Friends of the Parks’ L.A.T.E. Ride:

For me, biking season is well under way. Now that I am a member of Active Transportation Alliance, I have been finding out about all sorts of bike events, trails, cool bike gear and discounts on shopping for bike gear.

The latest bike ride to pique my interest in the Friends of the Parks' L.A.T.E Ride in Chicago, http://www.lateride.org/event_info.php. Friends of the Parks’ L.A.T.E. Ride is Chicago's biggest charity bicycle ride! Proceeds from the event benefit Friends of the Parks, a 35-year-old not-for-profit parks advocacy group whose mission is to protect and improve Chicago's parks and forest preserves in Cook County. The ride takes place on July 9th/10th and starts at 1:00am at Buckingham Fountain. Yes, 1:00am! According to the website almost 9,000 people participate and ride around Chicago neighborhoods:

Route highlights will include the South Loop, Chinatown, Greek Town, Chicago’s historic "Emerald Necklace" and much more! A large park on the North side will serve as our rest stop location - plenty of open green space for food and fun - at the half-way mark along the course. You’ll finish your trek along the glorious lakefront trail, which offers stunning skyline views.

At 25 miles - all flat except for bridges - the route is doable for cyclists of all levels. Most participants finish the ride in approximately 3 hours (although some finish in 2 hours and some take up to 5 hours). It's a non-competitive event, so ride at your own pace and enjoy the city. Refreshments will be available at Buckingham Fountain when you finish.

Imagine watching the sun come up over the lake. I haven't done that since my husband and I were dating and could stay up all hours of the night, with no responsibilities. Of course, my sister and I are in and we are actively recruiting people to go with us. The husbands and the kids say they aren't going. Even though this is 7 miles less than Bike the Drive. Anyway, we have talked six of our friends into going. If you aren't doing anything at July 9th/10th, want to see the city at all lit up at night (you don't have to wait for Christmas), just can't sleep or want to know what committed or OCD bike riders are doing, come on down and ride with us. This will totally be a safe time to be out and see some of Chicago's neighborhoods.

Peace and Love,

Sandals,

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