Not posting on politics today – a pleasant change.

Instead…I had a wonderful ride from Lake View to work in Hyde Park this morning.  Nice and cool, a NE tail wind, waves crashing over the bike path at some spots, wonderful dark puffy clouds racing quickly across the heavens with the sun peeking out from time to time, and my fastest time southward this year – 50 minutes.

It was the kind of morning that I wish I had a helmet cam to record this beauty.  The path was not as busy as usual for a summer day, although there was no threat of rain.  The sun was mostly hiding on the north side of town, but I could see it shining on the water in some places out in the lake.  Once I passed McCormick Place it started to show itself more regularly as the clouds made way for its assent into the sky.

The Lake was in a moderate rage, kind of purple and green colored, with wave after wave crashing shoreward.  No swimmers or boats out this morning.  Hardly any dog walkers either.  I only saw one fisherman at the opening to Burnham Harbor.  The beaches were being groomed on the North Side, but the job had already been completed by the time I reached the new 31^st Street Harbor.  It always gives such a fresh inviting look after the previous day’s activities.

I could see the steel mill smoke stacks in Indiana and on the far south side easily and early in the cold, crisp air.  Of course the best spot to see is from the 47^th Street “hill”, but I also saw them when crossing the Chicago River underneath Lake Shore Drive.

I kept pushing and pushing.  Pedaled in higher, harder gears.  And my friend the wind made it all possible.  I didn’t stop for my usual water break just past the museum campus on the hill by Soldier Field – just kept going.  I didn’t need to look at my watch to know this was going to be a fast day.  Pushed past the 31^st Street Harbor, past the 47^th Street hill, past Promontory Point, past the man selling his bananas and apples on 57^th Street  in front of the Museum of Science and Industry, and then across Stony Island, up 59^th Street, cross the Midway Plaisance where Blackstone would cross, over Dorchester, and then at work.  Hooray I made it.

And now, dear friends, please know that I will ride home into the wind this evening, and I will be in lower gears, going slower, and it will take me much longer than 50 minutes to make the return journey.  But it will still be beautiful and I will still feel lucky to be able to make this ride many times.

Take care.

Second Ride of the Year

My second day of riding my bike to work today – the second day is always harder, and today was no exception.  The temp was 76 compared to 52 on Tuesday and the head wind was an absolute killer – from 25 to 35 mph out of the south.  I only hope that they continue for the ride home this evening – at least that would be some pay back.

There were a few more folks out fishing today and I saw the nun walking in her gray habit.  I usually see her every 2^nd or 3^rd ride around Navy Pier.  There were considerably more racers out today speeding up and down Lakeshore and some construction on the path.

The boats are making there way back slowly to Burnham Harbor and it looks like the 31^st Harbor work could be finished in a month or so.

On days like today I am not too observant, just struggling to get here (over an hour today).

Take care.

First Ride of the Year

 I made my first ride of the year to work today, about a month earlier than the past few years.  It felt great with the temp about 52-53 degrees at 6:55 am when I pulled away.  A very bright day with a strong reflection off of the Lake.  It takes only a few minutes to ride to the bike path and it was only moderately busy this morning with joggers and bikers (no roller blades).  Belmont Harbor was beautiful with most of the boats already in their slips and the birds singing – the cardinals with their cheery songs, some robins, and even a few red wing blackbirds with their shrill calls.  Later I would hear geese flying overhead and even some birds of the meadow on the South Side.

The ride seemed a little easier than other first rides, perhaps because I have been warming up with rides to McFetridge to play tennis for several weeks.  The traffic on the path reflects the diversity of the City, even on a day like today.  There were all sizes of folks, all ages, men and women, recumbent bikes, racers, numerous nationalities & races, and so on.

The first part of the ride tends to be a little downhill and helps getting momentum started.  When I get to the first beaches they are being groomed and look like farmers’ fields with rows neat and straight.  The posts are in place for all of the volleyball nets – I imagine that the leagues may have already started and when I ride home this evening many games will be underway – nothing better than a little sand volleyball!

Approaching the S curve the Lake is relatively calm, only a few whitecaps here and there.  There are a few straightaways along here and I can get my speed up to about 18-½ mph.  I go by the Oak Street beach and there are no long distance swimmers in the water and I am a little surprised.  Usually they would be doing their laps in their wetsuits by now, getting ready for the Chicago Triathlon, which is in August, and other events. 

I go by Navy Pier and under the Drive on the lower part of the bridge and see all of the tour boats parked and ready to go for today’s tourists.  Pass the Monroe Street Harbor and about half of the boats have arrived.  I hear the familiar clink clank of the mooring chains saying good morning.  When all the boats arrive it will be quite a beautiful sight.

Since there are not that many folks out this morning, there are not many who are pealing off as we reach Grant Park to head to their work in the Loop.  In a few weeks there will be dozens getting off of the route here.  At Grant Park I reach the longest straight and flat stretch of the ride.  Again I try to get my speed up, as there are not many folks out running, walking, or riding.  The City added a crosswalk with stoplights on the Drive right across from Buckingham Fountain so that spot will be a little congested on the return trip.

As I gain speed going down the hill by the museum campus I notice a vestige of the NATO meetings with some metal barricades on the path.  Luckily there is a wide enough space to ride through and I try to keep my speed up as I ride around the Aquarium.  I hit ahead wind there, as I usually do.  The wind is almost always coming off the Lake there.  Riding around the back I look for the dolphins and their trainers, but they are not there this morning.

