Modern Vespa

I'm plotting a trip out west soon and, for the most part, the route choices are all pretty clear except for the Chicago area.

I'll be coming in from 80/90. I understand that I90 through Chicago can be a bit of a chore, traffic wise, to ride through. I'm considering an alternate of staying on I80 just before Gary and avoiding the whole Chicago area.

Nothing against Chicago, but I've seen it before, and it's not on my list of stop-offs on this ride. My plans are to blow past it as easily, quietly, serenely, and quickly as possible on this trip.

So...Is there any construction, restrictions or other information that would make one route a better choice than the another? Time-wise, it's close to a wash, so road and traffic conditions would make the difference.

Thankee.

If you have to go through Chicago, 90/94 is the only way through, unless you want to meander along the lake. I ride 80 into Indiana all the time I like it. It is a toll road so there is that, but for a highway it is not so bad. Too many trucks on 90 /94 for my liking. There is always traffic involved with passing through this city. 55 west might be your answer but I am not as familiar with that highway.

I would go thru Columbus and then Indy and then up 74 to I 80 just to avoid all of Gary and Chicago and Toledo too.

But if your set on coming in on 80 just stay on 80.


Why are you riding interstates?

I'm not dogmatically set on 80. It's just the fastest way to that point from Pittsburgh per Goggle Maps so I'll already be on it when I get to the point where I have to make the choice in question. Blue roads have been and always will be my routing of choice. Sometimes, as in this particular trip, riding a scenic route would take up so much additional time that I'd have little time to spend at my destination...which is the point of the trip. I wanna get there fast. If time permits, I can lollygag on the way back home.

The quest stands upon the edge of a knife.

If I can plan a satisfactory route, then off I go. If I don't like my chances for the time I have off, then I'll do something else. So I'm a-plannin' and a-hopin' for the best.

If you stay on I-80, you never go through Chicago. The south burbs yes.
.

I-80 is the way to go if you want to avoid most of the traffic.

Right now there is construction on I-55 at the bridge by Joilet. Lots of traffic coming off of I-55 and going onto I-80. What ever you do, stay off of I-55 and stay on I-80. This construction is supposed to last into Fall. So please avoid I-55 at this time. The waits can be anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour depending on the time of day. Yeah, it's bad. You don't want to stand around in any heat right now.

Traffic on I-80 is much less aggressive than the traffic nearer the city.

Don't forget there is a route via the old Highway 66 through there. Easy enough to pick up off of I-55 and 53.

http://www.illinoisroute66.org

What is your ultimate destination? That will make all the difference in what route I'd recommend...

Sturgis.




8)

It looks like I-80 is the best choice, then. Thanks.

Funny you should mention Rt 66. It's on my list...for someday. I keep a favorites folder with places/roads/destinations of interest so, if I ever get the opportunity to tour, I have a grab-bag of ideas and suggestions to reach into.

I just bookmarked that link.

Keep in mind the time of day and day of the week you are planning to come through. I-80 is your best route past the city but weekdays in late afternoon going west bound can be murder. Keep an eye on your mirrors!

the wider you swing around Chicago, the better it will be. If you are coming from Steel Town drop down and pick up 70 out of Columbus, then Indy, 74 out of Indy & follow it until you meet up with 80 around Moline. US 20 connecting to 385 in Chadron is a much nicer way into Sturgis than 80/90. You can pick it up just north of that in Dubuqe. The Blackhills are lovely, Sturgis, not so much but there is the street theater in early August. Then again, the population of SD about doubles then so pack a tent.

Chicago is a festering cesspool of putridity. Avoid it at all costs.

My proof: The Bears.

I counter with the Blackhawks.
Not that I like Chicago, but still.

Let me know if you are going to take Route 66 through Chicagoland. It goes right by our cottage.

If you want a place to stay, we can put you up there.

You're very kind. 8)

I've yet to decide where I'll end each riding day. I guess I better get around to that soon...especially now that I have a clearer picture on my route.

And if you do end up taking I-74 and want to end your day near where it goes all squirrley (80 turns into 74/280, 74 into 80 without changing roads. The locals call it "The Big X"), you're welcome to crash at my place for the night...

Mark

Thank you.

And thank you all for your help.

Time to get down to the detailed planning, now.