DAY BIKING

Ft Sheridan & Open Lands Preserve

Lake Forest, IL

Sept. 10, 14, 2024

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Sept. 10, 14, 2024

2-hours

$25.00

If this is your first hike of the season, please first register for the season and fill out this mandatory Annual Registration Waiver.

Difficulty rating

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Miles

Approximately 10 miles on the bike and 1.5 on foot near the beach

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Terrain

Our route is a flat paved path. There is one gradual hill.  You can easily return up the hill by walking your bike if that is more comfortable.  

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We will begin our ride exploring the grounds at Fort Sheridan.  We'll marvel at the view of Lake Michigan, play in a bird's nest, and pretend we are in a ceremonial parade. Our route takes us south to Openlands Lakeshore Preserve. Enjoy coasting 3/4 of a mile down a shady ravine towards Lake Michigan where we will park our bikes, climb over boulders, and explore unique waterfront beaches.  Our return trip will climb 100 feet over the same distance.  It's a long, gentle hill surrounded by trees and gorgeous native shrubs. The ride along the bluff provides more spectacular views of our great lake and open prairies.  We will return to our cars at noon and enjoy lunch at the picnic tables.

Please do a quick bike check at home, to make sure your bike is in working order. We ride at approximately 6-8 mph with stops, so we welcome ebikes, but ask that you maintain the same pace to keep the group together.

Washroom

Outside at the parking lot

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What to Bring

  • Water

  • Sunglasses/sunscreen

  • Camera/phone

  • Rainwear as needed

  • Helmet

  • Bike lock

  • Bug spray, just in case

  • Dress in layers for comfort

  • Emergency Medical Information form filled out (this is kept in your backpack, and only accessed in emergencies)

  • Sack lunch if desired

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Optional Lunch

We would love for you to stay for a picnic lunch after the ride.

Times

We meet by 9:50 am and begin our biking at 10:00 am and return about 12:00.  As a courtesy to all women, please arrive early, as we will begin promptly and not wait for latecomers.

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Let’s Fully Savor the Outdoor Serenity

We ask you kindly to silence your phones and keep conversations positive.

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Weather

We have fun in all kinds of weather, so we rarely postpone.  If we do cancel a trip, I will email you before 8am the morning of the bike.

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You Will Learn

About ravines.  How they were formed, unique vegetation that grows there and why they were helpful to the military.

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Driving Directions

Address: Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve 1275 Gilgare Ln, Lake Forest, IL 60045

Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve

847-367-6640

Discussion Starter Question

In December of 1942, the first Women's Auxiliary Army Corps units arrived at Ft Sheridan to assist in the WWII effort.  

Guides

Karen, aka "Cairn"  

Cancellations

If you desire to cancel your day hike, you can reschedule for a different hike within seven days:

  1. Please email hello@trailboundtrip.com, and state your name, and desired new hike day.

  2. You will receive confirmation for this new day hike if there is room on the trip.

Refunds

Refunds are given when Trailbound Trips cancels a hike. Trailbound Trips will cancel and refund a hike for two reasons:

  1. There needs to be a minimum of three people.  You will be notified 24 hours in advance if this is the case.

  2. The weather is dangerous, ie. lightning or a major storm.  You will be notified before 8 a.m. on the day of the hike.