Hennepin segment in this review: Sterling to Tampico
Bike: Specialized Sirus hybrid
Type of biker: casual, but I bike daily and can handle 25-35 mile rides
Weather: sunny, warm, upper 70's and dry.
Trail conditions: dry
Bike recommendation: no street bikes. Perfect for hybrid and mountain.
Other recommendations: sun protection, excess water, small protein bar or similar, phone, sunglasses, small towelette for sweat.
I started this trail at its entrance on the Sterling side of the Rock River.
Crossing the Rock was a nice starter. On the western dam side, a group of pelicans and their babies swam in the water. Can't say I've ever seen pelicans in Illinois before.
Once you reach the Rock Falls side the trail adjoins the Hennepin canal for the rest of the ride. In warm weather you're likely to see a lot of people fishing all the way down to the I88 underpass.
Heading south of I88 you aren't likely to see anyone. The trail is in decent shape being earthen based and I didn't see much more than small twigs on my ride south. There's easily a good 7-8 miles where you don't see much of anything manmade with the exception of crossing a road.
If you're a bird lover, this area will highly appeal. During my 25-mile journey I must have seen at least 50-75 orioles, a variety of blue colored birds, cardinals, several colors of finch, and a bird that has white tipped feathers that I've never seen before. I'm not a birder but they are beautiful to watch. The canal itself is clean with occasional turtles perched on logs.
There was only one spot on my segment with bathrooms, and that was closer to Tampico. The rest of the trail is devoid of bathrooms, benches and other amenities.
Some additional observations regarding this part of the trail:
Google maps indicate that a sunflower field is near the intersection of the trail and Star Road. There isn't. The area is entirely corn fields.
For rides longer than 5-10 miles, make sure to bring your own hydration and food. I bike daily and can handle long rides. But back here it gets rather warm. Water consumption for me was a little bit greater, and I even found a need to eat a protein bar to steady my energy level.
Importantly; a 25-mile ride back here will feel like well over 35. While the trail is in good shape, you do make a lot of dodges to avoid branches, twigs, holes, hanging bushes and other deterrents. The earthen path also slows your speed.
I didn't quite make it to downtown Tampico as I had original set out to do. My halfway point became Fargo Rd, at which point, I could see the little city of Tampico from a distance.
This leg of the trail completed my third on the Hennepin Canal Trail. It's a very peaceful trail with a lot of upside.
Cheers.
