A friendly cycling community in the beautiful city of Chicago.

So I want to ride the entire trail and back for the first time this Sunday (18.5*2=37 miles?) but I know there’s a half marathon this weekend and some part of the lakefront traill might be blocked? Is that true or should I be able to use all of it?

I started biking around Logan Square today and I hate being caught behind cars and their exhausts. I feel like I’m breathing in so many chemicals.

We’ll meet at 7:30p at Buckingham Fountain for a group pic before riding down the LFT to Promontory Point. I’ll bring the firewood, you bring whatever you’re drinking or smoking or snacking or sharing. Or meet us there anytime throughout the night. We usually stay until the fire goes out, around midnight or later. 🤙🏽 We do these randomly throughout the year so follow on IG for the next one: @cyclingxsolidarity.

Bike Tag #1132 - Wild Mile behind REI near 1400 N Kingsbury St

Bike Tag # 1133

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Da Rulez

Hey all, basically the title. I only just started to bike commute again and I finally splurged on some quality panniers (that are waterproof) but I'm still cautious/nervous to bike in the rain or intermittent weather at all.

I didn't bike in yesterday or today due to the forecast (but I feel dumb now since it seems fine out). In my panniers I have a lightweight rain jacket, contacts (since I typically wear glasses at work) a construction 🦺 and a front flashing light. I also have a multi tool and a small pump. Along with all my actual work stuff and clothes.

Am I missing anything else? Of course I realize it's not possible to prepare for everything but for peace of mind I'd appreciate feedback from more experienced all season cyclists.

UPDATE: I do have really solid fenders on my bike as well... Learned the hard way a few years ago lol. Sounds like I need to invest in some rain pants. Appreciate the input everyone!! Hopefully this post helps others.

He's got a speaker blasting out a recording on repeat of "No stopping, standing, or parking. Please move your vehicle immediately or you will be ticketed or towed."

Only two cars in the bike lane instead of the usual two dozen.

More of this please.

Avid golfer + recreational cyclist here. I know this is a little goofy, but I'm looking to try something different this coming weekend. I want to play a round this weekend without touching my car. I live near the Clybourn Metra station, so I am thinking a course near one of the UP-N or UP-NW stations. I plan on just riding with my bag on my back, which would definitely pose a challenge, but to me that would be part of the fun.

The simplest and least hostile option to me looks like playing Glencoe, using the UP-N Braeside stop.

Was wondering if anyone else has ever done this, and if you're aware of any cyclist-friendly routes from a Metra stop to a golf course.

I know that the worst offenders probably don't post or lurk here, but it needs to be said and spread. We need to have a frank discussion about certain people who regularly disregard the safety of fellow cyclists and pedestrians on the LFT.

Yesterday, I nearly got run off the trail by a man who didn't feel like waiting and decided to pass into oncoming cyclists. He nearly ran into me head-on. Today I saw it happen to two people in front of me. Why is this so common? They pass at high speeds without any indication or regard for the safety of others.

I say again: THE LFT IS NOT YOUR PERSONAL RACETRACK!

Get a bell and learn how to use it. No bell? Use your voice. Put some damn lights on your bikes, so people can see you. And take your damn AirPods out. It is absolutely unacceptable for you to ride around without the use of one of your senses. Absolutely ridiculous. This is disrespectful, dangerous, and you should be ashamed of yourselves.

Saint Peter isn't waiting at the pearly gates to discuss your strava rankings. Nobody cares. Stop being assholes.

Bike Tag #1131 - Birdhouse Tree in Lincoln Park at 2000 N Stockton Dr.

Bike Tag #1132

Previous Post

Da Rulez

Looks like WBEZ published an article on the increase in cycling in Chicago today!

Bicycling in Chicago doubled in five years, bikers worry about safety | WBEZ Chicago

Bike Tag #1131

Bike Tag #1130 - Chicago Police 12th District

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Rules

Saturday, set off on a long bike ride, got a flat rear. Tiny piece of glass punctured the tire and the tube. Like an idiot, I didn't bring my repair kit and was left stranded 20 miles from home. Sunday, hop on my other bike, riding east on Lawrence when I start having sealant spraying all over my back. Another tiny piece of glass on the rear tire. Luckily this was on a tubeless setup and it held until I got home.

Both bikes are on Gravelking Slick tires, so not the beefiest but not the most dainty tires either. All bike lanes are full of broken glass, how can you avoid it? What's the solution, are y'all riding on super thick tires or something?

Found an old post with a discord link but it won’t open or is expired or something.

I need bike friends! And/or casual group rides! K thx byeeeee

What kind of road helmets do you guys have? I've never had a helmet and I'm looking for one that doesn't make me look stupid. I know, "that's not the point dude". I usually go on the LFT, north shore channel trail, north branch. I'd also like to start doing group rides once or twice a week. Any shop recommendations?

Are the water fountains along LFT on for the season yet? I'm planning a trip down to the Indiana border tomorrow and easy water would be nice.

Update 5/12/24: North and south side portions of the trial have fountains on.

Muc-Off, Isopropyl Alcohol, Pro-Link Chain Lube, ParkTool HPG-I ✨

This Tuesday!

Meet us at the racks between gates 2 & 3 after 6, roll with us from downtown at 5:30 (sharp), or track the ride and hop on along the way.

At the tailgate we’ll have beer from Marz, la croix from jewels, very good looking stickers and lots of friendly #bikechi faces. Additional food, drink, and friends are always welcome!

Visit https://chicagobikesox.com for details

🗺️ route info & ride tracker 🎟️ get your discounted tickets in section 154 👜 carry-in policies 📅 full tailgate schedule and more!

I've only ever rode a hybrid with straight handle bars in the city, but now I bought myself a curled handle bar road bike since I no longer have my old hybrid. I've never really been on a road bike like this before and feel SUPER wobbly on it. Feels like a tighter box compared to hybrids, definitely unfamiliar, but it was measured out correctly for my height, frame, etc. Anyone have tips to get used to it besides riding it a lot more?

Note: I used to do deliveries with my hybrid, so I'm not unfamiliar with riding around the city