Checkpoint. Clear skies, cold at the start - 37 degrees, but warmed up into the 40's, mild Westerly wind. Beautiful day, lots of other riders and hikers the whole route. Really a nice trail, mostly paved but some good alternative sections of gravel on a dual track. Also a lot of side trails which I noted but did not take for the most part. Took it easy and just enjoyed the scenery. This the Chicago River North Branch - not a real scenic river but the lakes and Lagoons were gorgeous. Surprised by all the road bikes out on the paved trail but I guess there's not a lot of other places to ride this close in to Chicago. Definitely worth a re-ride in the Spring and Summer when there's some foliage. Except for the Southernmost lagoon, the best views up North are on the Eastern side, as most of the Western side is overgrown with brush that you can barely see through even with all the foliage gone. This would also be a good destination ride as the top of the lagoons has a spur trail into the Chicago Botanical Gardens.