Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on May 3, 2010 at 2:33am

FYI - The route design, writing and most of the photography in this book is being done by the author, so I assume he picked specific locations where he wanted to get pictures from local cyclists. The Australian publisher chose a local author who is VERY knowledgeable about Chicago.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on May 4, 2010 at 2:23am

M.A.R.K. said:

While I do believe I know what you are hinting at Gary, I think perhaps you pointed it out wrong.. The publisher(or publishing company)is located in Australia, but the author is local, or at least to my knowledge.. I did look at the rules, and since I do not ride with a helmet, and frankly, have a face for radio, I will not be entering.
...

The "must be wearing a helmet" rule is irksome. But it seems like the end product is something like a travel guide and not an attempt to document reality, so I guess they can stipulate whatever fantasy they'd like to try to convey.

I wear a helmet all the time, but I'm opposed to any mandates requiring them. Helmets perpetuate the false notion that riding a bike is inherently dangerous. In general I boycott events such as Bike the Drive that require helmets.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on May 4, 2010 at 3:14am

The format of this book is really cool and will be useful to local people looking to explore a wider area around Chicago, to newbies here in town, and tourists. It will include short and easy routes for families, and longer routes for adults. Existing books in our area focus on trails, not streets. This new book will have lots of on-street routes, and a wide variety of rides throughout the area.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Gary Gilbert on May 4, 2010 at 4:12am

The key to everything is to know your audience.

In the case of the advertisment for the photo contest it sends a very strong message. It never says that "insiders know that a Chicago based writer/photographer is taking photos and that that person is a cyclist". All it does say that they want photos of "these specific trails and Elston avenue" and that the publisher is "from Australia".

My part of the audience says that the ad is not targeting the broad spectrum of the TheChainLink members

• ▶ Reply