Paul Z's Prairie Path Update- 9/16/08

Thanks to all who replied about conditions on the paths and roads. I
went out this evening from Mile Marker Zero in Wheaton to Powis and Army
Trail. Despite Saturday's deluge and the remnants of Hurricane Ike, the
path is in pretty decent shape. However, there are a few sections that
were under water and will put you on your butt if you aren't careful.
The washouts left washboard sections that are guaranteed end-O's if you
hit them at speed on a skinny tire bike. The worst parts are near Prince
Crossing Road -- about one-quarter mile to the east and the other is
immediately after the IPP splits from the Great Western. Besides the
ruts and bumps, there's a dangerous mix of sand and loose gravel. Take
it slow and you'll be OK. Or set your front shock for full travel and
don't let go of the bars!
On the pavement, Powis will probably be open tomorrow. I rode north from 
Army Trail to Stearns (in spite of the barricades and ROAD CLOSED sign), 
and there's one small section with standing water near the recreation 
area, just south of the railroad tracks. The water was no more than 2 
inches deep on the crown of the road.
Munger is another story. While the water has receded quite a bit since 
the weekend, it's hub-deep at the low spot, and about 70 meters are 
submerged just north of the railroad tracks. There are a couple of wet 
sections between Forest Preserve Drive on the north and Army Trail on 
the south where you'll have to slow down.
Well, I have to go change the newspaper in my soggy cycling shoes...
Later,
.pcz
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