We, at Just off the Tracks.com (things to see & do off the Metra rail lines) are adding bike outings to our site this spring, and we are looking for your expertise.
Give us the Inside Track on your favorite trails or routes that are easily accessible from the Metra stops. Include approximate time and difficulty and let us know why you enjoy this route.
The train lines that we are currently working on are the UP Northwest and the Milwaukee District North Lines, but we will take information on any of lines for future reference. We would love to post your Top Ten Bike Routes - off the Rails and who better than You to know. Some for beginners and families, some for the sightseers, some for difficulty, and some for the best food, the reasons could be endless. If you have pictures, please include your 3 favorites.

“This is what America is all about!” a Glen Ellyn resident and book store owner exclaimed. While I do not doubt her patriotism, I would say that downtown Glen Ellyn is what suburbs should be all about. The stores are densely huddled together, the sidewalks are wide and welcoming, and Main Street is decorated with colorful awnings with tempting windows below. The entire area, encompassing little more than three or four blocks, is extremely pedestrian friendly and while small, gives all that you could ask for.
Getting there is an easy thirty to fifty minute trip from Ogilvie Transportation Center traveling on the Union Pacific West. Once you get off the train the downtown is not immediately apparent. Follow the train west for a block and you will arrive at Main Street. To your left and right is the heart of Glen Ellyn.

Check out www.justoffthetracks.com a guide of things to see & do within walking distance of the Metra Train Stations. We have started with the Northwest Pacific line and are expanding to include all lines. Here is a sample excursion-

Progressive Dinner in Woodstock

Start you evening at the Woodstock Public House, minutes from the Metra Station. There is a short flight of steps down to the restaurant. We suggest grabbing one of the tables in the bar area. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and the servers are friendly. The menu features a nice array of starters and seasonal appetizers you will not want to overlook. There is a great selection of draft beers to choose from. The Public House also offers over 30 types of martinis. To get to the Woodstock Public House head west on West Church Street, and left on Main Street. The restaurant will be on the right.

228 Main Street Woodstock, IL 60098 815-337-9100

From Thechainlink.org, a social network for cyclists in Chicago. Thought this would be a great place to share car free thoughts....

Link is here, but I have also posted the question below. -

http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/people-who-do-not-own-cars?page...

Quite a few threads have me wondering what your lifestyle is like that it doesn’t necessitate owning a car. I think it is great that you are able to live car free, but I am wondering how this is. Many people have expressed the feeling of freedom that comes with not owning car, but for me it feels like a lack of.

Anybody who's ever visited Evanston has probably been to Davis Street. This downtown shopping district is bustling with chain stores, boutiques and restaurants. It is the place where people come to shop, dine and have fun. It is a bustling downtown... But it's not the only downtown. You see, Evanston does not have one downtown shopping district.

It has three.