4176
    @shane4176 6 місяців тому

    Great ride and wonderful video!

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @JohnStahl
    @JohnStahl 6 місяців тому

    Great to see you are enjoying your retirement!

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!😎

  • @dog-so1vj
    @dog-so1vj 6 місяців тому

    Awesome. Thanks for sharing. I'm on a bike tour this week myself.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @TerryW5379
    @TerryW5379 6 місяців тому

    Entertaining video with exceptional drone footage. I had no idea of those trails. Thanks Paul

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @diligentsun1154
    @diligentsun1154 6 місяців тому

    Looks like a Good Time!

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      It's a great ride. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @verlinrice9955
    @verlinrice9955 6 місяців тому

    Thanks Paul for bringing us along on this great historical view of Northern Illinois. The video was inspiring. 😂😊

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!😎

  • @michaelduy9055
    @michaelduy9055 6 місяців тому

    Nice video. I've ridden some of what you showed. The loop looks like a fantastic trip.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. It's a nice loop from Chicago to the Mississippi. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a
    @DavidBuyakCessna172GPiperJ5a 6 місяців тому

    Paul, thanks for this and your other videos, my wife & I enjoy them very much….so much that we biked the Erie Canal this summer and had a BLAST.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Sounds great! Erie Canal is a great trail. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @janetalcott-rt2ie
    @janetalcott-rt2ie 6 місяців тому

    Thanks Paul for letting us ride along with you

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      My pleasure!! Thanks for watching. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @johngorentz6409
    @johngorentz6409 6 місяців тому

    I haven't ridden any of that since 2019, when I revisited some of the Apple River country. Your video reminds me that it's time to go back.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @BikeBuddiesCrew
    @BikeBuddiesCrew 5 місяців тому

    Thanks for the inspiration, Paul. Great video. I hope to take my pups pedaling in Illinois one day.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  4 місяці тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it! Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @stefanomigliuolo3468
    @stefanomigliuolo3468 6 місяців тому

    I bicycled from Rockport to Galena, and then across the Mississippi, in 2018. This part of Illinois is very beautiful. A thunderstorm caught me just east of Galena, on the top of a hill with no cover. I was soaked! Enjoyed the video - brought back memories….

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      That's a hilly section. Vey scenic. Galena is a cool old town. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @thomashughes_teh
    @thomashughes_teh 6 місяців тому

    You're a man after my own heart Paul. After discovering the Hennepin Canal on a motorized cross country trip I knew I had to cycle it. I saw most of it on a long midsummer weekend in 2002. It's on my list of highly recommended rides.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. It's a great loop. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @philcurless8675
    @philcurless8675 6 місяців тому

    I live one mile from the Hennepin path, love going to and past Geneseo often. Our Mississippi Valley path and bridges are awesome too. Great video.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. What a great resource. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @bly2083
    @bly2083 6 місяців тому

    I've ridden many of these trails but never did the loop like that. Great video. I lived in Morris, IL and rode the I & M all the time.
    We did a trip like this in 2013 along the Katy Trail in Missouri from Clinton to St Charles, MO. What a great adventure!

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Very cool! Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I stopped in Morris for lunch on my last day before Joliet. What a cool town on the Illinois River. I love a trail that follows a river. The Katy trail follows the Missouri River. Another great ride. Thanks again. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @billelliott2374
    @billelliott2374 6 місяців тому

    Another great video. I'm enjoying my retirement watching you in retirement 😂. Wave at every school bus. Thanks for packing that drone- nice video work. Camping not always available, nice to get dryed off too. Thank you for sharing.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Always wave at the school buses. Stay safe and ride on!!😎

  • @carolhub8080
    @carolhub8080 6 місяців тому

    Well done, first video of yours that I’ve seen but not likely to be my last. I live in west central Illinois so I figured your video would about Chicago, not my favorite place, but was pleased it was in the most beautiful parts of Northern Illinois. Thanks! Enjoy and keep bikin’!

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Once you get out of the big city, Illinois has some great places to ride. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @regbillings4955
    @regbillings4955 4 місяці тому

    Great video Paul, i really enjoyed watching your bicycle adventure. I love doing the Rail Trails here in Ontario Canada. They are a blast. I love your bike set up, looks great sir :) A day off we call a Zero Day :)

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  4 місяці тому +1

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to ride in Canada some day. Tomorrow's Monday, I'm taking a zero day! LOL!! Stay safe and ride on!!😎

  • @tstillwell386m
    @tstillwell386m 6 місяців тому

    Great video! I need to look at this loop. The Hennepin Canal is one of my favorite trails to ride. I try to ride it 3 or 4 times a year.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      It's a great ride. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @amylipkin2116
    @amylipkin2116 6 місяців тому

    I love this video. Last May I vacationed in Galena,IL. I rode some of what you rode on. Those hills are no joke! I had a hard time walking up them!! You, my friend, are a BEAST!! Keep pedaling...

