Hennepin Canal

[low_48]

I've become a pretty active bicyclist over the past two years of my retirement. The last two day trips have been to the Hennepin Canal. The first trip started at the visitor's center at the intersection of I-80 and Rt. 40 in North Central Illinois. The trip last Thursday started at the Rock River near Colona, Il and headed east to Geneseo, Il. I can't believe how well preserved the lift bridges and other infrastructure are. Lock gates may still be there, but most all have a concrete dam by them to control water depth. I've visited two of the lift bridges, 2 different aqueducts going over creeks, and countless lock gates. The trail is tar and chip, or a little crushed rock, so the full suspension mountain bike makes for a more fun day. There was a washout west of the one bridge, but I took the sign as a suggestion and the mountain bike made short work of riding through that as well.


 


 


 

[thecfarm]

An interesting day it was.

[Savannahdan]

Those arches are great.  Have sort of a Steampunk character to them. 

[Magicman]

Sidetracking a bit but how about some detailed information about your bike?   :P

[wesdor]

Good to hear others enjoy the Hennipen. I live less than 5 miles from where it joins the Rock River (or rather once did).  Will cross it this morning.

Some great photos- thanks for sharing.

[low_48]

Sidetracking a bit but how about some detailed information about your bike?   :P

Glad you asked, I love sharing info about electric assist bikes. It's a 2016 Haibike XDURO Full Seven S RX. Big title, that means it's made by the German company Haibike, has a mid drive Bosch motor and power assist, has full air suspension, 27.5" tires, and is the speed version of that model which provides electric assist up to 28mph. Lithium-ion battery pack that can work with the power assist for around 55 miles of travel in economy mode. There is no throttle, only pedal assist. It measures the torque at the pedals, wheel speed, and your selected assist level to provide a measured amount of wattage to the little Bosch motor mounted just in front of the pedal crank. Rumor has it that motor is from the electric power steering unit designed for Mercedes. 5 levels of assist, from providing 50% more effort than what I put to the pedals, up to 275%. I bought it as a demonstrator last November with 150 miles on it, I've added another 1400 miles. One of my favorite features on the digital console is a range estimate. Based on the last mile or so of riding, it will tell you the estimated number of miles left in the charge based on assist level. So if I get out about 15 miles, I know what setting I can use to get back home. No more fears of head winds, fatigue, or running out of battery. And to answer the most asked question, it listed for just under $5,000, I paid $2800. I then bought a nearly identical one in March, but it is set up more for touring. Larger diameter/smaller cross section tires, fenders, rear rack and bags, and a slightly bigger battery. I have almost 1100 miles on it since March, and I bought it on an off season sale for $2600. More of a closeup pic. I fretted about the money when I bought each one, but it is my major form of entertainment in retirement. I ride around 4-5 days a week. My wife has now started to become my support team when I go for a day trip. We travel in our van, and she occupies herself for a few hours while I ride. I ride for a while, sit and enjoy nature while eating a snack, ride some more until I get tired, then call her to pick me up. I've seen some beautiful country, and love to ride along waterways in the Midwest. I also hope it beats back the grim reaper a few extra years since I just turned 65. I really do get a good exercise in despite the electric assist. I just get to travel faster and longer with the assist.


 

[low_48]

Good to hear others enjoy the Hennipen. I live less than 5 miles from where it joins the Rock River (or rather once did).  Will cross it this morning.

Some great photos- thanks for sharing.

My oldest cousin (93 years old) lives in Tampico. I see on Google Maps that a feeder goes all the way up past him. I've crossed that bridge going into Tampico many times, was surprised to see it feeds into the canal.