What's Your Favorite Thing To Ride Past During Your Commute?

On my way from Andersonville to Evanston, I get to see one of my favorite local artist's mural.

https://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.10150306423901696.3467...

It always makes me happy to see it in person. So, I wanted to ask everyone, what's their favorite thing to see when commuting?

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by daWillinChi on June 13, 2012 at 5:38pm

People on bikes who are slower than me (never thought that was possible)

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on June 14, 2012 at 1:09am

I'm an ogler. I like to look at the bikes people are riding. I suppose a lot of folks think I'm looking at their butts -but it's their hardware I'm eyeing as I pass -not the software.

Beyond the scenery on my routes I also like the smellery. I always perk up when I go by a chocolate factory -and a good restaurant/street vendor or backyard cookout that smells delicious as I ride by.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Lanterne Rouge on June 14, 2012 at 1:52am

I'm in Andersonville too, Carlee - and I have seen that mural. The underpasses around here have some fun art.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Duppie on June 14, 2012 at 2:11am

On the way in to work: The gas station at Lincoln and Seminary, looking at the gas price ($4.19 this morning)

On the way home: The fantastic smells coming out of Pakeeza, an Indian restaurant on Orleans, just north of Oak They always make me hungry and wanting to go home and have dinner.

And the ride though old town (Sedgwick > Wisconsin> Mohawk > Dickens). Quiet, tree-lined streets make for a very pleasant ride. I just love looking at the sun shining through the trees onto the street

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Andrew on June 14, 2012 at 3:21am

Most days, it's the western length of Humboldt Park; in addition to checking out park happenings, I must admit to some enjoyment in going by the slow-moving traffic on Kedzie. Mornings where I need to stop by the bank I always enjoy seeing what's going on along Paseo Boricua. In the afternoons I love getting a whiff of Popeye's, though that's unfortunately often immediately followed by a Very Bad Smell that I assume comes from rotting garbage from the nearby shrimp place in the strip mall.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by magomawe on June 14, 2012 at 3:36am

When I used to bike to work on the Southside before my company changed locations I loved going on the Halsted Bridge just south of Grand Ave when the sun was rising, the Palmissano Park just south of 294, and the terrible smell of meat emanating from the Stock Yards (I actually looked forward to that smell). Now I'm just on Lincoln and Wells for most of my trip. I miss the emptiness of south Halsted. My favorite thing now is the Wilson bridge over the North Branch of the Chicago River. Though cars are whizzing by, but it is a peaceful spot.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on June 14, 2012 at 3:36am

Ah, that's on my old block. Sweet!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on June 14, 2012 at 3:37am

+1 That's an amazing view in all directions.

h' said:

I can't help but stop and just gaze and wonder when crossing the 18th street bridge at night (as I did last night).

It is absolutely the best view of any urban panorama anywhere on the planet. Especially when you can look down and watch a father playing baseball with his kid under your nose.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on June 14, 2012 at 3:38am

When I lived in Rogers Park and commuted to the Loop, it was the horses at Schiller and Sedgwick.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by April on June 14, 2012 at 4:47am

This post is GREAT. Commuting by bike is the best!

My commute takes me on Damen, Lincoln and Wilson.

I love catching the sound of children's sequels and laughter passing a playground or park.

It's fun to see just how many people are getting around by bike. Over the winter I kept a count of how many others I saw on my commutes (usually 5-15) now there are too many to count!

I peer at restaurants and businesses that pique my fancy and try to take note of them them so I can come check them out later. I am especially intrigued by outdoor seating and foods from nationalities I have never tried before.

I love passing over the river on Wilson. Yesterday I saw a tugboat making its way under the bridge. The day before I saw a family of ducks.

I also take a sadistic pleasure passing over the expressway and seeing the parking lot of rush hour traffic. I survey the mess and can't believe I ever considered it a viable form of transportation.