Rock River Ride near Dixon Illinois

[4-s-hsky]

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 main track is 106 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, Rita Crundwell and the site where Mumford and Sons held their 2012 concert, 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 and numerous homespun services. There are two optional side trip tracks. A 15 mile loop to Polo for gas, food and a view of an old lime kiln and a 3 mile loop to the John Deere historic blacksmith shop in Grand Detour. Please note two very important waypoints. Although my sources tell me it is still a public road once you are on it you would think otherwise so “Be Stealthy” where the waypoints tell you. You are on your own so be kind. Enjoy and because there are numerous blind intersections please, I beg of you, ride safely. I have attached the .gpx file but I know how well that works sometimes so a Sugar Sync link is supplied also.
Click here for the file from another site

[prince_ruben]

My wife is from a farm Dixon and I've spent great time exploring it. In fact we were married in Harmon. I love the Blackhawk statue. I'll be out there next month!

[Geoff]

Nice pics. Did you see the Ronald Reagan's boyhood home?

[4-s-hsky]

[QUOTE=Geoff;20436911]Nice pics. Did you see the Ronald Reagan's boyhood home?[/QUOTE

Dixon and the other towns along the way have numerous attractions to offer as well as many services. The waypoint list would be flooded if I included more favorites so I will let the users of this track research and decide what best interests them and their time schedule. Just remember, when you get to the overlook the urge to do so will overcome you but…..

[theBikeman]

Thanks for posting this. I grew up in Polo near Dixon. It's a great area for backroads.
To anyone doing this track be sure to check out the two Fjord water crossings in White Pines State Park on the route if the water's not too high.
-Bikeman

[prince_ruben]

Originally Posted by theBikeman

Thanks for posting this. I grew up in Polo near Dixon. It's a great area for backroads.
To anyone doing this track be sure to check out the two Fjord water crossings in White Pines State Park on the route if the water's not too high.
-Bikeman

Ha! I remember that park. There's some trails to follow (on foot) that lead to a railway.

[Cannonshot]

Thanks for posting tracks Terry! I know you've got some entertaining rides workled out in your area. Much appreciated!

[4-s-hsky]

Originally Posted by Cannonshot

Thanks for posting tracks Terry! I know you've got some entertaining rides workled out in your area. Much appreciated!

You are most welcome sir and thank you very kindly for checking up on me. I have to think there are others like me who ride some of their favorite nearby places in no particular order and at the end of the day think “You know I should really organize, track and waypoint that ride someday to share” and then life gets in the way preventing said recording. This winter has offered me some time to finally make good on that thought. Plus, there happens to be a certain Colonel who lives far north of me who has been a great teacher and inspiration. Giving back is what it’s all about for me. Hmm, I think I have one more in the hopper I should polish up. Be safe.

[kimzx1000r]

Nice track, thanks. That water crossing can be like riding on ice with slicks!

[bomber60015]

thank you sir! No knwoledge like local knowledge!

[Marcin]

Looks like fun ride. I go fishing Rock river sometimes next time i take my bike and go exproring.
Thank you