Inaugural and Likely Only Greater Chicagoland Falling Leaves Classic & Vintage Ride
 

If you recall, I needed to cancel my 11th Annual Greater Chicagoland Spring Classic and Vintage ride due to an injury. I had my surgery the end of July and got back on the bike 3 weeks later after a long time off. I'm up to 75 minutes of riding before I'm wiped. I figure by October 14, I’ll be able to do the 2.5 hours it will take me to ploot the course. The link to the route below is pretty darn close for those who like to download that stuff.
Pretty much the same as the spring ride, except I thought it would be fun to go in the opposite direction. This requires a new starting point at the McHenry County College northwest parking lot, please note the link below. Fish tacos still at (near) the end of the ride.

WHAT: Open invitation to a ride for anyone who reads this post, and their friends. Riding your vintage bike is highly encouraged but all bikes and riders are welcome. This is a no drop ride but there is no SAG support.

WHEN: Saturday October 14, 2017. Meet at 8:30, start ride at 9:00 am.

WHERE: McHenry County College Northwest Parking Lot - https://goo.gl/maps/Cd58x1dDX522

FORMAT: A nice leisurely 40-mile ride, flat as a pancake, fish tacos at the end of the ride. This is the route. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/24902611 I will have a print out of the map and cue sheet at the start of the ride.
No-Drop rule, B-group speed.

Only moral support is provided. You must provide your own fluid/food for the ride. There is a stop at a quiky mart at the halfway point for food and drink.

WHY: This is meant as a social ride. It is an opportunity for vintage enthusiasts, friends and acquaintances to get together and meet, and ride together in a group. And eat some great tacos, or torta, or burrito or whatever floats your boat. Here are 2016 pictures - https://www.flickr.com/photos/681231...57667493061665

Feel free to bring other riders as well, but remember this is not an “organized event”. This is simply a large group ride.

Please spread the word to anyone else you think might be interested.

These are great rides. I'll try to attend this one-off ride, but Saturdays are tough for me to get off at work.

The fish tacos are awesome!

I will be there. It is always fun. Looking forward to it.

Don't forget, different start point.

bumping it up.

another bump to the top

okay... we need some actual activity.. what bike will Mr. Whitlatch be bringing to the ride?

I'm thinking of bringing the Raleigh Team, if only because I took it to the Classic Rendezvous gathering last year. Mr. IAB made some nice little clamp-on medallions (if that's the right term) for the gathering, so I've mounted my copy of the medallion on the Raleigh Team.

I'm also considering bringing the Olmo Competition, in all of its pantographed glory.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7316/1...22d0f6_c_d.jpg


thoughts??


Steve in Peoria
(hosting my own little ride on Sept 30, starting in Chillicothe, IL, where we'll be riding along the Illinois river, up the bluffs, snacking on baked goods, etc.)

Its a toss up between my 1982 Peugeot Super Competition and the Gilmour for me. That Olmo looks sweet.

Attachment 581074

Attachment 581075

tough call! The Peugeot has the vintage look, with the silver parts, etc., as well as having the French quirkiness.
OTOH, the Gilmore has a good story behind it, and being built by a small American builder makes it unique and interesting.

It's had a hard life, but has served me well since I bought it in 1997. Lots of pantographed parts, and being a red Italian bike, it is automatically a fast bike. :)

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7436/1...edd5cb_c_d.jpg


Steve in Peoria

We've seen lots of Peugeot bikes. I vote Gilmour.

The good news is there will be a fellow attending who knows the route and can lead the "A" group. Remember the QoH prize is free lunch at the taco place.

Looks most likely I'll be on my Mod B sweeping the back.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3729/...eebc9f0f_h.jpg_MG_9018 by iabisdb, on Flickr

Gilmour it is then. :)

Take lots of pics.

I wish I could be there. I work retail so Saturdays are tough to get off. :cry:

what do I ride********** hmmmm

If I can choose, I'd like to see the Ciocc.

The old man is turning 95 soon and I'm in CL almost every weekend.

Could probably make this, but might have to skip the food so I can keep an eye on him.

Could ride a Ciocc or a top-secret, untested, vintage domestic project.

Your list is light one Colnago if my memory is correct?

Top secret vintage domestic? Well that sounds like something I would like to see just because it is top secret. :)

Shoot, I'm visiting Northwestern with my son earlier that week. Wish I'd have thought of this - I would have looked harder into coming on the weekend.

Have fun and take/post pics!

You might want to take a side trip to RRB cyclery in Kenilworth while you are there. About 15 minutes from Northwestern.
Always some interesting vintage bikes to see there.

Thanks for the info. If I don't get there this time I will on another trip. My in-laws live in Lake Bluff.

Tell your wife you are taking her to see her parents. Saturday morning come out to join us. I will have a bike there waiting for you. Simple.

That Cinelli...damn!

Just went through the photos of last years ride and noticed a 1985 pink Trek 770. You happen to know who owns that? I've been looking for that bike the last 5 years. Would love to make an offer on it!

Enjoy the ride!!!

That old thing? That'd be mine.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3809/...7a80f329_b.jpgDSC00002 by cb400bill, on Flickr

It was inspiration for my old pink thing. (Yeah. I went there. I've been told I'm vulgar.)



https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1555/...198bef76_h.jpgUmberto Dei 01 by iabisdb, on Flickr