    • @joelitman6024
      @joelitman6024 6 місяців тому

      Moved out of Chicago in 1989. Wish they had this route then.
      Have relatives in Mermet Illinois north of Metropolis

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      That is awesome! Thanks for watching. I walked up most of the steep ones. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @neal99
    @neal99 6 місяців тому

    Nice video, I've lived in Lake in the Hills and rode the trail from McHenry all over the Fox River bike trail to downtown Chicago, now I live in Savanna and ride the Great River bike trail all the way to the Quad Cities got half the loop completed nice footage of the Palisades a lot of familiar places in your video love it

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Very cool! It's a great place to ride. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @Taduuuu
    @Taduuuu 6 місяців тому

    Wow that video had to take some time to make ! Very detailed Thankyou

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @glk1107ify
    @glk1107ify 5 місяців тому

    Great video! Excellent editing! Thanks for showcasing IL, i'm a downstater!!

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  4 місяці тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it! Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @UnhingedHarry
    @UnhingedHarry 6 місяців тому

    Great ride and always good to see a river that has been "loved to death by modern development".
    I think I go ride my bike and check out some of it here.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. It's a great ride. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @FloridaEbikes
    @FloridaEbikes 6 місяців тому

    🙏 Happy New Year 🍊

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Have a great 2024. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @frankducett9
    @frankducett9 6 місяців тому

    Very nteresting and informative, while still being very entertaining, therefore encouraging.
    Your students certainly must remember you.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  4 місяці тому +1

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it! Sorry about the slow response. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @michaelklein7105
    @michaelklein7105 6 місяців тому

    Hey Paul,
    Nice vid! I've logged many miles along the I&M Canal throughout the years. I've put a few miles on the Henapen and the Fox River trails. I have wanted to create a route and leave by bicycle directly from my house in Chicago, but I just don't have the time to do a 500-mile trek. I will have to keep the rides on the short till I retire. However, I will explore the segments you have shown in this video, and this trail route is on my bucket list.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. It's a great loop ride. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @braxtonperry1981
    @braxtonperry1981 6 місяців тому

    Always a Great Paul :⁠-⁠)

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @Kishashoe
    @Kishashoe 5 місяців тому

    Mr. Suchecki (Sazuki 😂)! I hope you remember me as your favorite student at JCHS... ! Anyways, I didn't know you were doing this! My husband and I started bike touring! You actually went through our hometown when you did the Great IL Loop. We live in Geneseo.
    You should look into doing Ragbrai! It's the oldest, longest bike ride across Iowa. We are doing our first this year! Keep it up! I love watching!

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  5 місяців тому

      No way! How cool is that. Hey Kishashoe. Of course I remember, and yes you were definitely one of my favorite students. I hope all is well with you. So you like to bike tour? I've been doing this forever. Just started UA-cam a couple of years ago. I went right through your town last summer. Do you ride the Hennepin Canal? It's a great trail, hooks up with other cool trails. I've never done Ragbrai, but it's always been on my list. Maybe next year. Thanks for the shout, hope to see you down the trail.
      PS... Thank you again. Just a suggestion, please edit this post and scramble (or delete) your maiden name. Just in case. I got ya. So cool! 😁

  • @SummeRulz
    @SummeRulz 6 місяців тому

    Shredding those trails

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @bikebob66
    @bikebob66 6 місяців тому

    Right in my backyard! ok maybe not right in my backyard but not too far from Chicago where I live!

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +1

      That's why it a great loop. So close to so many people, but takes you away from the city. Thanks for watching. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @davidkuntz4142
    @davidkuntz4142 6 місяців тому

    I grew up near the Prairie Path. I've done various pieces of the Grand Illinois Loop over the years. Favorite is near Fox River. Still need to do the Hennepin.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. It's a great loop. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @bruceperry1408
    @bruceperry1408 2 місяці тому

    I was one of original test riders and glad to see your promotion.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  Місяць тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. It's a great trail Thanks. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!

    • @bruceperry1408
      @bruceperry1408 Місяць тому

      I should have said I was not the first route explores but rode as it was being formalized.

  • @wolfgangweber9924
    @wolfgangweber9924 6 місяців тому

    Cool loop and excellent video. I have been to quite a few places you featured here. However, not on bike (I am the only one in the family who is interested in biking). Driving through the Palisades Park for example I imagined to be on bike. Some day, though.....

