Burger, beer, bike

Buying bicycles a few years ago has opened up a new world for me. My husband had been an avid bike rider in the 70’s and 80’s putting on hundreds of miles in the Midwest and also had a couple solo bike trips in Ireland.




It was my idea to get bikes. I read an article about biking in middle age and how it makes you feel like a young kid again – wind blowing in your hair, that sense of freedom and independence that you get from powering on your own.



Since I hadn’t been on a bike for 15 years, I figured we were on maybe a 20-minute ride through the neighborhood. We took the Salt Creek Trail first from Brainard to Wolf Rd – I was fine – then we crossed Wolf, went through the picnic grounds, then behind Meadow Lark Golf Course and under the tollway. I was getting worried. We then pedaled down Canterberry Lane onto York Road and we were at 31st and York when he posed the leading suggestion – ‘let’s just see where this goes…..’



We crossed 31st, went along the trail that goes in front of the soccer fields, by the Oakbrook Public Library, picked up the trail again and went through the parking lot of the Oak Brook Bath & Tennis, following around to McDonald’s headquarters – a really lovely bike ride.



Since that maiden voyage, we have biked many places and many miles. Now, before we head out, we take a look at the Illinois Bike Path map and figure out not only where to go, but a route that is easily accessible to a neighborhood watering hole.



One of our favorite destinations for lunch or dinner without getting in the car is the York Tavern on York Road just north of Ogden. It’s an easy bike ride from La Grange Park.



Starting at Brainard on the Salt Creek Trail, you can take the route as I described above and instead of going north to 31st, you can stay on the trail on York Rd. If you stay on York, you do have to cross the street to get on the trail rather than riding on the road.



A more interesting route is crossing York Rd at Canterberry, and then taking the trail to Robin Hood Ranch, a pristine and quiet subdivision. There is a path into Fullersburg Woods. If you take that path south, you are practically at the back entrance of the York.



The York Tavern was built in 1843 by Benjamin Fuller and still stands in its original location north of the Salt Creek Bridge on the west side of York Road. It is believed that the York is the oldest continuously operating privately owned eating and drinking spot in DuPage County. Should you pedal over to the York, you will find it to be a great spot to re-fuel and rest a bit. The burgers are great as are many other sandwich offerings. Beer is ice cold, served in frosty mugs and the selection both on tap and in bottles is substantial. There is something for everyone – even a nice wine list.

The place is comfortable – getting back on the Salt Creek Bike Trail to home is only about 25 minutes. That’s about 500 calories burned to and from the York – takes a substantial bite out of that burger and beer. For further information, a complete history, menu and hours of operations, check out their website at http://www.yorktavernoakbrook.com./