Illinois may not be known for its off-road trails, but the state has some hidden gems for dirt bike enthusiasts. From beginner-friendly routes to challenging single tracks, there are plenty of options for riders of all skill levels. Here are the top 10 dirt bike trails in Illinois.

1. Little Egypt Off Road – Marion Little Egypt Off Road offers a total of 10 miles of dirt bike trails that range in difficulty from easy to challenging. This location is perfect for beginners and experienced riders alike, as there is something for everyone. The trails are open year-round and are located just a few miles from Marion, Illinois. Little Egypt Off Road also offers camping, so you can stay close to the action.
2. Fox Valley Off Road – Ottawa Located just a few miles from Ottawa, Fox Valley Off Road offers 14 miles of trails that are specifically designed for dirt bikes. The trails are challenging and should only be tackled by experienced riders. There is no camping at this location, but there are plenty of hotels in the nearby city.
3. Lincoln Trail Motosports – Casey Lincoln Trail Motosports is home to over 20 miles of trails that range from easy to difficult. The trails are open year-round and are specifically designed for dirt bikes. This location is perfect for riders of all skill levels, and there is even a pee-wee track for younger riders. Camping is available at Lincoln Trail Motosports.
4. Buffalo Range Off Road Park – Ottawa Buffalo Range Off Road Park offers over 20 miles of trails that are specifically designed for dirt bikes. The trails range in difficulty from easy to challenging, so there is something for everyone. This location is perfect for riders who want a challenging ride, as the trails are not for beginners. Camping is available at Buffalo Range Off Road Park.
5. Cliffs Insane Terrain Off Road Park – Marseilles Cliffs Insane Terrain Off Road Park offers over 10 miles of trails that are specifically designed for dirt bikes. The trails range in difficulty from easy to difficult, so there is something for everyone. This location is perfect for riders who want a challenging ride, as the trails are not for beginners. Camping is available at Cliffs Insane Terrain Off Road Park.
6. The Badlands Off Road Park – Attica The Badlands Off Road Park offers over 800 acres of trails that are specifically designed for dirt bikes. The trails range in difficulty from easy to extreme, so there is something for everyone. This location is perfect for riders who want a challenging ride, as the trails are not for beginners. Camping is available at The Badlands Off Road Park.
7. Sahara Woods State Fish and Wildlife Area – Carrier Mills Sahara Woods State Fish and Wildlife Area offers 8 miles of trails that are specifically designed for dirt bikes. The trails range in difficulty from easy to difficult, so there is something for everyone. This location is perfect for riders of all skill levels, and there is even a pee-wee track for younger riders. Camping is available at Sahara Woods State Fish and Wildlife Area.
8. Rocky Glen OHV Park – Rockford Rocky Glen OHV Park offers over 120 acres of trails that are specifically designed for dirt bikes. The trails range in difficulty from easy to difficult, so there is something for everyone. This location is perfect for riders who want a challenging ride, as the trails are not for beginners. There is no camping at this location, but there are plenty of hotels in the nearby city.
9. Harrisburg Motorcross Park – Harrisburg Harrisburg Motorcross Park offers over 30 acres of trails that are specifically designed for dirt bikes. The trails range in difficulty from easy to difficult, so there is something for everyone. This location is perfect for riders of all skill levels, and there is even a pee-wee track for younger riders. Camping is available at Harrisburg Motorcross Park.
   10. Ki Tracks MX – Oregon Ki Tracks MX offers over 15 miles of trails that are specifically designed for dirt bikes. The trails range in difficulty from easy to difficult, so there is something for everyone. This location is perfect for riders who want a challenging ride, as the trails are not for beginners. There is no camping at this location, but there are plenty of hotels in the nearby city.

   When planning a trip to any of these dirt bike trails, it’s important to pack the right gear and safety equipment. Here’s a list of items you should bring:

   1. Helmet
   2. Gloves
   3. Goggles
   4. Boots
   5. Protective gear (chest protector, knee pads, elbow pads)
   6. First aid kit
   7. Water
   8. Snacks
   9. Tool kit
   10. Spare parts (spark plugs, fuses, etc.)

   It’s also important to check the weather conditions and trail status before heading out. Some trails may be closed due to inclement weather or maintenance. Always ride with a buddy and let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return.

   Illinois may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about dirt bike trails, but there are plenty of options for riders of all skill levels. From beginner-friendly routes to challenging single tracks, these top 10 dirt bike trails offer something for everyone. Just remember to pack the right gear and safety equipment and always ride responsibly.

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Husqvarna is a popular brand that produces high-quality off-road motorcycles. Two of their popular models are the FC 250 and FE 250. Both bikes offer unique features that appeal to different riders, and in this article, we’ll compare the two models to help you decide which one is right for you.

Features:

• The FC 250 is a motocross bike, while the FE 250 is an enduro bike.
• The FC 250 is designed for speed and agility, while the FE 250 is designed for durability and versatility.

Engine/Transmission:

• The FC 250 and FE 250 both have 4-stroke, single-cylinder engines.
• The FC 250 has a higher compression ratio than the FE 250, resulting in more power.
• The FC 250 has a 5-speed transmission, while the FE 250 has a 6-speed transmission.
• The FE 250 has an electric starter, while the FC 250 has a kickstarter.

