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Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on August 16, 2013 at 7:37am

You probably noticed it was pretty bad this morning even without all of the tourists, peds, open concession stands, gawkers, etc.  I expect it to be really, truly, horribly, nastily miserable tonight.  If you really cannot take Dearborn north to the park, my suggestion is to divert at the underpass at North Avenue and go through the park to Fullerton where you can go back and miss the worst of the congestion.

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Permalink Reply by daWillinChi on August 16, 2013 at 7:45am

This evening will be still be somewhat okay.

But starting tonight and maybe tomorrow, early morning, forget about it! People will have already started camping out there and the vendors should already be set up since this morning.

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Permalink Reply by Kat on August 16, 2013 at 8:05am

It was getting worse yesterday evening and I seriously considered taking the train this morning in anticipation of the crowds this evening.  I think I can take Dearborn up - it just gets sketchy past Chicago and I don't think cars will care that I've got a toddler in the carrier.  Thanks for the suggestion!

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on August 16, 2013 at 8:10am

They have paved and painted the bike lane on the left side from Chicago to Oak.  If you don't want to continue on Dearborn north of there, turn left on Oak and right on Clark where there is now the buffered bike lane.  Just have to watch for doors and clueless people test driving cars around the car dealerships between Oak and Elm. 
 
Kat said:

It was getting worse yesterday evening and I seriously considered taking the train this morning in anticipation of the crowds this evening.  I think I can take Dearborn up - it just gets sketchy past Chicago and I don't think cars will care that I've got a toddler in the carrier.  Thanks for the suggestion!

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Permalink Reply by Jeremy on August 16, 2013 at 8:41am

In the past I've avoided the path like the plague during the Air & Water show.  I actually did not think it was too horrible this morning, but it's been a long week so I wasn't in the drops sprinting down the path or anything.  Very easygoing.  I'm optimistic about using the path again tonite since I have to stay late anyway and will most likely just be cruising again.  Hopefully by 7:30-8 PM things have cleared out to a tolerable level of craziness. 

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Permalink Reply by Tricolor on August 16, 2013 at 9:03am

No problems this morning other than trucks making deliveries.  I don't expect this evening will be that bad, either, though I think I'm going to stop by REI so I may not be on the path until at least North this evening.

Forget using the trail this weekend, though.  I think I'm going to follow the norther section of next week's Four Star to make sure I know the route.

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Permalink Reply by Jason W on August 16, 2013 at 10:57am

Why are you in such a rush with a kid in a trailer? Just take your time. It's a beautiful Friday.

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Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on August 16, 2013 at 11:09am

The Air and Water Show is from 10:00 to 3:00 Saturday and Sunday. I would urge Chainlinkers to avoid the Lakefront Trail from Fullerton to the Museum Campus from 9:00 to 4:00, unless mingling with the clueless and mindless appeals to you.

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Permalink Reply by Kat on August 17, 2013 at 3:51am

I'm commuting with a kid, not out for a leisure ride.  And it's not that I'm rushing, I just hoped to avoid the stop and start that makes biking with a trailer so much fun.

Jason W said:

Why are you in such a rush with a kid in a trailer? Just take your time. It's a beautiful Friday.

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Permalink Reply by SlowCoachOnTheRoad on August 17, 2013 at 1:35pm

Yes, I would strongly avoid the lakefront bike lane while the Fume And Fuel Show is on.  However, the buzzards are now flying around the downtown area only from what I understand, thus greatly reducing our likelihood of getting PTSD

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