Bike Commuting Groups?

A friend of mine recently moved from Lincoln Park to Forest Park and joined a Google Group for bike commuters coming from the west side:

https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/westsidecommuters

Are there other commuting groups? Before my crash, I always commuted solo, but if I take it up again (not quite yet), I would be interested in connecting with other commuters - safety in numbers and all that. I happen to live in Evanston, so would be most interested in groups on the north side, but perhaps this thread can be used to enumerate all the known Chicago area bike commuting groups.

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Permalink Reply by Alex Z on June 19, 2017 at 6:29am

Skip, how bad was your crash? I'm sure you've posted about it but I missed it. I recognize your name as being one of the "frequent posters" on the Chainlink--very sorry to hear about your incident. Hope you are on the bend, and good luck!

Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on June 19, 2017 at 6:32am

Alas, it was this bad:

Permalink Reply by TonyP on June 19, 2017 at 11:55am

I broke my hip in a bike crash in 2013 and it hasn't been an issue. Mine was replaced, and it's actually easier on the hip to ride the bike than it is to walk. Although walking isn't really an issue, I will start to limp if too long a walk. It doesn't like impacts.

It was my right hip and I still worry right turns a bit though..

Permalink Reply by Alex Z on June 20, 2017 at 2:57am

I'm afraid I need a translation!

My sympathies, regardless.

Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on June 20, 2017 at 10:37am

Short explanation. I fractured my femur clean through from the bump on the left to the bump on the right. The repair was to put that long rod down into my femur to just above the knee. Not shown are the two screws at that point which anchor it to the bone (no twisting). The second rod goes throught the first and anchors into the head of the femur. A screw from above keeps the two rods in close harmony.

Regarding TonyP's comment about his hip replacement. My understanding is that if the fracture is in the "neck" of the femur, the somewhat fragile blood supply to the head of the femur can be compromised, so the usual prescription is for a hip replacement. See: Bo Jackson. Bo knows.

Permalink Reply by TonyP on June 20, 2017 at 1:23pm

Jeez, Skip, I didn't realize that rod went to your knee, that's a big repair.

And yeah, my break was at the neck, broke the ball end clean off. I asked the sawbones if it could be fixed and he said maybe, but if it doesn't take he'd hafta open me up and replace it anyway. Plus there were signs of arthritis that have been dealt with.

About your wife worrying, my wife gets nervous every time I take out the bike, to the point that every time she hears a siren while I'm out she pauses. But she also knows that without the bike I would be certifiable.

Permalink Reply by JimM. on June 20, 2017 at 5:46am

Hi Skip, I'm commuting from Evanston to 31st Street many days of the week. I don't know of any commuting groups but would be interested in setting one up if no one chimes in with one for the north side that's already set one up. Hope your "if I take it up again" turns into "when I take it up again" and if connecting with commuters from Evanston helps I'll be happy to join you on rides back and forth.

Permalink Reply by JMinHP on June 20, 2017 at 6:18am

I'd also be interested in finding a northside commuter group. I'm farther north in Highland Park. Certainly no shortage of road bikes out and about in the AM around the area, but very few, if any, commuters. My "normal" bike commute takes me to the Linden el stop. Every so often circumstances require I ride all the way into the city (river north).

Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on June 20, 2017 at 10:39am

Jim M and JMinHP, thanks for the responses. I hope "if" turns to "when". We'll see. I do keep somewhat early hours, in the office between 6:30 and 7, gone between 4:30 and 5.

Part of the "if" -> "when" is convincing my lovely wife that it's safe to get back in the water, so-to-speak. Don't even ask about my mother-in-law. She thinks I'm certifiable for riding in the city, no matter the circumstances.

Permalink Reply by JMinHP on June 21, 2017 at 3:07am

Skip, early is no problem for me. I'm out the door shortly after 5am. But distance may be an issue as I'm further north in HP. I'm usually pedaling into Linden around 45 minutes later.

Permalink Reply by David Barish on June 20, 2017 at 10:51am

Skip, sorry to hear about your accident. I was not aware before reading this thread today.  The x-ray you posted was indeed worth a thousand words. I hope you feel better.  I am an early bird but not quite as early as you.  If and when you are ready to ride I would be happy to leave earlier on  the days I ride. i am usually a 1-2 day/week commuter. 

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