Re-Open LCFP Single Track Trails

For many Lake County, IL residents hiking and riding off-road single track is a great source of exercise, fun, adventure and learning. Unfortunately many of the existing trails we once rode are now closed.

Please join us in petitioning the Lake County Forest Preserve to consider re-opening these trails.

Read the attached letter and show your support here by replying to this forum. Your voice will help make a difference for all the residents of Lake County, IL.

For more discussions and other interested cyclists visit Deerfield Cyclery on Facebook.

Thank you,

The Veloist

Tags: county, lake, mtb, single, track

Attachments:

Open LCFP Single Track Letter.pdf, 23 KB

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Robert Bleck on January 13, 2010 at 10:52am: I support this effort to reopen and develop singletrack trails in the Lake County Forest Preserves. One thing that may help to to compile and distribute photographs of the Kettle Morraine trails. Bureaucrats like to fall back on precedents and the Wisconsin DNR has a strong protective reputation so the lessons learned at the Kettle are a valuable tool of persuasion. Of particular importance is a system to close the trails when they are saturated. One, if not the primary concern, of the LCFP conservationists is erosion. Because Illinois soils have a higher clay content (as opposed to granular or sand) mud and drainage are more difficult. The LCFPD must have the confidence that this will not damage the ecosystem as they see it.
A trail pass system is a good idea. The LCFPD already has a limited permit system for the use of their dog training areas and model aircraft field which helps to control the potential for overuse. Revenue streams are of strong interest to the county.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Johnny Villani aka Evil Ridley on January 15, 2010 at 2:14pm: I would love to see greater use of the FCFP for off road riding and fully support the effort. I certainly believe that there is a happy balance that can be found between biking, hiking and horse trail use.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jeff Levin on January 15, 2010 at 3:55pm: I agree with Johnny Villani and Michael Rock, we have a great resource here in Lake County.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Michael Rock on January 15, 2010 at 2:30pm: Like many other midwest states, Illinois has a huge problem with health issues related to a sedentary lifestyle. The legislature should be championing any and all efforts to promote a healthier lifestyle. Next to swimming, biking is probably the best form of cardio exercise. The trails offer an invaluable tool to cyclists who want to use a more leisurely pace. With cycling enjoying a resurgence in popularity, it is incomprehensible that they would be closing more trails.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Toby Joyce on January 15, 2010 at 2:32pm: This would be outstanding. How do we get this rolling? Maybe if a group shows up at a meeting it would have more impact.I'm in for some of the grunt work if they would let us. Jeff I live in Gurnee but have a frame shop in Libertyville. If your ever pickin up a pizza at vicchino's stop on in. Toby; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Amy Andrews on January 17, 2010 at 12:15pm: I am in ON this effort! Operatives (advocates) are mobilized, documents are being assembled and strategy is needed for this meeting Feb 1. Let's take this rare opening and educate LC Board and LCFPD about how harmonious being on dirt is for families, outdoors people, and cyclists. The ignorance of what we do and what we want has been our obstacle with them in the past, we need to show that everyone wants a chance to be on dirt. I pay very high taxes for all of this LCFPD land, and I can't enjoy it unless I'm on pavement or 10' wide limestone. I look forward to showing them how it can be done and how it adds quality to the lives of people where it is allowed!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by mark cassidy on January 18, 2010 at 10:21am: Kettle Moarain is a fantastic example of "best practices" People and animals on one set of trails, bikers on the other. Lots of conservation, trail rotation etc.

One other thing... Is the guy on the far left photo above riding in Lake County? If so, I really have to move there NOW! Look at those mountains! (or is that a berm for I94?!); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mike the Veloist on January 18, 2010 at 3:56pm: I think he's near a very large land fill that's been reclaimed by the county.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Erich Loacker on January 20, 2010 at 11:26pm: I totally agree with Jeff. There is a lot of unused land that would be great for riding. Deer Grove is a great example of an area that would benefit from some volunteer work. Ever since a lot of the trails have been closed to biking, the area has gotten littered with trash from other non-biking users. If we could convince the preserve board to allow us to start with one area as an example, I am sure when it is done, we would have their support for other areas.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jill Bernsen on January 22, 2010 at 4:14pm: I think it would be wonderful to have more trails to ride on!!! Let's go for it!!!!!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Byron Morton on January 25, 2010 at 8:44pm: As a CAMBR member and Lake County resident, I would love to support this effort. CAMBR has been fighting a losing battle at Deer Grove for the last several years. We are gaining ground in other areas of Cook County, but would like to pursue something in Lake County as well. Does anyone know when the Preservation Committee meeting is?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Chris Bellson on January 25, 2010 at 11:45pm: Single track in Lake County would be a happy medium between Palos and Kettle Moraine. Opening this up would be a great avenue for bikers to enjoy the local FP trails with a little mix in between, I fully support this effort and will pass the word!; ▶ Reply to This