Next comes Burnham Harbor and the other reminder of the safety precautions of the weekend.  There is not one boat there.  Since it adjacent to McCormick Place, it is not a surprise that they were banned.  I expect by this afternoon some boats will have trickled in. 

The South Side is always a quieter ride in terms of traffic so I push on trying to keep burning calories as fast as I can.  The construction is still going on from last year on the 31^st Street Harbor (I don’t know if the City has given it a formal name yet) and I am pleased that I can ride through an underpass at one point where a hill existed last fall – it saves a few painful pedal strokes.  Much of the path is still a “detour” waiting for the harbor work to be completed, but I still get to ride through the Police and Fire Memorial garden areas, the latter being on of my favorite parts of the ride.

I always try to be as observant as possible on these trips as there is so much to see and it is a different part of the City from where I live or work.  As I get to the 47^th Street exit from the drive I notice some building architecture that I never saw before and then again near the 53^rd Street exit I see some more interesting building designs that I never bothered to see previously.  Beautiful old buildings that have seen a lot of history in their years.

I am in the home stretch now, the last couple of miles and I usually try to speed up to “get a good time” for this ride.  One last big hill to climb, from which I see the South Shore smokestacks and those over in Indiana quite well.  I also get a good look at the sole working pumping station in the Lake that provides our daily drinking water.

Finally off of the path and off onto 57^th Street and ride past the Banana and Orange Man.  I didn’t stop today, but on another ride I will pick up some of his fresh fruit to keep me supplied for the week’s snacks.  He is there almost every day all year round selling his produce to those who stop at the light, waiting to get onto the drive.

I ride a little west, cross the Midway Plaisance, where the Midway was for the 1893 World Exposition, and end up at my building at 61^st and Kenwood.  I note that I made the fourteen miles in 53 minutes, not a bad time my first ride of the year.  I store my bike in the basement, take a shower, and am ready to work by 8:15 am.  I feel great (and a secondary benefit, according to my source on the Internet, is that I burned about 750 calories – hoorah!!)

Take care.

Riding Val

Finally, today, after too long of a time letting my motorcycle sit in the garage, I have it running again and rode to work.  It was a beautiful morning to ride, clear and sunny, and the Lake was gorgeous.  Numbers are picking up the bike/running path alongside of LSD and the traffic was light as I left home about 7 am.  The cars kept their distance, not knowing what to expect from a cycle I guess. 

I ride according to the law, within the flow of the car traffic – no lane splitting or wheelies.  I would like to live awhile yet.  The light wind felt good.

I had polished and waterproofed my boots last night – they are the only Harley item that I own.  I also sprayed my jacket with waterproof stuff to help in case of rain, which may happen this evening.  I always carry my rain gear, as you never know when the heavens will open here in Chicago.

I need to take a little time getting re-adjusted to my bike, nicknamed “Val “, but the basic riding comes back quickly.  Just need to get back to not having to think about anything – just react immediately.  I hope to get a little countryside riding in this summer, even though I know my son and I have not planned any trips. The last one (summer of 2008 I think) was a good one – following the Ohio River up to Pittsburgh, with a side trip to Vintondale, in central PA, where my grandmother lived at one time.  It is (was) a typical company town.  On the way back we just cut through PA, OH, & IN, stopping when we felt like it.  I started to write a narrative of the trip and may actually finish it someday.

I was one of the first in the building today, which also houses part of the Info Tech Dept of the U of C.  When I looked out mid-morning, I saw another bike parked by mine - bigger, perhaps an older Gold Wing.  That’s what happens – bikes gather for company and chat during the day until it is time to take their riders home again.

Take care, and, remember, safe riding – keep the rubber side down.

Winter in Chicago

It is December 1, and the winter season is anticipated in Chicago.  We expect the worse and sometimes are pleasantly surprised.  The winters have been relatively mild for several years, except for the 22 inch snow we had last year that snarled traffic and literally closed the City for a day.  That was the “snow day” that school children and most other folks rejoice over.  That also means a lot of “shoveling out” – your car, the sidewalk, etc.  Dogs are overjoyed, but sometimes little dogs aren’t.  They just sink in. 

Our residential street was impassable for two days since the city street crews had higher priorities.  Little kids had snow mountains to slide down, right there in the middle of the street.  No moms warned about running into the street on the snow day!

Just as residents of Las Vegas and Phoenix say when the mercury hits 110 degrees F. in the summer, “It’s not bad, it’s just a dry heat”, we say, “Hey, this isn’t too much snow, it’ll be gone in a month or so.  We are flexible here, and enjoy all four seasons, such as they are in Chicago.

Speaking about Mother Nature, I can not continue without mentioning the Lake.  At this time of year no one is interested in a dip in the water (except the Polar Bear Club on January 1) and the Lake exhibits its majesty and might.  On Tuesday the City closed the bike/running path for the second time this fall because the waves were crashing over it.  Didn’t want anyone washed away.  That day I was driving to work and the Lake was making its presence known to all.  Besides the angry water, there were low hanging clouds racing along, far below the high ceiling of storm clouds.  What made it a little different was that every once in awhile up there was a small break that went all the way up to the bright blue sky above.  Very impressive.

Enjoy your winter weather, and don’t forget to pay heed to Mother Nature.

Take care.