Each year, I hold, organize or co-host some type of benefit for West Town Bikes.  I think they are a city treasure.  I am constantly awed by their many programs and efforts to promote bicycling and improve their corner of the city.  Their ongoing efforts regularly provide a multitude of opportunities for the young people in their neighborhood first and foremost, but all Chicago cyclists as well.  They are believers in the bike as a solution to many problems and the urban setting as an ideal landscape to pursue cycling as a solution.  I am constantly inspired by Alex Wilson and West Town Bikes and each year I try in my small way to help them with their mission.  This year, I am donating all of the proceeds for the tour and poster sales  for the ride and there is also an opportunity to donate even if you are not coming. 

The “There in Spirit” ticket means you don’t intend to ride, just to support West Town Bikes.  You can enter multiple numbers if you want to increase your support in increments of $9, the cost of the ride.  The ride itself is a beaut and a great opportunity to get to know the neighborhoods of West Town like Wicker Park, Ukrainian Village, Noble Square and Humboldt Park. 

West Town, Community Area #24 sits 3 miles northwest of The Loop. As with many Chicago communities, there is a West Town neighborhood and Community Area, and the two have different borders. The Community Area also contains neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Noble Square, part of Humboldt Park and Ukrainian Village amongst others. Unless you happened to be in the neighborhood of West Town, it is doubtful that any resident of the neighborhoods would identify themselves as being from the Community Area, as this is far more an area defined by its neighborhoods.

The built environment in West Town is second to none and the challenge of a tour such as this is drilling down to the essentials when there are so many splendid examples of things to see and a good supply of parks, murals and neighborhood features beyond the architectural goodies. 

Plus, your participation will help support the programs and mission of West Town Bikes, an iconic, loved and worthy Chicago institution.  You can also buy three different Ross Felten poster designs from past West Town tours individually or all together and all proceeds will be donated directly to West Town Bikes.  I hope we see some of you there, and many of you pulling together to give a spot of help to a worthy cause….West Town Bikes.