My first "long"(ish) ride of the season

It was an exquisite day for a ride yesterday, sunny, not too windy, not too hot. I'd been thinking of riding from Orland Park, Il. to Starved Rock State Park on the Illinois River at Utica, Il.. Most arrive at the park in their "cages" via I-80. I decided that the road less traveled, ie. U.S. Rt.6 through Joliet, Il and along the river would be more fun than the Interstate. Joliet is an old town which grew because of the Illinois and Michigan Canal and the iron works that was made possible by local coal, limestone and iron ore brought in from the Lake Superior area.
Route 6 follows the river rather unspectacularly, until past Morris, Il. It passes through Marseilles, Seneca and Ottawa, on the North bank of the river. Ottawa is a beautiful old town with a great historic downtown worth exploring in detail. Raison d'être for another ride, says I. But in Ottawa, Illinois Rt. 71 crosses the river, and the ride becomes FUN!! 71 practically hugs the river, but the real excitement starts at the park boundary! Curves galore and elevation changes are the rule for a few miles, but keep  your wits about you, the curves are tight and the cagers are nervous drivers. But, once the road levels out, be on the lookout for the upper park entrance on the right. This will take you directly to the Lodge, where you can eat outdoors on the patio with a view of the river. Several trails for hiking leave from the Lodge, including the trail to "Starved Rock"! After a hike and lunch follow the road out of the parking lot down to the visitor center. The road down a shorter version of the road into the park, but downhill. Worth a short ride across the river off Il. 178 is the Illinois River Visitors Center. If you are lucky, a tow will be locking through. I took 71 back to Rt.6 just because - it was fun!
Hope you enjoyed the ride! Distance from Joliet is just under 160 miles

Tourezrick thank you for taking us along with you through your ride review.  It sounds like it was as perfect of a day for riding you can get.

Sounds like a nice ride. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks, great write up. Any pics?

Another 2 pics to follow

The last two.