Route Advice

[mostlyirish]

I am riding the bike to a conference / workshop the first week of June. I will be traveling from the Toledo, Oh vicinity to Cedar Rapids, IA. Planning on quickest route there and will play on the way home. I am planning on going west on I-80 til I-380 up to Cedar Rapids. My question - Is it better to drop down to Rt 30 by taking I-65 south then Rt 30 west to about Joliet and then get back on I-80? Or is it not worth the trouble. How bad can expect traffic to be on I-80 west from the Indiana boarder to west of the Chicago area. I do not want to be stuck in stop and go traffic. Any advice from those who know the area is appreciated.

[jers99lt]

Hi Pat,
I've been riding frequently to the Dunes area of MI the last few weekends from the western Chicago suburbs (looking for some beach property) and have found I-80/94 to be in wonderful condition. I have yet to see any construction that is reducing lanes and that has been a severe issue over the last few years around the I-65 junction in IN. Now, the summer traffic has not started yet in full force, but it's really looking better than I've seen it in a long, long time.
I can't attest for the traffic situation during the weekday at rush hour near Chicago, but the weekends have been very clean.
I envy you for going to my favorite area for Czech food and beer. :D

Best of luck on your trip,
Jer
(the top box rack is still working great for me, thanks)

[kk610lt]

Check out this previous thread.....

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29757&highlight=chicago+bottleneck

[mostlyirish]

Good to hear from you Jerry. Thanks for the opinion. Not a bad deal eh? Get to ride the bike and charge the company for my gas and tolls. But in the long run I'm actually saving them money by not flying and not renting a car. Win - win.

[jers99lt]

I'd do that too. Last time I was reimbursed for using my vehicle they paid per mile. It covered gas and wear-and-tear. Something like $0.40/mi. It might be higher now with gas prices climbing. Also, a win-win.
Sounds like you'll be leaving on Sunday? Getting past Chicago westbound on Sunday AM or noon should not be an issue on I-80. I would not ride Rt.30 since it has a lot of lights and towns to get through, but the traffic won't be very heavy.
I plan on getting out to C.R. this summer just for lunch!

Jer

[pdrstraw]

Hi Pat,

I wouldn't drop down to 30. From I65, 30 west is nothing but stoplights for several miles. As long as you avoid rush hour, I'd think I80 would be ok.

Hope you and Stephanie are doing well!


Regards,

[WildBil]

I second Paul's advice. '30 is in some part nostalgic, but its 9/10ths traffic congestion and stop lights. 80 is in fairly good shape. If you want off the slap, there are places farther west of Chicago, all the way to Gillette for the International meet.