Do Island Lake and Kensington have a connecting BIKE path?

The main connector is the one you're talking about, but like all of the paths you find in both parks, they're shared by everyone and you're not supposed to go more than about 10mph (most people go faster)....and those paths aren't really for training. If you're going to hop over to Kensington, take that path to the end (dumps you out right after the underpass) and bear right. That'll take you to the East Boat Launch. From there you can get on the road and ride that around. Kensington roads tend to be busier than Island Lake, especially on the weekends, but if you go early its not bad. The only area I'd tell you to be careful of is the Farm hill (the road that goes along side the farm near the main offices). I've come down this hill before going towards the round about and nearly been hit by cars that aren't paying attention as they pull out of the parking lots there. Its happened 3 times to me, so now I always brake going down that hill and take it slow enough that if something happens I can ditch and survive.

What I do when I ride is to take it from the East Boat launch north then around the round about going to the left, up the farm hill then just continue on that road till you get to the west entrance, then you can turn around and loop back. I'm not sure what that mileage is, maybe 8 or 9 or so. When you get more comfortable with riding on roads, you can continue out past the west entrance, then hop on Kensington road and that'll get you back to Island Lake. Otherwise, turn around and go back to the East Boat Launch then get on the connector. That'll get you some good distance...plus there are some really good hills...much bigger and longer than Island Lake.

Unfortunately, once you decide to go long you run out of decent routes around here pretty quick. I know you're familiar with hines drive...Stony creek is decent but a short loop. Don't even remind me of the time I did a 70mile/11 mile brick at belle isle.

The connecting path you speak of is the only one...yeah, you're pretty much an A-hole if you go flying through there.

The bike path loop at kensington is 8 miles, IIRC, but you can't seriously train on it. The conditions of the roads suck, though...and given the type of traffic at Kensington, I've always felt safer leaving ILRA and heading for a lap of the GM proving grounds. It includes a KILLER hill and there really is very little traffic on the weekends.especially once you get across the freeway. Sure, roads can be scary...wear something bright and shiny, and don't make sudden moves.

Boo. OK, well back to the drawing board. But, forewarned is forearmed, and I have all winter to come up with some good routes. Thanks for the suggestions! =)