Upcoming Riv Ride: Chicago

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

Hi All,

The celebrated Lakefront Trail in Chicago is calling. I’ve never done it but on August 26th, I’ll get the chance..and you’re invited!

Mack’s Bike and Goods, the Evanston Rivendell dealer, will be expecting us. We will meet there at a time TBD on the morning of the 26th, visit the shop and then catch the trail from there. We will have lunch at the Navy Pier (restaurant also TBD, locals feel free to weigh in) and ride for maybe a total of 30-40 miles. 

Bring your favorite Rivendell, some mad money to spend at Mack’s if you like, your sparkly personality and join us for our first Chicago Riv Ride. 

Please let us know if you plan to attend!

Leah Peterson and Marc Irwin

[Doug H.]

Sounds like it will be a good ride and I wish I could attend one of these Rivendell rides. Maybe some day...

doug

[Sean B.]

Leah!

I'm in! Navy Pier can be a bit of a tourist trap, and might be hard to lock up a big number of bikes. Along the trail are a few cafe stands, and there's also a handful around Buckingham Fountain (with restrooms).

[Patrick Moore]

Please take and post photos. I took a very quick trip out to Evanston not quite 2 months ago for my daughter's graduate at Northwestern, and we took a pleasant hike around the lakeside path outskirting the campus. Rather lovely area.

No bike, tho' at first I'd thought of borrowing a Brompton and taking Amtrak out from Albuquerque.

[Mike Sherman]

Seconding that navy pier will be touristy and packed, but there are a lot of good options near the trail in Lincoln park and uptown (and andersonville, and...)

I'd be happy to convoy up from Hyde Park, and back down if anyone wants to end at the promontory point fire pits and do something picnic style.

-Mike 

[Leah Peterson]

I’m open to options other than Navy Pier, but would request some place we can sit down and enjoy food and drinks, in keeping with the tradition of our Riv Rides. If we could sit out on a patio and keep the bikes near, well, that would be the dream.

On Aug 1, 2023, at 7:18 PM, Mike Sherman <msher...@gmail.com> wrote:



--
You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/tnD4PaGfca4/unsubscribe.
To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/0121c014-7c89-475a-a711-f80acb25cee5n%40googlegroups.com.

[Conway Bennett]

I'm sort of in.  There are sections of the Lakefront trail that are great.  I'd recommend avoiding North Avenue to McCormick Place on a Saturday in August.  Also, Navy Pier has little redeeming cultural value and the LFT is a disaster around there despite tens of millions of dollars spent.

[Conway Bennett]

I'll amend this with the Bike the Drive event is coming up a few weeks later, and I would like to do it with a RBW consortium--it's the same ride sans cars.

[Marc Irwin]

We're open to suggestions for lunch, I picked Navy Pier as a convenient turnaround for a 35 mile ride from Mack's.  

Marc

[Marc Irwin]

We don't plan to go as far as McCormick Place.  We're open to suggestions for lunch, I picked Navy Pier as a convenient turnaround point for a 35 mile ride from Mack's.

Marc

[Conway Bennett]

I'd stop before North Avenue Beach.  I suggest heading Northwest at Irving Park.  You can stop at Wrigley Field which is a much finer tourist trap than Navy Pier, and then work your way to the North Shore Channel Trail which goes all the way to Evanston.  There are so many more quality food and drink options on this route.

Fair winds,

Captain Conway Bennett
239.877.4119

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/ec97b60d-b91b-4969-a206-c28d3adb4cdan%40googlegroups.com.

[Brian Turner]

Seconded on the North Shore Channel Trail. It should be much less crowded than the sea of humanity you’ll be riding with (and against) along the lake. You can combine that with the Lakefront Trail and get a really nice loop around the city and up into Evanston.

On Aug 2, 2023, at 9:53 AM, Conway Bennett <captaincon...@gmail.com> wrote:



You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/CANYG696Kb-3TTq2ar_F9qqthF5KmKEqc9QEoXviR1GzyraQuPQ%40mail.gmail.com.

[Cody Marvin]

I don't disagree with anything anyone has said about Navy Pier or the LFT. Once you hit North Ave it's pretty busy and becomes a different kind of ride, you're either slowing or dodging. But the location of Navy Pier makes sense given the mileage goal. And it's more or less a food court, so from an organizer's perspective it's an easy place for a group to eat lunch. (Since I've had kids my views on Navy Pier have softened.) Depending on start time, pace, and number of riders, it might be worthwhile to consider holding off on lunch until after the midpoint. I don't typically ride  the LFT on weekends, at least not north of the museums, but I'd be happy to do it for a Riv ride. Looping around to the Channel Trail is a good idea, it's far less crowded. Also happy to do Bike the Drive with some fellow Riv riders - it's Sunday, September 3, though my son and I will be riding at a 9 year-old's pace.

Cody

Chicago   

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.

To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/ec97b60d-b91b-4969-a206-c28d3adb4cdan%40googlegroups.com.

[Jason]

Looks like great fun. I hope to attend. Thanks for organizing this, Leah and Marc! 

