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

[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...

[pll]

The fog was followed by a deluge; Chicago weather is rarely boring. The Sun Times posted a collection of pictures:

http://www.suntimes.com/photos/galle...?story=5659525

[kimikaw]

The fog was followed by a deluge; Chicago weather is rarely boring. The Sun Times posted a collection of pictures:

http://www.suntimes.com/photos/galle...?story=5659525

Thanks for posting the pictures, they make a nice memory! I didn't take many pictures. Too foggy, and too crowded to do it safely. Ride was fun tho', even if the worst riding conditions this fair weather rider has been in.

Oh and pll, thanks for the Sunday ride offer, but we left in the morning. Finished the ride, headed over to Yolk in Streeterville to re-fuel, back to the hotel to clean up, and then headed back to Milwaukee. Maybe some other time. I'm frequently in Chicago for meetings. Generally, I take the AMtrak, but could drive w/ bike. Or rent one from the vendors in the city.

Oh, speaking of food. We did go to Purple Pig on Saturday. A late lunch/early dinner. Great, great suggestion! Really loved it!