I am doing IM Lou in August with a friend. We will be arriving at O’Hare about 10 days before the race and wanted to spend a few days in the Chicago area and also get in some training sessions. I would like to do some open water swimming in Lake Michigan, however I’ve just googled a few sites and the first thing that comes up is pollution. Is there anywhere that anyone could recommend we go to. It doesn’t need to be exactly in Chicago, we could go round coast line 60Km or so (North or South) if necessary. We will also need some reasonable roads to ride. And of course some sunshine, and plenty of clothes shops and shoe shops for the WAGs.
Anyone with any local knowledge the could share would be very much appreciated.
For goog OW swimming, check out Ohio Street Beach, it’s right by Navy Pier (http://cpdit.com/resources/beaches/index.html). There is a half mile stretch along the lakefront path. RE: pollution, there have been quite a few closings due to e coli levels. Think of it as an opportunity to train your immune system for the Ohio River. That link also shows which beaches are open and closed daily. I’ve swam the last two weekends at Ohio Street, and I thinlk the sixth toe gives me a better kick…
The lakefront path is good for running, but as far as biking, think crowds, tourists, clueless people on bikes, rollerblades, segways, etc. Ride at your own peril, hence why I’m riding on my CT as I type this.
For a nice open water swim lake checkout Lake Andrea in Pleasant Prairie WI. After getting the stomach bug from Ohio Street Beach last month my girlfriend and I started going to WI.
Almost any day after 5pm there is dozens or tri folk swimming there.
Lake in the Hills has a reasonable lake to swim in. Wed 6pm there is a crowd of swimmers, which is the best time to go as the cops look the other way since it’s organized and such.
Crystal Lake is good to swim in, but have to do super early - again not open to public so you have to do it on the down-low.
And don’t forget how freakin big chicago is. If you’re staying downtown, getting to Lake in the Hills is likea 90min drive.
*And don’t forget how freakin big chicago is. If you’re staying downtown, getting to Lake in the Hills is likea 90min drive. *
true, but you don’t mention the joy of driving the open roads of chicagoland, the wind in your hair, waving hello at the occasional motorist that cruises by in the opposite direction.
to the OP - I used to swim some at “the point” down by 59th street. Fewer crowds, different feel. But that was in 94 so things could easily have changed since then.
If you’re willing to head a bit north, the Sunrise Beach off Lake Bluff is nice for swimming. Unless you get there before 8 a.m. or after 7 p.m., I believe they’ll hit you for $10 - more info here: http://www.lakebluffparks.org/index.lasso From there, you’ll have access to the nicer roads of Lake County, and depending on how far you want to ride, Bristol County, WI is only about 25 miles north. Some good route maps are available from the Velo Club Roubaix website: www.vcrbiketeam.com - the County Q and Deep Lake loops would work well for ya’ from Lake Bluff.
Ohio St Beach is good for the swim, and the path is great for running, but does suck to bike. Take either I-90 or I-88 west of Chicago, to the far western suburbs, and there are good roads from there on out. Its all flat, though, so you’ll have to go to WI to get some hills. Hope this helps.
