It's the end of the tours as we know them and I feel...

kind of ill actually. 

 

I have been trying to figure out a way around this decision and a way to not really end the neighborhood tours I have grown so found of doing over the past two and a half years, but the fiscal realities of my life and a recent bummer decision by various other businesses affecting my business has kind of forced my hand.  As Mr. White says, I have to go get a job-type job. 

 

I plan to still keep my role in Big Shoulders and my license as a loan originator and real estate broker, but that all depends on various events that transpire in the coming months, and what i find to do that pays the bills, as real estate, regardless of my optimism, is not doing it.

 

That forces me to retire the tours as they occupy 50 to 80 hours of my life each month, and that isn't something I can contribute in addition to the various other duties I have in life. 

 

As they say, there is more to the story, but it is over a beer type of discussion, not over the net.

 

I hope many of you can come out, and I hope I can actually speak tomorrow.  I am tight just thinking about this bs. I will do tomorrow's tour of Humboldt Park, next month's tour of Garfield Park, and then I have to call it quits. 

 

I will miss it very much and doing it for all of you. Thanks for all who have come, supported the rides, and helped in every fashion.  You are all the best. 

 

Cheers - Lee

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Moc Artsy on May 22, 2010 at 3:35pm
Respect, my friend. If there is anything I can do, let me know. Sorry about the decision, but I understand. I need to find a job-type job myself. If the real estate market stays depressed, remember that you can always build these exquisite bikes. There will always be a market for lugged Italian and British steel. I'll see you tomorrow.
Permalink Reply by Ross Felten on May 22, 2010 at 11:01pm
i'm going to miss creating the monthly posters for the tours. As I am sad that the tours will be retiring, I am eager to see what new projects Lee has up his sleeve for the future. The man is a think tank!
Permalink Reply by Laura Blake on May 23, 2010 at 4:05am
This is such sad news! ...but understandable. We're all very lucky that you've been able to put together these great rides for so long. I remember going on my first ride on a whim last summer....and was hooked ever since! I've met so many great people and seen many parts of the city that I normally wouldn't see (Hyde Park for one). Thank you so much for all of your hard work!!
Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on May 23, 2010 at 4:43am
SURVIVE, Lee, 216 style! You'll be back someday!
Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on May 23, 2010 at 5:32am
I've enjoyed your work, Ross.

Ross Felten said:
i'm going to miss creating the monthly posters for the tours. As I am sad that the tours will be retiring, I am eager to see what new projects Lee has up his sleeve for the future. The man is a think tank!
Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on May 23, 2010 at 5:33am
Sorry to hear it, Lee. I certainly understand the need for your decision and hope that all works out for the best. I hope that your last two tours are a great send-off.
Permalink Reply by Primitive Don on May 23, 2010 at 10:10am
I understand this is kind of a bummer, but know that you've affected LOTS of people in positive ways by giving of your time and yourself. I've never even been able to attend one of your tours (hectic schedule of my own), but my bike shop now offers history-oriented community bike rides in our town, and I attribute that idea directly to you.
Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on May 23, 2010 at 5:14pm
Well that was a cool ride, not really a part of Chicago I'd ride around in by myself, part of it anyway.
Permalink Reply by Lee Diamond on May 24, 2010 at 8:29am
Thank you all for your kind words. Thanks also to everyone who came and props to Mike H. for being such a sport when the PSYCHO lady in the minivan hit his bike and trashed his wheel. On purpose. Other than that, and quite a humid ride, very fun and a good almost-sendoff.

Cheers.
Permalink Reply by Moc Artsy on May 24, 2010 at 11:23am
Wild, eventful ride. Did Mike contact police about the psycho woman, and does he need any witnesses? Please let him know that I have a wheel for him if he needs one.
Permalink Reply by Lee Diamond on May 25, 2010 at 1:11am
I spoke with Mike. He is fine of course, and he is going directly to the police station in the district it occurred so he can have the paperwork. He took the bus to West Town and they hooked him up with a wheel so he is all set. Hurled ice, eggs and the like, and one slight moment of homicidal driver rage, a very lovely ride, no?

Moc Artsy said:
Wild, eventful ride. Did Mike contact police about the psycho woman, and does he need any witnesses? Please let him know that I have a wheel for him if he needs one.
Permalink Reply by Lee Diamond on May 25, 2010 at 9:53am
Here is the route and turn by turn directions, an address map and the stops/discussion areas/buildings.

Cheers - Lee
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