400k in northern Illinois with a flatish, farmy section in the beginning that slowly gets hilly as we head west to Oregon. Pass the nuclear power station heading north through Pecatonica and (very hilly) New Glarus. The way back is rolling again as we come out of the hills in Evansville and make our way back through Milton and Darien to Woodstock.
The Quality Inn is the start hotel this time - the Best Western was 100% booked for a wedding. Suggest that you get reservations early.
The official cue sheet will be posted at greatlakesrando.org several days before the ride. At that time, this RWGPS will be up to date. Do not download before you receive official word that all cues have been updated!
Lovely 300k on quiet roads circling north through Lyons with a turnaround in Juneau. This rides starts in Hebron, 1 hour after the start of the 400k in Woodstock. Finish is at Hart's Saloon. There are no hotels in Hebron so if you are tired, take a nap in your car or get a ride with others.
This is the same route as Fox and Hawks only with a start in Oregon! That puts the hills first instead of in the middle and opens an opportunity for an overnight in Woodstock at the Super 8. It's still a hilly ride and perfect for PBP training as Woodstock is just about the same distance as Loudeac is from the start at 265 miles. It's also a hilly route but absolutely beautiful in the driftless area. We also go to Galena which has more french bakeries than France. There is one short but very rideable gravel section outside Savana that is paved for the main downhill.
Drop bags will be taken to the Super 8 in Woodstock for an overnight at 265 miles - these are LIMITED IN SIZE TO 20" x 10" and no more than 10 lbs so don't overpack and mark your bag clearly with your name. Note that the control at Kingston is a Casey's but is an informational control only as it closes at 10 pm and many may not make it there in time. The Byron Casey's is 24 hour and very nice so tank up there if you won't make it. There is only 1 receipt control after the overnight and it's almost all bike trail. This is at the longest day of the year so there should be plenty of daylight.
Classic GLR 600k loop from Woodstock combines the Psychedelic Cow and Eagle into one very fun ride. Get ready to pass through Hebron 3x and be sure to get ice cream on your last trip through!
This is a great route for a PBP Year. Make reservations early and note the change in the start hotel to the Quality Inn. The Best Western is already full this year.
Already a GLR favorite, this 300k loop hits classic sights along Turtle Creek, a bit of the driftless and many rollers. Known for super quiet roads, it is a real jewel to ride. We return through Sharon and nearly past the founding spot of our club. Very few cars and near the longest day of the year but you will still need full lights and reflective gear.
Relatively flat route from Woodstock west to Kingston (no relation to current treasurer). We then duck south a bit and curve around to South Elgin. The next 40 odd miles are on the Fox River and Prairie Path Trails to Richmond. Then back to the roads to Woodstock. A very pleasent and social route.
Combine this ride with Psychedelic Turtle the day before for a 500k weekend. This is part of our special "Save my PTO" Brevet week. You can do the 600k and 400k the weekend before and get away with doing all your PBP qualifiers in one week taking only 1 day of PTO!