Sycamore-Stillman Valley Breakfast Ride

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DeKalb County, IL, US

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Route Overview

BetweenRides

Midwest Routemeister

75 mi.

1,608 ft.

Beautiful ride through the scenic farmlands West of Chicagoland into the edge of the Rock River valley and through the Kishwaukee River watershed, with a breakfast stop near midpoint of the ride. Flat to rolling terrain. While most of the roads are rural, this ride is best for an early Saturday or Sunday start or during the week after morning rush hour. It is a predominantly an East-West loop, best ridden when the winds are from the West.

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Route Details

This ride begins at @poi[North Elementary School](2440916) in Sycamore, Illinois, on Brickville Rd just North of Freed Rd. Park in the lot North of the school. No restroom facilities but there are plenty of corn fields nearby.

After departing from North side of the school, you will travel on Brickville Rd through suburban Sycamore for a short while before you are suddenly in open country and farmlands. Once you get to @point[Old State Rd](d,14322.79), you will be treated to open vistas extending in each direction. Typical flat and rolling hills of Northern Illinois, lots of corn and soybean fields and a smattering of trees here and there.

Other than the occasional home or farmhouse, you won't see many signs of civilization until you pass through the small town of @point[Lindenwood](d,34135.18) at around the 20 mile mark. Other than houses, there's nothing but a school, a post office and a few churches, but it is a beautiful place nonetheless.

More open scenery abounds as you head West on Lindenwood Rd before heading North towards Stillman Valley, our breakfast destination. At round 30 miles, you will head West on @slice[Big Mound Rd](d,48004.15,51216.63). If the weather is clear, in the distance straight ahead you will see the twin cooling towers of the @photo[Byron Nuclear plant](2033228), located on the Rock River. Don't be too concerned, it's 8 miles away as the crow flies, but you are probably downwind. It's an impressive sight - on low wind days, the steam plumes extend up hundreds of feet and are visible from many miles away. Local riders use it as a giant wind sock to gauge wind direction.

After a few more miles and turns you enter the charming town of Stillman Valley from the South at around 35 miles. The route takes you by @poi[Casey's General Store](2440917) if you want to just do a quick refreshment stop. If you're interested in breakfast, continue on the route for a short distance to the @poi[Cardinal Cafe](2440918) on Walnut St. Not much to look at on the outside, but inside is a pretty typical country diner serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Make sure to fill up your water bottles, you won't have another chance for at least 25 miles.

After heading North out of town, you'll head East through some beautiful fields with several sections of forest as you approach the Kishwaukee River valley and cross the river itself at several points on the route. At around 61 miles you'll enter sleepy Kirkland, Illinois. On Railroad St, there is a @poi[Marathon Quick Stop](2440919) if you need water or a short break. If you feel the need for second breakfast, the @poi[Kirkland Family Restaurant](2440920) is right around the corner on Main St. Or you can save that for another one of my breakfast rides in the future.

You're now on the last leg of the ride. South of Kirkland you'll turn left onto @slice[Baseline Rd](d,101802.91,110653.93) for 6 fast miles of straight rolling hills (if you have a tailwind). The last turn South onto @point[Pleasant Hill Rd](d,110671.28) takes you back to Sycamore. This road is aptly named with long rolling hills and pleasant views of the surrounding coutryside.

If you're like me after a long ride, you often find yourself in need of a meal and rehydration. There's an excellent local brewery in Sycamore: @poi[The Forge Brewhouse](2441609), which serves good beer and excellent and fast pizza in a pub-like setting. Highly recommended.

# Links to Points of Interest

[* Exelon Byron Generating Station](http://www.exeloncorp.com/locations/power-plants/byron-generating-station)

[* The Forge Bewhouse](http://forgebrewhouse.com/)

# Important Reminders

The ride out to Stillman Valley is 35 miles and the return is 40 miles. Depending on the weather and your pace, I'd recommend carrying at least two water bottles and perhaps a few gels or snacks.

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Sycamore-Stillman Valley Breakfast Ride

Route Overview

Route Details

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