If we are considering other route options, as others are suggesting perhaps the North Branch Tail could be combined with the Lake Front Trail. I sketched a quick route from Mack's south on the LFT to the North Avenue Beach, then back north on the LFT until cutting west to Half Acre Beer Co., which has food, beer, and an outdoor patio. From there, the ride could connect back to Mack's via the North Branch Trail, but before stopping, see the nearby Baháʼí House of Worship. Here's a map of that concept.

Jason

Oak Park, IL

[Hash]

Hey Jason, route looks great and I've wanted to see the Bahai house for a minute. Not sure of any alternatives, but throwing it out there that ride down Sheridan is pretty brutal with cars and lack of bike lanes.

[Jason]

Hey Hash, glad you think the route is good -- and that's a solid point on Sheridan. My map was a bit of a quick sketch to show a concept of potential destinations, but I just made a couple updates/improvements based on a ride I took up to Baha'i and down the Lakefront Trail in June. Connecting to the LFT from Evanston now shows much less of Sheridan and much more residential neighborhood before hitting Ardmore and the lake. That said, I'm certain there are other ways to improve the connections. Whatever direction the Chicago Riv Ride takes, I think it would probably be worth getting advice from the folks at Mack's.

[Cody Marvin]

Jason, the route you’ve got there is good.  I’d point out it routes to the north shore channel trail, not the north branch. I’m happy to ride the original route as planned, or whatever the ride winds up being. I’ve commuted from Chicago to Evanston for about 15 years, so by now I know just about every combination of streets and paths to take. If people really want to deviate from the original plan and incorporate the channel trail, I’d be happy to help plan some chill roads in between the trails. That said, I really appreciate Leah and Marc planning this thing, and a trip up and down the lakefront would be great too.

Cody

Chicago

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/d12b31de-9f66-44f5-9ca5-a36578052e11n%40googlegroups.com.

[Leah Peterson]

I’m grateful for all the suggestions and may have questions for some of you later. Marc is out of town and I’ll chat with him when he gets back and we’ll finalize the plan…which may include winging it and deciding on the route at the shop!

At any rate, sounds like we are going to get to meet a lot of new people and see their bikes and for that, I’m thrilled.

Thanks for being so fun!

Leah

On Aug 5, 2023, at 3:04 PM, Jason <jrober...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hey Hash, glad you think the route is good -- and that's a solid point on Sheridan. My map was a bit of a quick sketch to show a concept of potential destinations, but I just made a couple updates/improvements based on a ride I took up to Baha'i and down the Lakefront Trail in June. Connecting to the LFT from Evanston now shows much less of Sheridan and much more residential neighborhood before hitting Ardmore and the lake. That said, I'm certain there are other ways to improve the connections. Whatever direction the Chicago Riv Ride takes, I think it would probably be worth getting advice from the folks at Mack's.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/d12b31de-9f66-44f5-9ca5-a36578052e11n%40googlegroups.com.

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

Just a reminder to mark your calendars for the Chicago Riv Ride on Aug 26th! We’ll start at Mack’s Bike and Goods, the Evanston Riv dealer, at 1030 and hit the Lakefront Trail from there. We’ll get lunch on the trail, admire each other’s bikes and make new friends. 

See you then.

Leah and Marc

[R. Alexis]

Wish it was a different weekend. Would give me an excuse to get back to the Chi and bring the Rivendell Mountain with.  Look forward to seeing pics and posts.

Thanks,

Reginald Alexis

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

We are going to get good weather by the skin of our TEETH. The city hit a record high yesterday but a cold front is on the way to save our Riv Ride. 

Hope to see everyone there on Saturday! 

Leah

[Leah Peterson]

Chicago Riv Ride tomorrow, Aug 26th!

Mack’s Bike and Goods are expecting us at 10:30 am, where we’ll start. We will meet, take photos, shop at their excellent store, and hit the Lakefront Trail. 

We expect 35-40 miles of fun, with lunch on the route somewhere. 

Bring your favorite Rivendell and make merry with us tomorrow in Chicago! And if you know you’re coming, please say so in the comments below. Mack’s would like a headcount as they plan to have some refreshments.

Leah and Marc

On Aug 24, 2023, at 7:39 AM, Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:

We are going to get good weather by the skin of our TEETH. The city hit a record high yesterday but a cold front is on the way to save our Riv Ride. 

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/3273616b-4f0a-41a7-a67e-6d3e0474a39dn%40googlegroups.com.

[Conway Bennett]

Myself and my trusty 650b Hunqapillar are in.  What time are folks arriving?  Thanks in advance for the refreshments.

Fair winds,

Captain Conway Bennett
239.877.4119

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/46802CD8-CD90-445B-AFEE-75D919D986AD%40gmail.com.

[Cody Marvin]

Count me in too. Thanks so much for organizing.

Cody

Chicago

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/CANYG695XzqwFYNT44ZVMxu7T8A5aMMP5bdq5Ht5sd1RnNFMGoA%40mail.gmail.com.

[Mathieu Brown]

Mack's is my hometown shop! 

