Today brought me from downtown Chicago to northern Indiana. What I found surprising was the majority of my riding was on one trail or another. It became hot and humid by late morning and some trails offered a welcome break with tree cover.

I started from my downtown hotel with a few miles of city streets before getting to the Lakefront Trail. There were some runners and many cyclists even with the early hour.

A few miles south and I could look back to get a photo of the skyline.

After nine miles I had a few miles of city streets. Stopped briefly at 14 miles for breakfast. The nearby street said “State Line Road” so I knew I was almost in Indiana.

Hammond Indiana and the State Line Trailhead was my return. There was a slight wind from the south, unfortunately a head wind.

The trail had some of everything including this section along several ponds.

This photo was back in Illinois along the Lakefront Trail.

I had at least four different linked trails. This description was for the Lakawanna Trail.

I didn’t see many actual sand dunes, but nice to see a national park.

One of the sections with welcome shade.

Did I mention trails today?

Bike shop as I was getting close.

A shady spot with a bench was a nice spot for a break. Otherwise without too much difficulty I found my way to a Patel owned motel (#27). Tomorrow is forecast to be much cooler but also head winds depending on how much I go northwards…so perhaps a better day to head more eastwards.