Chicago to New Orleans in April, exp cyclists, beg tourists

[sara.atx]

Hello there!

A friend of mine and I are looking for a good route in April, and are searching for help creating a Chicago to NOLA route. We gave a lot of thought to the Pacific Coast routes, but the weather that time of year is not looking good, and April is the only month which fits our work schedules.
I've heard the Great Rivers route would be a good one to follow for this leg, but we'd like to start from Chicago, or as close to it as we can get.
Niether of us does any fitness rides, so we are not used to travelling on the highway shoulders or around large trucks, and while I know it's inevitable, we are seeking as much of a way around riding highways as possible.

Both of us live car-free in Austin and commute by bike everyday and have the bikes we need to tour with. We are seeking advice on the route, but will take any advice or traveling tips as well!

[JHamelman]

Hi there sara.atx,

I suggest you take a look at the resources from the Illinois DOT Bicycle and Pedestrian program to get yourselves from Chicago to where ever you want to connect to the Great Rivers Route.

http://www2.illinois.gov/gov/green/pages/regionalbiking.aspx

However, be aware that flooding can occur in this region in April closing roads and bridges.

Good luck and have fun on your trip!

.Jennifer.

[RussSeaton]

April?  Chicago to New Orleans.  April is not a great bicycling month in the midwest.  It can be fine.  It can also be cold, windy, and rainy.  When riding from Chicago south to the end of Illinois (half the distance to New Orleans almost) you will see lots of farmers planting.  They are planting in April because that is a good time to get plants in the ground.  One of the key parts of that is moisture.  Rain.  Freshly planted crops love water.  Rain.  They also love warm weather too.  But the heat can wait until June and July.  Water is key to the beginning of a plant growth cycle.  Water and rain is not great for bicycling usually.  Cold, cool rain is even worse.  In April you could be miserable until you get out of south Illinois.  It could also be wonderful and mild temperatures.  But we don't have droughts and dry warm springs every year.

[habanero]

I agree with Russ on the timing.  If you started from the south though, it would be better, because the wind is usually blowing from S to N up the Mississippi river.  Plus, it should be warmer starting out and have a better change of good weather when you do get north.

[PeteJack]

Rain. 

The heaviest most sustained rain I have ever met was in Illinois in May and I live in Seattle where it's supposed to be wet! No matter what you wear you'll be drenched to the skin.

[jimndiana]

have you created a route yet from Chicago?  If you are coming thru ST. Louis, let us know - we would consider a plan to join you in heading south on Great Rivers ACA route...