Bike the drive 2009

So today I decided to catch up (again) with more pictures from late spring this year. It's yet again another biking event in Chicago. Can't help it, Chicago is a bike friendly neighborhood and plenty of paid and free events all year long.

Bike the drive is an annual biking event where lanes along the Michigan lake (Lake Shore Drive) are closed from automobiles and welcome all bike riders to enjoy the view of the city of Chicago and the Michigan lake, and "sometimes" nice and sunny spring air. Yes I claim sometimes because from my last experience (2007) and this (2009), it's either wet (rain) or cold (windy and chilly).

I am a bit lazy, so I'm just going to describe the event with description I found from about.com by Jennifer Roche:

Bike the Drive kicks the cars off of beautiful Lake Shore Drive so you can peacefully ride your bike along it. You get to admire Chicago from one of its best vantage points.

All eight lanes are open for riders along a 15 mile stretch. If you make the entire loop (north and south), it's a 30 mile ride.

Again, I am lazy. So I'm just going to let the pictures do the talking...


Where it all began...


This is Erica. You can tell from her attire and the accessories she's carrying (huge shades and a lady hand bag), she thought we're going picnic


More appropriate attires. Helmets on! Safety first!


As we just started, many were returning from the North point. We started at around late 7 in the morning. Others might started around 5 or 6... pretty hardcore


Posing for the pic


I was far behind. The tall building with two antennas is John Hancock Center, currently second tallest building in Chicago.


Taking a water break. Beach and lake view on the left, city and buildings on the right.



Group pictures


The exit on the north route. Erica really thought this was a picnic


Grand park, where after event party was hosted.