Great Lakes - Chicago area Classic & Vintage Ride to Tower RD Winnetka IL

I would like to put together a ride on either Saturday or Sunday morning 9am, for early February or March! Classic Steel Bikes recommended, to show your steel and go!

The starting point would be Devon Ave and McCormick Blvd, in Chicago at the parking lot at the beginning of the Art Park going north to Alan Arboretum. It would be a casual ride, 15 to 18mph, stop at intersections for safety. Once at the end of the bike trail, take Greenbay road to Lincoln St (Evanston) turn right going east to Ridge Ave turning left going north to Sheridan road, and on to Tower Road. The total round trip would be 21 miles, small hill to Tower Road, there is a park to rest or just turn around to go back south and return to the parking lot at Devon Ave and McCormick Blvd.

http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq4/quantumfoam_2008/Chicago%20Classic%20and%20Vintage%20Ride/large2.jpg

You can contact me at gioscinelli@gmail.com

Thank you, Mike Holst

I'm good to go. Thanks for starting the ride within a mile of home! There is a starbucks and a Panera on Lincoln a half mile south of the starting point. This location provides a place to park the car if you need. The bike path is easy access from here to the meeting point.

I rode yesterday, using my new-to-me 1987 Trek 400D Elance;

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/wildcat-bucket/Jan2010016.jpg

If riding from the Chicago lakefront, follow this route starting at Bryn Mawr: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/il/chicago/329124766066046069

I spoke to Bob, who was on the Lake Front ride with us, about a time and date. If all possible, February the 14th, on Sunday at 9am? Let me know?

Here is my latest acquisition:

1995 Colnago Master Light.

http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq4/quantumfoam_2008/Les%20Trois%20Amis/DSC_rightsideview.jpg

Looking forward to the hill before Tower Rd. for handling and there is another tough one through Loydes park going down to the beach!!!

Thank you, Mike

I'm in. There must be a good falafel place close to that to eat when the ride is over. Right????

Hmm, not familiar with that type of food. If it's Arabic, then there's all of Devon ave to choose from. I do know of a place run by Iraqi's by Lincoln ave and Catalpa, excellent food. Figure 9am on February 14th, Sunday and another person recommended parking at Lincoln Village shopping across from the lot where we're meeting. Thank you, Mike(gioscinelli):thumb:

Devon is more Indian/Pakistani... Indian Garden is a nice restaurant and only few blocks east of McCormick. Arabic maybe more on Dempster...

Really? It has been a while but I thought it was more Jewish/middle eastern.

As long as it is good food and no indigestion, ha! ha! It's the great time riding and looking at the Art display!

Cheers, Mike(gioscinelli):p

I would consider joining you, but with the weather, I assume I will have to wait until March. Since I am from Aurora, I was wondering what conditions are like there. I saw something about Barrettscv's ride on his "new" Trek and the path looked clear. Prior to snow falling this morning, an inch or two, we still had snow and ice on most sidewalks and sides of roads.

Edit: I just saw the 2/14 date and will have to pass. It is the fiance's b-day, so I'd be afraid of what would happen to the rest of my bikes if I went riding.

That neighborhood has all kinds of food. It still has a Hassidic community with kosher restaurants and delis. It also has Indian, both northern & southern, Pakistani and some mediterranean style Middle Eastern food places also.

I would consider joining you, but with the weather, I assume I will have to wait until March. Since I am from Aurora, I was wondering what conditions are like there. I saw something about Barrettscv's ride on his "new" Trek and the path looked clear. Prior to snow falling this morning, an inch or two, we still had snow and ice on most sidewalks and sides of roads.

Just FYI,

The riding has been good. Most streets are bone dry in Chicago and the lakefront bikepath is salted but dry also.

The amount of salt on the lakefront bikepath is an issue, I would not take a collectors bike down there now.

Traveling up the Northshore should not be an issue.

Michael

to add to this... the bike path from Devon up to Golf Rd/Emerson is only regularly plowed (and salted) by Lincolnwood (so up to Touhy). North of Touhy it's not being plowed.

Oh, they plow some of your trails! I've never been riding in Chicago.

to add to this... the bike path from Devon up to Golf Rd/Emerson is only regularly plowed (and salted) by Lincolnwood (so up to Touhy). North of Touhy it's not being plowed.

If snow on the MUP is a problem, we can take Dodge to the north side of Evanston.

You are really setting up a ride for Valentine's Day???

Boy, would that not go over well with my wife.

Not to say that it might be perfect for you.

Just FYI,

The riding has been good. Most streets are bone dry in Chicago and the lakefront bikepath is salted but dry also.

The amount of salt on the lakefront bikepath is an issue, I would not take a collectors bike down there now.

Traveling up the Northshore should not be an issue.

Michael

Salt?

