I Rode - Spring 2011

Gorgeous sunrise on LFP today. So glad Spring is only a few days away!!!

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Permalink Reply by in it to win it 8.0 mi on April 15, 2011 at 5:37am

Angry Lake, grrr!

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Permalink Reply by April on April 15, 2011 at 12:58pm

I had my first foul weather commute today (intentional that is, I got caught in a storm last summer). It was quite an experience but I am glad I did it. Now that I've started I don't want to think about going back on the train. Biking is so much freer. I think the rain must have let up quite a bit by the time I got started (5:15 or so) because I stayed fairly dry consider all I had in lieu of rain gear was a windbreaker. Is it just me or do drivers seem more aggressive in the rain? It seemed like far too many were speeding up really close to me. Also I got honked at twice! I took my husband's advice and brought a whistle. It was great for getting people's attention through their steel cages. I work in Rosemont so I have to go through suburbia to get to my job. In general it seems that suburban drivers are surprised by bikers even on beautiful days. They seemed a little mad at me in the rain. Oh well I had fun. I think the greatest challenge today was that wind. I think you call it a headwind when it heading right towards you. All I could think of was that song "running against the wind." I had to really push it at times. Michelle my bike is filthy after our adventure, I think I should probably go downstairs and give her a sponge bath! She has an internal hub and fenders, but still...keeping your bike clean is important right? Well I'm having glass of wine right now and I am raising it to all you wonderful people who have been so very inspirational to me. Salute Bike people! Thank you!

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Gregorek on April 15, 2011 at 1:45pm

April, I enjoyed reading about your ride, and I am borrowing that great idea of your husbands! I have always felt I wanted a car horn on my bike :), but a whistle will do. Something tells me you will understand when I say that I am happiest on my bike and love my new found 58 year old passion! My commute right now is from River North to Truman College, Wilson/Broadway. How about you? and yes, gloves would have been great the other day:)

Michelle (a human)

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Permalink Reply by April on April 15, 2011 at 2:05pm

Hello Michelle, the human.. (*grin*) I think it so great to share our experiences and to be part of a community. Biking could be a lonely activity but with all the wonderful people on chainlink, it never is. I think about the great advice I have received and the stories of courage, endurance and discovery when I ride.

That whistle is a powerful tool. I stopped somebody from turning blindly into me and made it through a terrible construction zone at a bridge (Devon & Des Plaines Ave.). My commute is west on Higgins to Talcott to Devon. On the way home I vary it up my route with plenty of side streets to keep it interesting and to avoid rush hour suburban traffic. I live in Jefferson Park. It is a little over six miles which I consider to be pretty moderate.

I like biking on Wilson. I use it to get to Ginko Organic Gardens on Saturdays. Wilson is such a lovely street, plenty to see, moderate traffic and the blessed bike line. I have yet to do River North or Broadway though. Are they nice? I used google maps to find bike-friendlier routes and so far it has been very helpful. It is very nice to make your acquaintance. I look forward to hearing about your rides.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on April 15, 2011 at 3:40pm

I love that stuff along the wall part of the lake. Funny how 4 miles (Humboldt park) vs 2 blocks (Edgewater) makes you miss out on all the LFP fun.

in it to win it said:

Angry Lake, grrr!

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Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on April 15, 2011 at 3:44pm

I was gonna take the bus or a cab... but alas I must have left my wallet at home. Riding home it is!

Luckily I keep gobs of extra clothes at work... including rain pants.

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Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on April 15, 2011 at 5:17pm

Funny, the ride home ended up being a breeze (no pun intended)!

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Permalink Reply by Reddog (Cliff) on April 16, 2011 at 10:36am

Today was interesting. I made two trips out into the world today. The first one wasnt so bad. It was in the morning and it was about fifty degrees outside and it wasnt raining much, and was partly sunny. The second one was not so much fun. It had gotten much colder and the wind was up, and it was driving a hard cold rain into my face. Still, better than taking the bus.

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Gregorek on April 16, 2011 at 10:47am

Yes Reddog, what a switch in the weather! I decided on bussing it today..regrets in the late morning but then so glad after noon or so. Hope you warm up quicklky!