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

[Bike Writer]

I just came across this ride today and am considering it. I love Chicago and this sounds like another reason to visit. Considering the congestion of traffic I would take the train, try to stay in a hotel near the ride location and just get around by bike while there.

Anyone else doing that ride?

[Pax]

We've done it in the past and it is a bunch of fun! I think we're out this year though as we already have an obligation that day.

[pll]

I've been doing "Bike the Drive" for several years and probably will do it again this year. It's a lot of fun to ride on Lakeshore Drive and being able to take in the views -- it simply looks different than on a car, and very much worth waking up at the crack of dawn.

Last year, the organizers implemented a change that, quite frankly, is very dangerous: in order to catch bandits, they now have at least two checkpoints where everyone is forced out of LSD so that their wristbands are checked, and then back on. That funnels hundreds of riders with varying riding skills into a narrow exit/entry --- you really have to be careful.

Bike the Drive attracts a lot of riders who cannot ride on a straight line, lack the common sense to keep right and instead might veer to the left, usually randomly and without looking. Every year, I have seen an ambulance at some point. You need to be super careful, but it is a blast.

[Bike Writer]

PLL, thanks for the tips about novice riders. I am sorta one too but I do take care in a group or in high people traffic areas. I'm glad you confirmed how much fun this ride can be. Still considering it.

[pll]

Did I mention it's a blast?

One thing I will recommend against is paying for the breakfast. Did one year. I have no spot in my heart (and stomach) for cold pancakes and sausages... Life is too short and there are too many nice places in Chicago for food to be paying for cold, crummy calories.

[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!

[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...