Casual riders should avoid trail detour

The recent Saturday Soapbox on the Fox River Trail closure was well intentioned, but it is a little more complicated than a simple detour. I agree the Illinois Prairie Path does a great job on detour routing thanks to Deborah's leadership. Kevin Ahearn sends out weekly updates on the Stearns Bridge project and they have a tremendous Web site: www.stearnsroad.com.

Last year when the project was announced, I sent some suggested ride arounds, but as you look at the magnitude of the project you see the impracticality of routing people around it. First if you are a casual rider or a family, my recommendation is to turn around. When completed this trail network will be fantastic.

If you do a lot of riding, my western detour takes me out the Silver Glenn Trail to the Otter Creek Trail, which is part of the developing Mid County Trail. Now if you ride the area and pay attention to maps you will not get lost, but have a wonderful ride. That is impractical to sign, and if you did, family riders would call you crazy or worse.

Now when I detour on the east side, I will ride Army Trail east from the river to either Dunham or Powis. I am afraid a family would have trouble surviving. Now there is a huge project sign board on the trail in Geneva for riders to review.

Again, my recommendation for casual riders is to have a great ride to the closures, then turn around, and don't even think about sneaking through.

Terry Witt

Director of Advocacy

Spin Doctor Cyclewerks

Bartlett