tt9714

I know that some of you live in the Chicagoland area (Chicago, northern Indiana, southern Wisconsin), so I thought that I would ask the question here.

I'm looking for some interesting driving roads. Where I live in the western suburbs, virtually every road is flat and straight. I grew up in southwestern Ohio (Cincinnati) and there were always many places to go for a good drive.

I would like roads that have a decent number of turns as well as elevation changes. Interesting scenery would be a plus. I was taking a look at a road map, and northern Illinois (Lake and McHenry counties) look like they might have some potential. At least there are a lot of lakes in the area, and the roads don't seem like they were surveyed with a ruler. Also, anyone from Wisconsin care to comment on the roads "up north?"

iloveporsches

I live in the southern suburbs (around Joliet and Orland Park), and there's a few roads down here. There's a road through the forest off of Archer Ave., near Burbank. Also, right by Lemont, there's a short, but very fun road called Bluff Rd. Lots of twists and turns, and a few hills. There's also a couple of really hilly, extremely long and straight roads that aren't patrolled by police ever, so they're good for getting some speed, and when you're cresting the hills it feels like a roller coaster.

I haven't ventured very far at all looking for roads to drive. Once I'm actually able to drive my 944 I'm sure I'll go investigating.

MichelleJD

You guys haven't lived until you've taken a run through Starved Rock State Park near Ottawa. It starts at river level, the Illinois River) and climbs to the top of a bluff. It's almost like being in the mountains of TN or NC. It's only a couple of miles long, but it's absolutely beautiful. Come out I-80 and exit south on 23 (exit 90). Travel through town and cross the Illinois. At the light at the base of the bridge, hang a right. That'll be IL-71. The twists start about 6 miles from the bridge. The little town of Utica just north of Starved Rock is a great place to grab lunch. Try it this weekend. You'll love it.

tt9714

MichelleJD,
Thanks for the suggestion. I just took a look at the <a href="http://www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/i&m/east/starve/park.htm" target="_blank">Starved Rock State Park</a>
website, and the area looks quite interesting. Many waterfalls, canyons, and cliffs.



Maybe we should organize a "Chicago Fun Run" for this weekend. Why let all of those Rennlisters in Northern California have all the fun?

MichelleJD

The stretch of 71 that I'm talking about is only a few miles long, but the whole area out here is gorgeous. The JC Whitney auto store is also out here for those of you that like that place. I know Michael Weinstein enjoyed a visit there when he helped me with my transaxle. If you like to hike, Starved Rock is amazing. You can also go up on the rock and watch the barges go through the locks (if that kind of stuff interests you). I know the motorcycles are out here like crazy on the weekends.

MichelleJD

[quote]Originally posted by tt9714:
<strong>
Maybe we should organize a "Chicago Fun Run" for this weekend. Why let all of those Rennlisters in Northern California have all the fun?</strong><hr></blockquote>

It's supposed to be a beautiful weekend!

Michael Weinstein

Yes, I admit it - I am a closet JC Whitney lover! They just have so much good stuff for so cheap. I am COMPELLED to stop in and buy a few things every time I drive by. I hope this doesn't tarnish my esteemed status among the Porsche community.

iloveporsches

I've been through Starved Rock twice, but I was only 10 and 14 at the time. Definately a beautiful area. I've flown down the river there in a boat, but I've yet to take the trip in a car. Once I sell my other car, and can insure the Porsche, I'll definatly take a drive down there.

Oh, and a Chicago-area get-together/drive/meet/whatever sounds like a great drive. I can't join PCA cause I'm not 18 <img src="graemlins/crying.gif" border="0" alt="[crying]" />