I'm out. My winter beater is aluminum and most definately not classic. Too bad, I was looking forward to a good falafel.

This is open to both genders and partners:love: If there is snow, I'll bring my Bontrager MTB!!:D

Hey, Mike, post this in the C&V Forum...I think you'll get more takers. Possibly including me and son! I only happened upon your post as I made a rare check of this forum.

Hi Chicago Al, I've perused C&V, but noticed only things for sale and support. That's why I posted on this forum. When I put together a ride to Fort Sheridan and the State line I'll post on both forums. I'm not looking for a hugh turnout, and not a small one, but something where everybody can enjoy and socialize. Looking forward to seeing you and your son on the ride again.

Cheers, Mike

C&V is a pretty active forum; things for sale/trade is a tiny sub-forum, appraisal is another. The more general C&V is exactly the place for announcing a ride. That's where we organized the two C&V rides last fall, the Fox River one and the Lakefront (actually two of them).
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?599376-Chicago-area-CVers-Meetup-and-Ride!

Hi Al,

Next time I'll use Classic and Vintage page to post the ride to Fort Sheridan and the Wisconsin-Illinois ride, the State Line ride. It's beautiful, using Everet rd to St. Mary's and on to Wisconsin!

It look's like the elements will interfere with Feb 14th ride. If as forecast, there will be lots of snow or maybe we may get lucky with the Lake Front Effect and the storm will go around us.

I'll still will show up, just in case there are a few hardy cycl:Dpaths that want the challenge of doing Snow Biking, recommend using a MTB. It will be an abbreviated ride to McCormick and Greenbay

Cheers,

Mike (gioscinelli)

So is there gonna be one Tower Road ride on 2/14, and another in March? I'm not clear on the plan. Those routes are my old neighborhood; I'd love to revisit it with you guys! I'd bring my Frenchified (French Fried) Woodrup. Anyone up for a trip to Superdawg after the ride? Devon had some good hot dog stands when I was a kid, but no more.

I need to keep an eye on you folks! I want to do the Wisconsin Border ride, too!

Hi, The forecast is calling for snow late today and tomorrow, up to 8" to 10". If over 3" the ride will be canceled, do to in climate weather, for safety and preservation of those classic steel bikes. As for March, no tentative date set for Fort Sheridan or the Wisconsin State line. I'll look at the Farmers Almanac for a possible week to set up a ride. Superdawg is ok with me, but I don't think they will come out to serve us, unless we have a car, not much room inside the restaurant for a group of riders. Would recommend a MTB if there is snow on the Art Park path, and the ride will be abbreviated to McCormick and Greenbay, if less then 3".

Cheers,:)

Mike

Yes, I was thinking of driving to SD from the North Shore, if it happens. I'd be happy with a hot dog nearly anywhere but Mustard's.

I spoke to Bob, who was on the Lake Front ride with us, about a time and date. If all possible, February the 14th, on Sunday at 9am? Let me know?

Here is my latest acquisition:

1995 Colnago Master Light.

http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq4/quantumfoam_2008/Les%20Trois%20Amis/DSC_rightsideview.jpg

Looking forward to the hill before Tower Rd. for handling and there is another tough one through Loydes park going down to the beach!!!

Thank you, Mike

Isn't Sheridan closed to bikes in the Ravines? There was a lengthy thread on that a few months ago. My ancient recollection is that there is a sidewalk, but one of the worst ones ever.

C&V is a pretty active forum; things for sale/trade is a tiny sub-forum, appraisal is another. The more general C&V is exactly the place for announcing a ride. That's where we organized the two C&V rides last fall, the Fox River one and the Lakefront (actually two of them).
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?599376-Chicago-area-CVers-Meetup-and-Ride!

I organized a Michigan C&V ride a few summers back, and I ended up using C&V, Great Lakes, 50+, iBOB, and CR, plus a local CR splinter. I say post it wherever you can.

Isn't Sheridan closed to bikes in the Ravines? There was a lengthy thread on that a few months ago. My ancient recollection is that there is a sidewalk, but one of the worst ones ever.

There is an easy bypass just west of that section if arriving from the south. Use Tower road to travel west, take the first right turn on "Old Greenbay Rd," It'd just before the rail overpass. This will take you north, into Glencoe. Use Scott Ave to travel northeast and resume travel on Sheridan.

Michael

Hey Everyone,

I got up this morning and guest what, there's snow on the ground! I need some input, on rescheduling the ride to Tower Road. I'm concerned about safety, and riding under adverse conditions is for the more experience cyclist and even that might be a problem. As for the ravines, yes the road is closed to bicycles, and Mike is right there is a by pass to get back onto Sheridan Road.

If by some chance there are a few hardy Cycl:Dpaths willing to ride this Sunday, most likely McCormick Bvld should be plowed, and we can use it to ride up to Greenbay Road. Still recommend using a MTB.

