Apr 10, 2014 >> Chicago Bike-apades! Three paths for lots of fun.
Chicago, we have hit 60 degrees. Can we get an Amen?! With warm weather, we only have one thing to say: Pump up those tires and get ready to cruise. We put together a guide of three paths that will take you to some real treasures around the city. We’re lucky to live in a city conducive to biking: no hills (take that San Fran!), the brand new protected bike lanes, and we got to congratulate our city’s cycling counterpart, Divvy, for a great first year. Read on for some weekend inspiration and impress your friends with an adventurous bike-apade to a new ‘hood.
Got a flat—no problem!—we noted a trusty bike shop on each path. And Don’t forget to protect that beautiful brain and wear a helmet!
CULTURAL CRUISE
The gangster history and hand dialogue isn’t the only thing we love about Little Italy. Taylor street is a sweet little cruise through a Chicago cultural pocket. The Italian American Sports Hall of Fame is only five bucks and is a more intimate museum experience compared to the biggies on Museum Campus. They may be in a completely different ballpark (pun intended), but you’re guaranteed to gain some new knowledge. To fuel your swift pedaling, grab a deli sandwich and baked goods from Ferrara Bakery. But save room for dessert! Mario’s Italian Lemonade is a must. The makeshift stand is an extension of a residence and serves up the best Italian ice/slush concoction you’ll ever taste. Editor’s Note: We recommend the half lemon and half watermelon combo. And if you have a Bocce ball set on hand (don’t forget to bring along!), your escapade will be complete with a chill game of Italian bowling on the Bocce Ball Courts.
National Italian American Sport Hall of Fame, 1431 W Taylor Street
Ferrara Bakery, 2210 W Taylor Street
Mario’s Italian Lemonade, 1068 W Taylor Street
Bocce Ball Courts, 1438 W. Taylor Street
Local Bike Shop: Rapid Transit, 1305 S Halsted Street
DIVVY Docks: Halsted/Polk, Morgan/Polk, May/Taylor, Loomis/Taylor, 900 W Harrison
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HIPSTER HAVEN
There is a good reason why Pilsen gets so much buzz lately. The historically Mexican neighborhood has been gaining speed as a hub for all things trendy. We love the Chicago Arts District Second Fridays art walk, which lets you browse all gallery spaces along Halsted between 18th and 20th. Knee Deep Vintage is curated to kitsch perfection with clothing and accessories. If you have a knack for mid-century aesthetics, Modern Cooperative is your new jam. Finish this charming venture with some spiked punch at Punch House—located under Dusek’s in Thalia Hall. (If you’re in a group, we highly endorse sharing the ever-instagramable punch bowl)
Art gallery windows, on Halsted between 18th and 20th
Knee Deep Vintage, 1425 W 18th Street
Modern Cooperative, 1215 W 18th Street
Punch House, 1227 W 18th Street
Local Bike Shop: Irv’s Bike Shop, 1725 S Racine Avenue
DIVVY Docks: Halsted/18th, Morgan/18th, Racine/18th, Blue Island/18th, Clinton/18th
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GET WACKY ON LSD
We mean Lake Shore Drive! The lake shore path is the eighth wonder of the world for Chicagoans, so we couldn’t surpass the main drag when putting together a story about biking the city. Turn up the fun and get a little silly with some kitschy stops along the way. The Diversey Driving Range has a great miniature golf course to get you feeling a little competitive. We think the Lily Pool and Butterfly Haven make the perfect photo opps for you and friends…we’ll give you creative liberty on poses (and don’t forget to tag us!). Cycle closer to the mainland and hit up Rotofugi, a hotspot and gallery for rare vinyl toys. And to bring this entertaining escapade full circle, get fed and weird (or weirdly fed) at the notorious Wiener Circle.
Diversey Driving Range, 141 W Diversey Parkway
Lincoln Park Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, Fullerton Parkway and Cannon Drive
Judy Istock Butterfly Haven at Peggy Noteabeart Nature Museum, 2430 N Cannon Drive
Rotofugi, 2780 N Lincoln Avenue
Wiener Circle, 2622 N Clark Street
Local Bike Shop: Cycle Smithy, 2468 N Clark Street
DIVVY Docks: Cannon/Fullerton, Lakeview/Fullerton, Lake Shore/Diversey, Hampden/ Diversey, Clark/Wrightwood