Getting Closer to the Loop

Took my fourth ride today, Thursday, March 11th. The day started out cloudy and raining again, but by 3pm the sun had broken through and has yet to retreat. I extended my route further South today, riding to Oak St. Beach from Addison on the Lakefront bike path. I did not, though, add the Northern part of the the ride, so it still ended up being only about a 12 mile round trip.

Here is a map of my ride:

And, of course, a few pictures from the ride:

Heading South on the Lakefront Trail, just South of Addison and Lake Shore Drive.

The Hancock Building with the famous Drake Hotel in front. Facing South.

Oak St. Beach. Facing North, with Lake Shore Drive on the left. Walked out on to the sand, pretended for a moment I was back in California. Twas nice.

Warm Spring Strong Winds

Took my 3rd ride yesterday, Wednesday, March 10th, around 3:30pm. The first real nice day out here in Chicago: sixty-four degrees and sunny. Rained all morning but around two o'clock the sun broke through and hung out for the rest of the day.

Got to the Lake Shore Drive bike and running path for the first time this year. Got on at Addison and took it South to Fullerton and Lincoln Park Zoo. Lots of people out and lots of visible smiles, a general excitement just to be outside, the lake winds a reminder of the summer to come. 

Here is a rough sketch of the path I took:

My bike needs a lot of work. The spokes are completely rusted on both wheels, the wheels don't run straight, the front brakes don't work, the back brakes are extremely loud, and the gears don't change at all. Stuck on 2/6. I'll get some pictures up soon.

Here are a couple twitpics from the ride:

@thegratefulone