Sad to report that I won't be able to make it out tomorrow. Sam and his crew are great people - have fun everyone!

MATHIEU BROWN

On Fri, Aug 25, 2023 at 3:38 PM Conway Bennett <captaincon...@gmail.com> wrote:

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/CANYG695XzqwFYNT44ZVMxu7T8A5aMMP5bdq5Ht5sd1RnNFMGoA%40mail.gmail.com.

[Jason]

I'll also miss out this time, I'm afraid. I was hoping to connect with the nice folks in this group, but alas. 

 I'm looking forward to seeing photos of a bunch of Rivendells in Chicago. Enjoy!

Jason

Oak Park, IL

[Robert Blunt]

Hello Leah,

Not too far off the path on your way south is Argyle Street aka Little Vietnam. Tank Noodle is a fantastic place to get authentic Vietnamese food. Are you going all the way south to Promontory Point in Hyde Park? If so, there are a number of eateries on 53rd Street that are not too far from the Lake Front Path. 

Best,

Rob Blunt

Pennington, NJ

On Tue, Aug 1, 2023 at 10:04 AM Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi All,

The celebrated Lakefront Trail in Chicago is calling. I’ve never done it but on August 26th, I’ll get the chance..and you’re invited!

Mack’s Bike and Goods, the Evanston Rivendell dealer, will be expecting us. We will meet there at a time TBD on the morning of the 26th, visit the shop and then catch the trail from there. We will have lunch at the Navy Pier (restaurant also TBD, locals feel free to weigh in) and ride for maybe a total of 30-40 miles. 

Bring your favorite Rivendell, some mad money to spend at Mack’s if you like, your sparkly personality and join us for our first Chicago Riv Ride. 

Please let us know if you plan to attend!

Leah Peterson and Marc Irwin

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/aee9adcc-cc3b-40fe-bec0-e2cbd228d9f3n%40googlegroups.com.

[Gautham Narayan]

Managed to get the train up from Champaign, and looking forward to meeting folks tomorrow.

Cheers,
-Gautham

[Fullylugged]

Pictures?

[Gene B]

I will be there +1. I'm getting there a tad early, around 9ish (coming from Logan Square) to have somethin' looked at (sounds like a doctors appointment, heh).

If anyone is coming from Logan/west side area and wants to roll out together, let me know! 

Gene

[Scott Marriott]

Any updates to this one yet? It will be good to visit the new location of Mack's either way. 

Scott, 

Chicago (Hyde Park)

[Leah Peterson]

Scott and Gene - this just arrived in my inbox! I am sorry it didn’t arrive before the ride. I would hate to think you felt ignored! Thanks for coming. I just posted the ride video on a new thread. Also, it’s here:

On Aug 27, 2023, at 9:20 PM, Scott Marriott <smar...@gmail.com> wrote:

Any updates to this one yet? It will be good to visit the new location of Mack's either way. 

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/128a36a8-5169-4512-9623-ee3fa7be3ac1n%40googlegroups.com.

[Gene B]

It's all gravyyy. I had a great time, thanks for the invite! It was super cool to meet everyone/see everyone's rides. I'm new to the world of Rivendell ownership/ridership (this was literally my third or fourth time riding my Clem (and first >10 mile ride on it)), so this was a memorable one for me. 

Also shout out to the Mack's folks - Sam for being hospitable as always, and Arb who serviced my rear wheel minutes before we set out on the ride.

I'll keep an eye out for the next one!

[Leah Peterson]

Those clouds obscured Gene’s penchant for fun color on that Clem. It took me a few miles before I caught it and when I did, I shrieked that Gene is my people. His Clem was wild! We really need to see it in sunlight, if you have pics, Gene. Post them here and wow us with your colors.

On Aug 28, 2023, at 10:12 AM, Gene B <barro...@gmail.com> wrote:

It's all gravyyy. I had a great time, thanks for the invite! It was super cool to meet everyone/see everyone's rides. I'm new to the world of Rivendell ownership/ridership (this was literally my third or fourth time riding my Clem (and first >10 mile ride on it)), so this was a memorable one for me. 

Also shout out to the Mack's folks - Sam for being hospitable as always, and Arb who serviced my rear wheel minutes before we set out on the ride.

I'll keep an eye out for the next one!

On Sunday, August 27, 2023 at 9:21:44 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:

Scott and Gene - this just arrived in my inbox! I am sorry it didn’t arrive before the ride. I would hate to think you felt ignored! Thanks for coming. I just posted the ride video on a new thread. Also, it’s here:

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/8bc77472-e9c2-41f3-9a05-cb3527bdef1fn%40googlegroups.com.

<370771313_3561386334134504_7836472598718726022_n.jpg>

[Roberta]

Looks like a fun ride. I think Riv riders are some of the nicest people around. 

Roberta 

[Gene B]

Leah! If you think my Clem is wild, wait 'til you see my gravel bike 🤣 it looks like it's straight outta 1985.

Tomorrow I will grab a nice shot of the Clem under the sun on my commute home. It will be nice on the LFP tomorrow.