Route Advice

[mostlyirish]

Originally posted in Midwest forum but realized many others have travelled in this area so looking to expand audience to give me advice. 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.

[brucecha]

Pat
You might want to ask over at: www.pashnit.com/forum/

It's the best touring and information site around. A lot of west coast info, but I'm sure someone over there will help you out with a route.

[dlbushey]

Pat,

It depends on the the time of day you go through there. As well as the day of the week. Stay away from traditional Rush Hours. I've gone through on Sunday evening with no problems, and even sailed right through on a weekday at about 11 am. However, during those same times, I've been stuck in traffic jams due to accidents or construction. It's hit and miss.

Best advice I could offer is bring a CB and listen to the trucker chatter. They'll know what's going on way before you will, and have your alternate route planned just in case.

Good luck, and have a great trip.