Thanks,

Mike

Hey Everyone,

I got up this morning and guest what, there's snow on the ground! I need some input, on rescheduling the ride to Tower Road. I'm concerned about safety, and riding under adverse conditions is for the more experience cyclist and even that might be a problem. As for the ravines, yes the road is closed to bicycles, and Mike is right there is a by pass to get back onto Sheridan Road.

If by some chance there are a few hardy Cycl:Dpaths willing to ride this Sunday, most likely McCormick Bvld should be plowed, and we can use it to ride up to Greenbay Road. Still recommend using a MTB.

Thanks,

Mike

I'm willing to ride, but McCormick is not bike friendly. Use California in Chicago and Dodge in Evanston. This road is about 3/4 of a mile to the east and has a bike lane along with slower traffic and less congestion.

Michael

Hi Michael,

I'm up for it, unless it's deep snow, over 3 inches, hard to negotiate if the streets are not cleared. We'll still meet at McCormick and Devon, then head east on Devon to California to go north. I'll clean off my Bonty, can't let the Italian Trois Amis get soiled, their from a warmer climate.

So lets set it for the same time 9am, ok.

Cheers,

Mike:thumb:

Things aren't looking good, but I'm definitely stir crazy (haven't really ridden since November?) and would be willing to give it a go if the streets are reasonably clear. I don't have a MTB, but the beater Trek 520 is basically ready to go (need bar tape and fenders). If the roads aren't too icy or snow covered by Sunday, I'm in.

If not, my next free weekend is the weekend of Feb 27/28th.

IAB, you can definitely bring Aluminum on this ride. It'd be great to meet you.

IAB, you can definitely bring Aluminum on this ride. It'd be great to meet you.

Unfortunately there are no take backs. I told my wife I bailed on the ride and she promptly scheduled time with the inlaws. :notamused:

Unfortunately there are no take backs. I told my wife I bailed on the ride and she promptly scheduled time with the inlaws. :notamused:

That's almost Shakespearean in its cruelty! I hate it when the Fates conspire to have inlaws, jobs, or weather get in the way of cycling.

So, how are people feeling about Sunday? I'm game.

Hi Bob,

Took out the Bonty http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq4/quantumfoam_2008/Black%20Bontrager%20Privateer/reducedsizepixbonty.jpg and it handled great, of course I rode to Performance Bikes using Chicago's cratered streets. I'll be there, unless there is a blizzard or heavy snow on the streets.

Seee Ya,

Mike (gioscinelli)

My music class at Old Town School was moved to Sunday AM so I can't join you. Too bad as I know my son would've been up for it too.

I am curious why you are going up California rather than McCormick. While McCormick itself has no bike lane, there's a wide MUP through the riverside parkland strip all the way from Lincoln (S of Devon) up to Green Bay Road. You do have to cross the big intersections at Touhy, Howard, Oakton, etc, but aside from that, no cars. This is a regular ride for us as it connects to the path along the river that starts a block N of our house. I drove by it today and I think the path is cleared...

My music class at Old Town School was moved to Sunday AM so I can't join you. Too bad as I know my son would've been up for it too.

I am curious why you are going up California rather than McCormick. While McCormick itself has no bike lane, there's a wide MUP through the riverside parkland strip all the way from Lincoln (S of Devon) up to Green Bay Road. You do have to cross the big intersections at Touhy, Howard, Oakton, etc, but aside from that, no cars. This is a regular ride for us as it connects to the path along the river that starts a block N of our house. I drove by it today and I think the path is cleared...


I think that California is the snow backup. If the path's clear, I think that we'll stick with the path. I'll be on the 520 (maiden voyage), so I won't be able to go through too much snow.

Let's keep an eye on weather and get some rides in on Saturdays above freezing!

Hi,

Went out this morning with the Bonty, just got back. The path starting from Devon to Touhy is plowed, McCormick is clear, and California is clear, too. There are some ice patches on the path and the streets, so going fast may be hazardous. I was out for 1 1/2 hours, and my hands and feet got cold, so a word of caution be prepared to stop and stomp.

Cheers,

Mike (gioscinelli)

My music class at Old Town School was moved to Sunday AM so I can't join you. Too bad as I know my son would've been up for it too.

I am curious why you are going up California rather than McCormick. While McCormick itself has no bike lane, there's a wide MUP through the riverside parkland strip all the way from Lincoln (S of Devon) up to Green Bay Road. You do have to cross the big intersections at Touhy, Howard, Oakton, etc, but aside from that, no cars. This is a regular ride for us as it connects to the path along the river that starts a block N of our house. I drove by it today and I think the path is cleared...

The Channel bike path between Toughy and Golf is not plowed and is impassible.

Whatever the case, I'll be at McCormick and Devon at 0900. Hope to see you then!