Title says it all. Are there any good places for some spirited driving along some winding roads that aren't too populated? I usually am between Chicago and Libertyville and I can't say that I can recall any places like that. Lots of crowded straight streets seem to be the norm around here. Any suggestions to roads where I can let her rip (a little bit ).

Thanks!

 

Lots of options, it just depends on time of day, and what you are interested in.

There are some good roads out by McHenry, just over the border in Wisconsin, also one of my favorites in the path you are talking is Sheridan Road (from the around 137-South)

Later I'll try to pull and write up some more notes.

-Justin

 

just watch for the cops around Sheridan. They seem to be all over. (at least when I drive it)

The speed limit is quite low - 25-30 mph.

But on a nice warm summer night it is nice to look at all the mansions and think - I will never be able to afford this !

 

Yes, I've tried Sheridan - pretty cool by Evanston and South of it, but it is slow, but nice for cruising at night.

So you're saying take Sheridan from 137 and drive southward? I'll give it a try, maybe tonight.

McHenry, which roads?

I'm assuming these are the cruising type of roads, not the "spirited driving" type? I wish we had canyons here like in Cali.

 

http://www.speedtrialusa.com
http://www.gingermanraceway.com
http://www.cgimotorsports.com
http://www.racenasa.com
http://www.blackhawkfarms.com
http://www.autobahncountryclub.net
http://www.putnampark.com
http://www.roadamerica.com/2005/index.htm
http://www.trackaddicts.net
http://www.na-motorsports.com

You should be able to find PLENTY of twisties in the above links. Never a cop. Never an intersection. Never any oncoming traffic. Never a red light. Never a pedestrian on the side of the road. Truely the best way to experience a high performance car.

 

Agreed, but at 135+ bucks a pop, it's something I'll do maybe 3 times this summer + AutoXing with SCCA & Windy City BMW. What about the rest of the time?

 

Speeding tickets are $75 a pop. Add in traffic school and it's $95. Three in a year and you are walking.

Don't get me wrong. I occasionally drive fairly fast on public streets too, but to really explore the twisties, take it to the track.

 

Understood. Don't fret, I am a very responsible, older driver. I've got two speeding tickets in 19 years of driving - don't know if that's good or bad, but I'd guess that was better than average for someone who has only owned sports cars. I've caused only one accident and only to myself when my Mitsu Starion oversteered in the snow with summer tires (didn't know any better in grad school). I almost always go with the flow of traffic and if I'm by myself, usually go maybe 5-10 mph over the limit. I'm not looking to do anything illegal, just looking for some fun roads, maybe "backroads?", thanks.

 

There are still plenty of places where most vehicles are not up to actually driving at the legal speed limit (usually much slower)...if you find some of the right turns and roads...

For example of a turn that most cannot take at speed in a non-sports car:
From Milwaukee heading south on 94 the last true exit (165/Q) go West several miles towards Hwy 45. There is a really nice "s" curve (well...actually two 90-degree turns almost back to back).

I tweak my drive home to hit the best on-ramps and exit ramps...sometime exiting and entering back on the hwy at the same exit.

-Justin

 

Big Timber road, start at Randal road and go west, a few nice turns. Not really near Libertyville I guess.