The best road cycling routes around Robbins

The Cal-Sag Trail and Centennial Trail offers a diverse road cycling experience, blending natural beauty with glimpses of the urban landscape. You'll pedal past the serene Saganashkee Slough, enjoy shaded sections of forest, and take in views of the Cal-Sag Channel, with the scenery shifting from open prairie to industrial areas and back again. This route provides a good mix of sunshine and tree-protected sections, making for an engaging ride. It's a moderate 59.8 miles (96.3 km) journey, with 481 feet (147 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 4 hours and 14 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for cyclists looking for a longer, varied ride without extreme climbs. The trail is largely flat, making it accessible for many, though some sections include rougher road riding. The Cal-Sag Trail is known for its smooth, paved surfaces, making it suitable for road bikes. It connects several communities and forest preserves, offering numerous access points. While the route is generally easy, some segments might present a moderate challenge due to industrial areas and street riding without dedicated bike infrastructure. The trail's design incorporates underpasses to minimize road crossings, enhancing safety and providing a more continuous ride. This trail system is a significant recreational asset in the southern suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. It provides a valuable connection between natural areas and local towns, allowing cyclists to explore the region's unique blend of ecosystems and community life. The route is particularly notable for its integration of old stone quarries, now lakes, into the natural landscape, offering unique visual interest. It's a great option for those wanting to explore the Chicago Southland on two wheels.

The Old Plank Road, Cal-Sag & Centennial Trail Loop offers a diverse road cycling experience, combining three distinct paved paths into one substantial journey. You'll glide along the flat, smooth Old Plank Road Trail, pass through the charming downtown of Frankfort, and then transition to the Cal-Sag Trail with its shaded forests and views of Saganashkee Slough. The Centennial Trail follows the Des Plaines River, providing a mix of natural beauty and some industrial stretches, including a challenging rough section near a landscape supply company that demands attention from road cyclists.

This moderate 69.3-mile (111.5 km) loop, with 766 feet (233 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 4 hours and 28 minutes to complete. It's best suited for experienced cyclists comfortable with long distances and numerous street crossings, particularly on the Old Plank Road Trail. While the individual sections are mostly flat, the overall length and varied conditions, including a rough industrial road on the Centennial Trail, contribute to its moderate rating. Plan for potential stops in Frankfort for refreshments.

Beyond the cycling, this route is rich in natural and historical context. The Old Plank Road Trail is a former rail-to-trail, and the Centennial Trail is part of the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor, featuring a historic swing bridge. You'll pass through several forest preserves, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, including herons, egrets, and even bald eagles. The connectivity of these trails also opens up options for even longer rides by linking to other regional trail systems.

The Centennial Trail loop from Oak Lawn offers a pleasant road cycling experience, winding through a varied landscape of shaded woodlands, open prairies, and scenic stretches alongside the Des Plaines River and Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. While mostly flat, the 50.7-mile (81.6 km) route does feature some gentle undulations, accumulating 676 feet (206 metres) of elevation gain over its moderate 3-hour and 27-minute duration. You'll enjoy a mix of natural beauty and glimpses of industrial waterways, all on a largely paved asphalt surface.

Planning your ride is simple, as the trail is easily accessible from Oak Lawn and features numerous amenities along the way. You'll find convenient parking, restrooms, and even bicycle repair stations at various access points, ensuring a comfortable journey. No special permits are required, making it an easy trail to jump on for a longer outing.

This trail is more than just a path; it's a journey through history, running through the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor and featuring a historic swing bridge. It also serves as a vital link, connecting to a broader network of trails like the I&M Canal Trail and the Veterans Memorial Trail, offering endless possibilities for extended adventures.