Rock River Ride near Dixon Illinois

Here is a track that starts and ends at the Veterans Memorial Park in Dixon Illinois that takes in many of the State parks and regional treasures that follow the Rock and Leaf Rivers. This route is best suited for a big bike. Lots of sporty pavement but there are short gravel and dirt road sections. When the sign post says “Devils Backbone Road” and “Wilderness Road” that should be a clue as to what lies ahead. The two main tracks total 108 miles in length allowing ample daylight to spend time at waypoints and can be ridden either direction. All the State parks have campgrounds if you wish to make it an overnighter and I highly encourage a drive through all of the parks. Along the way you will see; Dixon’s history of Ronald Reagan, Byron’s nuclear power generating plant, the Indian statue at Lowden Park, bluff views of both sides of the Rock River, historic courthouse in Oregon, a climb above the river at Castle Rock Park Overlook, White Pines Park and Lodge, Lowell Park, Franklin Creek State Park Grist Mill, Bison herd at Nachusa Grasslands, free range chickens and numerous homespun services. There are three optional side trip tracks. A 15 mile loop to Polo for gas, food and a view of an old lime kiln, a two mile loop to view the Byron Forest Preserve/Observatory and a 3 mile loop to the John Deere historic blacksmith shop in Grand Detour. Enjoy and because there are numerous blind intersections please, I beg of you, ride safely. As a point of reference the railroad has a gate to the Polo Lime Kiln that of late has remained locked so a foot hike is necessary to view it. Please note that version 5 of the .gpx was added October 2015 to include some additions and the closure of one dirt road.

---