Suspension:

• The FC 250 and FE 250 both have WP XACT suspension.
• The FC 250 has a shorter suspension travel than the FE 250, making it better suited for motocross.
• The FE 250 has a longer suspension travel and a softer suspension setup, making it better suited for off-road adventures.

Frame:

• The FC 250 and FE 250 both have a lightweight chromoly steel frame.
• The FC 250 has a shorter wheelbase and steeper steering angle than the FE 250, making it more agile.
• The FE 250 has a longer wheelbase and more relaxed steering angle, making it more stable.

Husqvarna FC 250 Specs:

• Engine: 4-stroke, single-cylinder
• Displacement: 249cc
• Compression ratio: 14.4:1
• Transmission: 5-speed
• Starter: Kick
• Suspension travel (front/rear): 310mm/300mm
• Wheelbase: 1485mm
• Weight (without fuel): 98.2kg

Husqvarna FE 250 Specs:

• Engine: 4-stroke, single-cylinder
• Displacement: 249cc
• Compression ratio: 12.8:1
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Starter: Electric
• Suspension travel (front/rear): 300mm/300mm
• Wheelbase: 1495mm
• Weight (without fuel): 105.8kg

Husqvarna FC 250 Pros & Cons:

Pros

• Lightweight and agile for motocross
• High compression ratio for more power
• 5-speed transmission for faster gear changes

Cons

• No electric starter, which can be a hassle for some riders
• Shorter suspension travel than the FE 250, making it less suitable for off-road adventures

Husqvarna FE 250 Pros & Cons:

Pros

• Electric starter for easy ignition
• Longer suspension travel and softer suspension setup for off-road adventures
• 6-speed transmission for smoother gear changes

Cons

• Slightly heavier than the FC 250, making it less agile for motocross
• Lower compression ratio than the FC 250, resulting in slightly less power

In conclusion, the Husqvarna FC 250 and FE 250 are both excellent off-road motorcycles, but they are designed for different purposes. The FC 250 is better suited for motocross, while the FE 250 is better suited for off-road adventures. Consider your riding style and preferences when choosing between these two models.

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They ripped out to Borrego Springs that day, camped out on a dry lakebed, and the rest, as they say, was history. “Those 50 women were so enthusiastic about it and felt like it was something that was kind of missing,” recalls Violet. The immediate support led to the creation of Babes Ride Out and a few years later, Babes in the Dirt, women’s only motorcycle and dirt bike events that now attract hundreds of attendees of all skill levels.

“When you’re riding dirt there’s a certain sense of freedom about it that you just can’t get riding street [bikes]. I think it’s really due to the space and being in nature,” says Ellis. “I got into dirt biking just watching other women do it. I’d been riding street for a few years, and it never really clicked with me until probably around year three of Babes in the Dirt, so it took me a while to really love it.”

Anya, on the other hand, has been riding dirt bikes since she was six. “My mom rode dirt bikes and got us kids into it, and I was really the only one that really took to it,” she says. “I went from a 50cc motorcycle to a 125 and a 125 to a 250 and just kept upgrading and really fell in love with it.”

Aside from getting exclusive access to destinations that you can only reach by off-road vehicles, both Babes founders love the camaraderie that comes with the particulars of the sport. “I just love the teamwork it takes to get through certain sections,” says Ellis. “Maybe in your mind you don’t think you can do it but there’s your friend over there cheering you on and clapping when you get to the top.”

There’s a certain advantage to having a buddy with you when throwing a leg over a dual sport, as “you can get into some hairy terrain,” according to Violet.

That’s why proper planning and safety is always part of the Babes founders’ riding regimens. Whether it’s having the right armor like knee braces, boots, elbow and shoulder pads to avoid serious injury, or something as easy as always checking the tire pressure or using a fuel additive like Techron Powersports & Small Engine to clean and protect the bike’s interior before ripping off into the distance.

“Maintenance is super important,” says Violet. “You want to have your bike running optimally at all times.”

“It only takes one time to forget something or just overlook a problem and not fix it right away,” Violet adds. “You don’t want to get stuck somewhere 100 miles out with no help and no one in sight. There’s no tow trucks that can get out here so you’re leaving the bike for dead.”

That’s why “you’ve got to protect yourself and protect your bike,” says Ellis, a Techron Powersports aficionado (she uses it for her generator too) who saw benefits from the top fuel additive when she had to shelf her bike when she had her baby. “Without Techron Powersports to put in [the gas tank] to make sure everything was stabilized and running clean, it was just awesome to know that the bike would start when I was ready to ride again,” she recalls. And ride again she has.

So if you’re ready to rip, on your own, in a group of friends, or perhaps with the Babes themselves at their upcoming October Babes in the Dirt 6 event (tickets on sale here for female riders of all experience levels) be sure to grab a bottle (multiple sizes available) of Techron Powersports to keep your dirt bike’s fuel system clean from carbon deposits, protected from corrosion, and stabilized during storage (it keeps fuel fresh for up to 24 months). Learn more about Techron Powersports here!

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