25 Mile Part Deux

[rhyme]

Did it again today! Much nicer day as you can see:

[sundial]

What gorgeous weather and how tranquil that is.

[wackyjacky1]

Where is that? I want to jump in that water!

[tulip]

I love Chicago!

[andtckrtoo]

I'll be in Chicago in October as my friend is running the Marathon and I'm a cheerleader. Any bike shops that will rent a fun bike for that ride? Looks fabulous!

[chicagogal]

Hi rhyme,

I live a block from the lake front trail, so the ride you did has become my get a ride in before work standby. It is a great ride, especially early in the morning before it gets too crowded.

The first time I did it out and back, I too found it to be hard (especially that slight uphill by soldier field). But after you do it a few times, you will see that it becomes much easier!!! Really, the hardest part now is getting out of a warm bed before the sun comes out.

But yeah, the wind can be brutal. I have stopped checking the speed/direction of the wind b/c knowing that I will be facing 15mph headwinds on my return is the likeliest thing to get me right back into bed! I just try to remind myself that riding into a headwind is the closest we chicagoans get to riding up hill, so we might as well appreciate that it is just making us stronger.

Have fun while riding and don't let it become a chore! For me, it's my excuse to get to work a little late after having some "me time" in the morning (lucky for me, I can make my own hours).

[wildhawk]

Gorgeous photo!! Glad that you have such a great place to ride!

[Possegal]

oh, i once found a dead body in lake michigan while riding on the back of my brother-in-law's bike. i was about 7. :) i guess that may be my first bike memory. ;)

[rhyme]

Hi rhyme,

I live a block from the lake front trail, so the ride you did has become my get a ride in before work standby. It is a great ride, especially early in the morning before it gets too crowded.

The first time I did it out and back, I too found it to be hard (especially that slight uphill by soldier field). But after you do it a few times, you will see that it becomes much easier!!! Really, the hardest part now is getting out of a warm bed before the sun comes out.

But yeah, the wind can be brutal. I have stopped checking the speed/direction of the wind b/c knowing that I will be facing 15mph headwinds on my return is the likeliest thing to get me right back into bed! I just try to remind myself that riding into a headwind is the closest we chicagoans get to riding up hill, so we might as well appreciate that it is just making us stronger.

Have fun while riding and don't let it become a chore! For me, it's my excuse to get to work a little late after having some "me time" in the morning (lucky for me, I can make my own hours).

The circuit I've started doing (every other day, I'm not yet strong enough to do it every day) is on at belmont and off at 58th or so.

The first time I did that 25 miler, I felt like total jello by the end - exhausted but I also didn't stop at all - two and half hours non stop. The second time, I took a break at 58th, had a bite to eat and then did the return, and that was a LOT easier. I'd like to try pushing it a bit further...Have you ever been south of there (south of 58th)? Is there anything past that? I'm tempted to try going another 5 miles or so (making it 35 total), but I admit I'm a little scared of the return, the headwind can really make for an exhausting ride.

[chicagogal]

Hi Rhyme,
I usually start at irving park and either go up to hollywood first, down to 71st and back to irving park or, when I have to get to work earlier, I just go from irving park down to 71st. It is nice past 57th st. The path goes right along the water, but the very last stretch before 71st is on a sidewalk which can have people on it waiting for buses, etc. However, at 71st is the entrance to a golf course and I usually turn around in there and maybe take a break for a few minutes.

I'll be on the path tomorrow morning, so if you want to meet up so as to have company that would be great! I'll be heading out around 6:30 and will probably go up to hollywood first. If you want to meet there around 6:45 or else down at belmont at 7:15ish that would be great! Send me a PM if you get this message tonight!

[wackyjacky1]

oh, i once found a dead body in lake michigan while riding on the back of my brother-in-law's bike. i was about 7. :) i guess that may be my first bike memory. ;)
I retract my jumping in statement. :eek:

[Possegal]

I retract my jumping in statement. :eek:


I think you are OK as long as you are jumping in, not being DUMPED in. :) Plus, given my age, and that I was too little to ride myself, this was some long dang time ago. He he he

That brother-in-law rode the livestrong challenge with us this year, I should remember to thank him for a much nicer bike memory. ;) Though the story does make for fun party chatter, usually brings the convo to a halt.

Back on topic - that photo is GORGEOUS and looks like such a lovely ride course.

[chicagogal]

Oh, it's not that bad!!!
There are nice beaches, and swimming can be downright lovely.
Jumped into the water at 57th st beach over labor day weekend, while on a bike ride, and it was great - and there wasn't a dead body in sight :)

[rhyme]

Hi Rhyme,
I usually start at irving park and either go up to hollywood first, down to 71st and back to irving park or, when I have to get to work earlier, I just go from irving park down to 71st. It is nice past 57th st. The path goes right along the water, but the very last stretch before 71st is on a sidewalk which can have people on it waiting for buses, etc. However, at 71st is the entrance to a golf course and I usually turn around in there and maybe take a break for a few minutes.

I'll be on the path tomorrow morning, so if you want to meet up so as to have company that would be great! I'll be heading out around 6:30 and will probably go up to hollywood first. If you want to meet there around 6:45 or else down at belmont at 7:15ish that would be great! Send me a PM if you get this message tonight!

Sorry just saw this. Sent you a PM. Like I said, not sure I can keep up with ya, I'm not exactly fast, and im not on a road bike (my "excuse" for being slow), and I'm still pretty much 3 bpms away from a heart attack on the way back with that headwind.

I'd probably be able to accompany you to 71st, but I suspect I'd have to take a break there - as it happens I have some stuff to do in Hyde Park, so maybe next week?