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. The Palisades Park is one of my favorits places along the river. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @ciliciaann3504
    @ciliciaann3504 6 місяців тому

    Thank you Paul for another great video. I live in Johnsburg just northeast of Mchenry and I can't find the Brookside Trail Park, for the life of me. 🤷‍♀I found an address but it's Fort Mchenry Park across from the IHOP.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I followed the Prairie Path right trough McHenry. I think it goes through Brookside Park. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @bertilpersson2142
    @bertilpersson2142 6 місяців тому

    Thank you Paul awesome. You went down the hill, I went for the brakes. lol 😂 😊👍

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!! 😎

  • @stevemelton966
    @stevemelton966 6 місяців тому

    this was a really good video. I bike tour on a folding bike with 35 lb of gear. I can fit the folding bike in a small experimental airplane and reach out. I rode the Keweenaw peninsula last summer. a great trip but shallow road shoulders. not for your wife, but I enjoyed it. amazing scenery.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Sounds like a great trip. Thanks for watching. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @kenmcclow8963
    @kenmcclow8963 6 місяців тому

    I grew up riding the Prairie Path in the 70’s and 80’s and have been thinking about moving back to Illinois. There are definitely a lot more trails now

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      I think you're right. They've built more bike paths since the 80s. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @gustyattaway6419
    @gustyattaway6419 6 місяців тому

    great video,enjoy your freedom from teaching

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks so much. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @HikingWithShawn
    @HikingWithShawn 6 місяців тому +1

    Great video, as always, Paul. I signed up for the Dirty South (half) here in southern Illinois. It's a gravel race, but I'm not doing it to compete. I'm doing it to finish. 30 miles and 3,000+ feet of elevation gain. That LaRue Pine Hills area will be the fun part. Anyways, I'm going to buy myself a gravel bike at the end of January. It will be my first gravel bike. I just have a mountain bike and a road bike right now. I can't wait. I have a lot of gravel and bikepacking plans in mind. This trail could be possible for me, being so close to Metropolis and all. I'd imagine I could Amtrak to the starting point or at least close to it. Hope to see you on the trail one day!

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +1

      I looked it up. Full already. Not that I would ride in it, I'm not a racer. But I'd like to cover it. It'd make a great video. March 2, I think. LaRue Pine Hills is one of my favorite places. See you there. For the Grand Illinois Loop, one could take the Amtrak to Chicago and start and finish at Union Station. Amtrak has roll on service for bikes. Thanks again Shawn. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!😎

    • @HikingWithShawn
      @HikingWithShawn 6 місяців тому

      @@paulsuchecki3985 Nice. I broke down and bought be a gravel bike. It’s my first one. Should be a little easier in Dirty South and I hope to do some bikepacking too. I’m itching to ride it once this mess weather clears up!

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      @@HikingWithShawn Stay warm!

  • @marksadventures3889
    @marksadventures3889 6 місяців тому

    Brother you really get some miles in, that'll keep you very fit. I would be following those geese. I thought crazy weather was just a UK thing. We have canals over here; I use the towpaths for car free journeying but have to cover my mouth and nose or you end up eating kilos of flies and gnats and mozzies in summer and autumn/fall.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +1

      You got that right! Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @garyseckel295
    @garyseckel295 6 місяців тому

    Very much enjoyed that tour!
    FWIW: hearing aids here.
    Lower level of background music would make listening much easier for me.
    Lessened ability to separate narrative from background music.
    I DO actually, love the geese and other nature sounds.
    Thank you, Paul, for taking me with you on your tour!

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Sorry about the music. Thanks for the feedback. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @roamingscooterguy2786
    @roamingscooterguy2786 6 місяців тому

    Great videos as always... watching them has made me decide to get my bike set up for this spring... BTW what app or whatever do you use to plan your routes? I from S. Wis, might see you out there.....

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I usually just use paper maps, old school. On this last trip I found Google maps. The bike setting shows where all the bike paths are located. I love bike touring in Wisconsin. Thanks again. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @buzzman4860
    @buzzman4860 6 місяців тому

    👍

  • @freddixon
    @freddixon 6 місяців тому +1

    Great loop, I will have to try the route in 2024. I will most likely start and end in Chicago since I have to take the train there from MI.
    It looks like you are doing 'credit card' camping?
    Thanks for sharing your adventure and inspiring me to look forward to next year's rides ;

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +1

      Sounds great! Start at the train station in Chicago, head to the lakefront trail. Thanks for watching. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

    • @freddixon
      @freddixon 6 місяців тому

      Thank you Paul. You are an inspiration. @@paulsuchecki3985

  • @TheDNCatzGaming
    @TheDNCatzGaming 6 місяців тому

    Great stuff Paul! How long into the season do you usually plan to bike? Is the October/November time usually when you get your last longer ride in?

