This post is for all my gravel-loving moms out there who crave a little dirt therapy but are short on time. We all deserve a break, and trust me, an hour or so on the open path can work wonders for the soul (and maybe even melt away some of that leftover mac and cheese explosion!). Let’s talk micro-adventures!
So, crank up your favorite Spotify playlist, dust off your trusty gravel steed, and let’s explore a hidden gem near Vernon Hills: a fantastic micro-adventure route that combines the beauty of the North Path Trail with the serenity of the Old School Forest Preserve.
This loop is roughly 15-ish miles, which translates to about 1-1.5 hours of glorious saddle time. The terrain is a delightful mix of smooth gravel and well-maintained dirt paths, perfect for a relaxed spin that still gets your heart pumping. Plus, the scenery is pure Illinois charm – rolling hills, whispering trees, and maybe even a curious deer or two if you’re lucky!
The route
- Start your adventure at the Kildeer Sports Complex parking lot. This is a convenient jumping-off point with easy access to the North Path Trail.
- Head south on the North Path, enjoying the smooth gravel and soaking in the fresh air. Keep your eyes peeled for adorable bunnies and playful squirrels along the way! ️
- After a few miles, you’ll hit a junction with the Old School Forest Preserve entrance. Take a right here and prepare for a slightly more technical (but still totally manageable) section. Think: fun little bumps and joyful gravel crunching!
- Wind your way through the serene forest preserve, savoring the peacefulness and the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. This is your zen moment, mamas!
- Eventually, the Old School Forest Preserve will connect back to the North Path. Just follow it north for a few miles until you reach your starting point at the Kildeer Sports Complex parking lot. High fives for conquering the micro-adventure!
Some additional tips:
- Pack smart: Bring a water bottle, a couple of energy bars (because hangovers don’t discriminate – even the cycling kind!), and maybe a Wet Wipe or two (you never know what motherhood throws your way!).
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Especially on warmer days, staying hydrated is key. There are no water fountains on the trail, so plan accordingly.
- Let someone know your plans: Text your hubby or a friend with your estimated route and return time. Better safe than sorry!
- Embrace the elements: Sun or breeze, enjoy it! This is your chance to escape the four walls and reconnect with nature.
- Most importantly, have FUN! This ride is all about enjoying the ride (pun intended!), getting some exercise, and maybe even forgetting about the laundry pile for an hour.
So there you have it, mamas! This micro-adventure route is the perfect escape for busy weekends. Get out there, explore, conquer some gravel, and come back feeling refreshed and ready to tackle anything motherhood throws your way. Because let’s face it, after conquering a gravel path, a tantrum or a mountain of dirty dishes feels like a piece of cake!
Now get out there and shred, mama shredders! And if you see me on the trail, be sure to say hi!