The Bloomington Pantagraph has some details about an upcoming bicycle ride on Route 66 from the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge to the Art Institute of downtown Chicago from Aug. 29 to Sept. 3.
The ride will pass feature overnight stops in Carlinville, Springfield, Bloomington, Dwight and Joliet.
“The purpose of the ride is to promote the developing Route 66 Trail for bicyclists and other users so the history does not fade away,” said Ed Barsotti, executive director of the League of Illinois Bicyclists.
Barsotti said the league, Route 66 Trail Executive Council and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will do media interviews and visit local officials in towns along the way to raise awareness and encourage route improvements including signage, paved shoulders, connecting routes and off-road trails.
If you’re a member of the league, the ride is free. If not, it’s still just $25. Here’s the Illinois Route 66 Bike Trail’s main page; the registration form and information for the ride is here.
The Route 66 Trail has existed for several years in Illinois. However, it’s good that an actual organized event will be running on it. It’ll be interesting to see how many participate.