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

[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!

[Pax]

@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!

I haven't tried either of those places... but will have to now, they sound fabulous!!

[pll]

Ah, Chicago in the spring time.... 55 degrees shortly before 6AM, heavy fog. Had to wear a long sleeve jersey and knickers, was soaked by the mist. It was fun!

@kimikaw: I hope you enjoyed the ride, even if you could not see the city or lake because of the fog! If you and your hubby are still in Chicago tomorrow AM and feel like doing a ride of the North shore before taking off, PM me. I could lead. Tomorrow it will be sunny and get to 90 degrees.

[ny biker]

Ah, Chicago in the spring time.... 55 degrees shortly before 6AM, heavy fog. Had to wear a long sleeve jersey and knickers, was soaked by the mist. It was fun!

At least it's not snowing. I remember the May day I was shopping at Marshall Fields on State St. when we had lake-effect snow.

I have a good friend who's planning to move to Chicago, and she keeps asking if I'll visit her there. And I keep saying yes, but not when it's cold...