Is anyone thinking of doing the Ride the Drive in Chicago May 29th?

[Bike Writer]

PLL, hope you go and enjoy the ride, as it turns out I won't be making it this year but it's something to look forward to because it does sound like a blast! It's got to be great riding along the shore of Lake Michigan. Cold breakfast, yuck!

[pll]

That's a bummer. I hope the weather is good -- rain I could handle but not a thunderstorm. Anyone else signed up?

[kimikaw]

My husband and I are doing it. Will be our first time. Looking forward to a night in Chicago and then the ride. The following weekend we're doing the UPAF/Miller Lite Ride for the Arts here in Milwaukee

[pll]

Nice! Let me know if you want any dining recommendations. In downtown, there are tapas-type spots I like a lot:

• Avec
• Purple Pig
• Mercat a la Planxa

I've never heard of the Milwaukee ride. Have you done it before? Is it a nice area to ride?

[kimikaw]

Nice! Let me know if you want any dining recommendations. In downtown, there are tapas-type spots I like a lot:

• Avec
• Purple Pig
• Mercat a la Planxa

I've never heard of the Milwaukee ride. Have you done it before? Is it a nice area to ride?

Thanks for the suggestions..will have to try those. I'm in downtown CHI quite often, as the company I work for has their main headquarters there. Plus it's not too far away and a great city to visit.

The UPAF Ride for the Arts in Milwaukee is nice. Several different lengths, we're doing the 50 mile one. There's a 75 miler, a 25 miler and a 5 or 8 miler. Fund raising ride for the United Performing Arts fund (i think that's the UPAF) - my employer is the major sponsor so we have a pretty big "team". Rode for first time last year, did 25 miler which ran south along the lake and through neighborhoods. Last year the two longer routes ran north, again lake, Oak Leaf Trail other streets. Well organized ride, with a festival after it on the Summerfest grounds.

[Pax]

I'll second Mercat a la Planxa, try the bacon wrapped, almond stuffed dates... YUM!!

[pll]

I'll second Mercat a la Planxa, try the bacon wrapped, almond stuffed dates... YUM!!

@Pax: Have you tried the dates at Avec ("chorizo-stuffed medjool dates with smoked bacon and piquillo pepper-tomato sauce")? The brandade is outstanding, too. And in Purple Pig, the braised pork shoulder... hm!

@kimikaw: I am intrighed by the UPAF ride, but I think I'll stick to the "Udder Century" -- shorter drive and no hotel required!