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. The Grand Illinois Loop was my last big ride for the season. Usually I have to stop in August and go back to work. Now that I'm retired I hope to start touring again in late April or early May. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @lonniestutler313
    @lonniestutler313 6 місяців тому

    Hi Paul, I'm inspired by your videos. I've cycled on and off all my life but never toured. Several years ago, I had a dbl bypass and found I could ride again. So I've got a long haul trucker. Like you, I'm older and can not ride bent over. I've since gotten terratrikes. But they really scare me on the roads. I'm retired from trucking, so I've seen way too much to feel safe. After seeing your setup, I want to set up my surly like yours. So can I get details on yours. Thanks

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  4 місяці тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it! Sorry about the slow response. The nice thing about rail-trails is, NO CARS. I've got a heart valve issue that may catch up to me here soon. I keep riding to keep the heart muscle strong. I'm working on a video about my Surly Disc Trucker, but it going slow. Here's a link to my handlebars. I like the upright position. Wald 1066 Handlebars amzn.to/3fLRHVH Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @delkelso
    @delkelso 6 місяців тому

    Paul, also I live very close to KATY Trail and have ridden almost all of it. please reach out if you want any information about the trail or even help with pickup / drop off or any form of shuttling.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I love the Katy also. Great trail. I've rode it several times. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @TheSpaceBrosShow
    @TheSpaceBrosShow 6 місяців тому

    Been meaning to take this route for a while. I don't have a touring setup, but I can probably press my gravel or cyclocross bike into service

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I hope you can strap together some kind of suitable rig. It's a great ride. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!!

    • @TheSpaceBrosShow
      @TheSpaceBrosShow 5 місяців тому

      @@paulsuchecki3985 Thanks! You too!

  • @DunRovinRanch-1969
    @DunRovinRanch-1969 6 місяців тому

    Howdy Paul. It’s great to see another video. Also, welcome to retirement. Would you post some bike specifics on your channel please: tire size etc…. Thanks

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I'm working on a video about my new Surly. Should cover all that. Coming soon. Stay safe and ride on!!

    • @DunRovinRanch-1969
      @DunRovinRanch-1969 6 місяців тому

      @@paulsuchecki3985 if you’re looking for an interesting ride, check out the Arkansas Graveler. It’s the last week of June. Inaugural ride. Come join us.

  • @HeadPack
    @HeadPack 6 місяців тому

    Your videos are really well made. Cutting such a long ride into 20 mins of great shots is quite a feat. Oftentimes, I wonder how someone without a car can get to some of these trails, but I guess that can be figured out with some research.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Glad you like them! Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Trains or buses can get you close. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @user-pz8cj5rs4v
    @user-pz8cj5rs4v 6 місяців тому

    Great video. Can you share your itinerary for places to stay and ridewgps routes if you used it to plan your trip? Thanks Alan. I want do this ride as I grew up in IL

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I'm not sure what ridewgps is. I've never used it. On this trip I stayed in motels every night. Mostly chain motels. I don't really keep track (other than receipts) of exactly which hotels each night. The towns I stayed in are noted in the video for each night. I use the internet on my phone to locate them and make reservations, usually at least a few hours before I get there, sometimes the night before, just to make sure a room will be available, especially on the weekends. I found that on the Grand Loop there were plenty of places to stay. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @byronw.johnson4426
    @byronw.johnson4426 9 днів тому

    I'm looking at relocating to a sea side town with a nice long nature trail that's bike froenfly.

  • @robertlewis3712
    @robertlewis3712 6 місяців тому

    Excellent video. Paul you’re an inspiration. I bought a touring bicycle ! Since you have a wide range of experience I have a question, how do you secure your panniers in order to go into a store, restroom etc. thanks for the information.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I suppose the best way to keep your stuff safe is to have a traveling partner that can watch your stuff while you go into the grocery store or into the bathroom. But if you're traveling solo you're always taking a chance when leaving your bike unattended. Lock up the bike is an easy answer, but what about your gear on the bike? I guess I take chances, but so far I haven't had any trouble with theft. At restaurants I try to park next to a window so I can see my bike while I'm dining. At grocery stores I have been known to take my bike into the store with me. Park it inside the store or take it up and down the rows. If I have to leave it unattended I take valuables like phone and wallet with me, park it out of view. In rural areas where crime is low I feel safe. In other areas maybe not so much. Is there a way to lock your panniers to the frame so they can't be stolen off the bike? I don't know. Just use good judgement. That's the best I can do, I hope it helps. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!

  • @Verselet_Mantra_MTB
    @Verselet_Mantra_MTB 6 місяців тому

    Hi Paul, do you use a fly cam? You show many beautiful aerial views.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I have a DJI Mini Drone. It's like a flying camera. It's a grerat toy. Stay safe and ride on!!

    • @Verselet_Mantra_MTB
      @Verselet_Mantra_MTB 6 місяців тому

      @@paulsuchecki3985 Paul, at 10:50 how do you draw a map with a moving line describing your movement? Is it some kind of software?

  • @donaldpell4543
    @donaldpell4543 6 місяців тому

    😅Thanks that is tour that I could do.

    • @paulsuchecki3985
      @paulsuchecki3985  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. It's a great ride. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!😎