riding my bike from Chicago to Milwaukee

On May 18th, 2024 I rode my Specialized Hard Rock from my Chicago apartment to a friends Milwaukee apartment. This was my longest ride ever up to that point. I had been getting more and more interested in doing these long day rides and possibly even some kind of tour/overnighter. This was goal number one; ride to Milwaukee. My thought was if I could make it to Milwaukee and feel okay the next day, a tour was not out of reach.
The universe spoke to me that day because I ended up meeting Pat Diaz. He's an experienced Chicago cyclist who has completed many tours including the Lake Michigan circle tour. It was his video I watched that made me realize that trip was humanly possible. I asked him questions all day after meeting him. He was kind enough to share his experiences and instill confidence into a noob like myself. Check out his channel here:
/ @anklepast
If you've been thinking about trying this ride, I hope this video nudges you to go ahead and send it.
Song:
Ron Gelinas - Resolve (clean guitar)

[@bikebob66]

Just bike camped up to Milwaukee from Chicago two weeks ago! Took mostly the same route as you but I did camp just north of Racine then road to Milwaukee and back to same camp on day two before riding back on day three!!! Great ride my friend!

[@GDJason]

Nice ride! Honestly looks a bit more pleasant than the drive between our cities.

[@MiscellaneousMidwest]

Absolutely is! Much more to see out on the trails than there is bombing up/down I-94

[@hoboesque_]

Really enjoyed this. For Those of us living in the inner city from the northern part of the UK this ride is a dream. I’m 58 and I ride every day I doubt I’ll ever ride these trails so thanks for sharing.

[@MiscellaneousMidwest]

Thanks for the comment, I'm glad the video reached you across the pond. The internet can be a beautiful thing. Cheers mate and ride on!

[@SmokeDrawRepeat]

Great video sir. I’ve only recently gotten into trying to go for longer rides and watching this really inspired me to try this route out. Looks like you had a dope chill ride. Kudos.

[@MiscellaneousMidwest]

Thank you, indeed I did. Happy you found some inspiration out of it. Send it!

[@abrahanhernan1894]

I always fantasize about doing this ride, I def need to do it now, but you make it seem so easy!

[@MiscellaneousMidwest]

Start early and pace your self, you got it! Most importantly - enjoy the ride. And worse comes to worse the train makes for a solid emergency plan

[@marjoriehellyer1656]

what app are you using to plan your route

[@mevert87]

Did there & back in a single day last year. 178 miles.

[@MiscellaneousMidwest]

That sounds absolutely grueling. What an accomplishment !

[@qerqeqg.9255]

this was a good video bro

[@MiscellaneousMidwest]

Thanks man!

[@digitalsmithy]

how did you acquire a single bottle of spotted? :)

[@MiscellaneousMidwest]

spawned from a six pack !

[@zerocool911]

Why a train ride

[@digitalsmithy]

why not?