First Time on the “New” Cal Sag Bike Trail – Lemont Section

My First Ride on Lemont’s Newest Bike Super-Highway !

I parked at the Sag Quarries parking lot in the north section right next to the trail head. The CC Forest Preserve did a great job of clearing out the invasive species plants and making the parking lot feel really safe. There were some geese protecting their goslings, I’ve been chased in the past, be sure to give those guys plenty of room.

From there I jumped onto the newest and smoothest bike trail near Lemont, it’s awesome. The combination of adrenaline, excitement and smooth surface allowed me to really crank out some speed, for me that is. This is only my second big ride of the year so I’m looking forward to mid season and really hammering.

I followed the path as far east as I could go, which was a mile past Lake Katherine. I’m pretty sure they’re laying down more pavement in the coming weeks so I’ll keep you posted. Along the way I traveled through open grassy areas as well as thick forests. Roads aren’t really a concern because there are under passes under all of the major crossings. The trail’s versatility is ideal for anything from folks towing a Burley or Roadies like me who hate car confrontations.

From the Trailhead to Ridgeland (end of pavement) was 9.3 miles in one direction. I wanted more miles because I’m training for the Tour de Farms MS150 ride in a month, so I back-tracked to Lake Katherine and headed south onto the Tinley Creek Connector. There are more road crossings there but they’re all small roads. I kept heading south to 143rd and Harlem, the next ride I’ll delve more in to that trail system. Actually, I can’t believe the Tinley Creek system is 20 years old ! I remember the excitement of that system being completed. 🙂 Signage along the Cal-Sag is fantastic !

Following are photos from along the path and a map of the ride is after the images. Thanks for checking out my post and Get Out and Get Local !!