riding the lakefront into Indiana

The secret is getting out that Northwest Indiana provides some excellent cycling opportunities. CCC rides have been branching into Indiana for several years with rides into Hammond, Whiting, Highland, Munster, and East Chicago. Indiana has developed some nice bike trails, traffic is usually light on the streets and trails, and there are few stoplights in many areas.

One problem has been the lack of an easy connection between Chicago and these Indiana roads and trails. On June 16th, the CCC checked out some of the connections and bike paths in Whiting, including a brand new path that flies over busy Indianapolis Boulevard. Ride leader George Vrechek and sweep Howard Lo rode with 12 other riders on this 45 mile round trip from Buckingham Fountain through northwest Indiana to the historic village of Marktown.

Marktown is an industrial village of 100 buildings designed in 1917 by noted Chicago architect Howard Van Doren Shaw with landscape architect Jens Jensen. The entire village is on the National Register, however, it has suffered because of one owner who controls several vacant homes and has refused to improve or safeguard the structures.  Local historic preservationist and lifelong resident Paul Myers has been fighting almost single-handedly to save the town.

Riders in front of Paul Myers' home in Marktown

In addition to Marktown, the ride included the Whiting lakefront parks, Hammond’s casino and marina, the new minor league Whiting Oilers baseball stadium, a ride through what seemed like the middle of the huge BP refinery, a trip right along Wolf Lake, and two obscure connections back to Chicago. The entire trip in Indiana (and most of the trip in Chicago) was devoid of any stoplights, although a train held up the group for a short time.

Howard Lo and Richard Moellering help get Brian Cullnan’s crank back together
with Tony Burdick’s tool kit.

Teamwork

Despite the hot conditions, participants stayed cool and worked well together fixing a flat and sticking a loose crank arm back on. Lunch was dining alfresco at Skyway Dogs, which always provides fast, reliable service. We were back downtown by about 2PM.

Fine dining at Skyway Dogs

For a change of pace, look for CCC rides that venture slightly into Indiana or cover the southeast side of Chicago.

    - George Vrechek

June Breakfast Club ride

We had 12 riders show up for the June Breakfast Club ride north to Evanston.  We rode the lakeshore path to its end, then went west to the Skokie Channel trail and then to Downtown Evanston dodging some road construction along the way.

We planned to breakfast at the Flat Top Grill but, due to Fathers day and Northwestern graduations, they were not able to accomodate us. Instead, everyone enjoyed Dixie Kitchen and Bait Shop, featuring many unusual dishes such as banana bread french toast, poached eggs on top of fried green tomatoes, and grits.  After breakfast we traveled straight back to the Clock Tower, arriving at 11:30 am.

Our next breakfast club ride will be Sunday, July 22 heading southwest to the West Town neighborhood.

    - Sharon Kaminecki

Lilac ride recap

After a one year absence (due to bad weather cancellation), the annual Lope on to Lombard to Loll among the Lilacs has returned.  On a clear and sunny but cool Sunday morning, ten riders who either rode to Forest Park or came on the Blue Line joined an additional five riders at the Cook County Maywood Courthouse parking lot.  

 

The ride was scheduled earlier than usual this year due to the warm March, which has accelerated blooming of all kinds of species.  We arrived in Lombard after an uneventful ride on the Illinois Prairie Path to find the lilacs already somewhat past full bloom, but still a very impressive display.  One could only wonder what will be left when the official lilac festival begins the week after Mother's Day.  

 

We enjoyed a different lunch stop this year: the Rock Bottom Brewery (Lombard) in the Yorktown Shopping Center.  The return trip was marred by a single flat tire, which was repaired without incident. The riders were a mix of veterans, as well as new and potential new members.  

 

A fine time was had by all.  It was good to have this perennial favorite ride back on the schedule.

  -  Joe Dickstein