I used to amtrak to chamblana once a month — bikes are cool but costs $10 a ride.

addendum—
just read naz's post... last year they didn't sell/require boxes. $10 bucks gets your bike wedged on a corner between cars. it's fine on your bike as long as you don't have a fancy $300 leather seat.

fred—
I'ma comin' with, 8am at filter. you guys sure you prefer earwax over leo's?

tim—
yer not goin' to quit on this test run are ya? you can quit on the real thing but this is just a test run.

nat—
I'm up for monday, is this still happening? can I get the good cards?

all—
hello. I'm back online.

I'm planning on starting downtown at Franklin and Wacker, probably at around 7:45 am, then meeting in WP at 8 with the rest of you guys. I'm curious about my time (I probably won't run stage 1 on the 8th). I'll see you guys at Filter at 8, or anyone who wants to run the entire course downtown.

Steak: you must not get down to the 'hood much; Leo's closed a few months back. Really too bad. I've never had brunch at Earwax, but I can't make that ride, so my vote's for naught.

Everyone: Hells yes, the ride's still on. Just finished the spokecards last night (and, for the record, hot lamination with an iron is totally the way to go). Got the pack from Phil Wood, too...pretty stuff, that's all I'll say...

I'll be there with my poker face on.

I'm going to come on Monday. Or Sunday, whatever. I get Monday off work!

Would you like a fist to the eye?


Hey steaky I need you to give me a sushi tutorial...seriously. I start sometime in the next two weeks.

Sadly I have had to bow to the pressure of post-chrismas finances. I don't think I can make it to Chicago twice next week. So as much fun as this ride sounds, I think I am going to have to pass in order to make it up there for Sunday.

-not that most of your really care I imagine.

oh just stay the week then...

just wanted to say... again..

wish i were there. . hope there are a few people riding tomorrow...

i'm going skiing instead.

You will be missed! Marcus thew in some pretty sweet NOS gear this afternoon...

some pretty crappy weather today...

Holy hail!

Nat - what bars are on the itinerary?

well only monkey, oytie and I showed up at 8AM to ride the knife. It was great, a bit of a headwind on the way back. NO RAIN, you p*ssies.

Inquiring minds want to know.

T-storms all day! Yikes!

i don't need to train for the tour of chicago!

hey. what are the bars on the itineray.

my girlfriend wants to come, but we don't want the ride to be all super long distance.

Well, so much for any potential fair-weather riders. The rest of us: we're still on.

As it stands, I think we're going to make a loop from Wicker Park to Simon's in Andersonville, down Clark to the Twisted Spoke, then Halsted to the Skylark, and then back to the WP area, specifically the Rainbo.

edit: The gMap pedometer makes that about 20 miles. Depending on the weather, I'm not averse to changing and shortening the ride. Voice opinions here.

Almost 20 miles on the dot, for whomever's interested.

Another thought - what bars are open that early?

Jokingly and because I'm under the weather and the weather is quite above us right now, do the Handlebar (opens at 4pm), Rainbo, Gold Star and the Beachwood. Hah!

I don't think I'm in a condition to do 20 miles in this weather with frequent stops here and there.

And only because I'm at the Girl's right now so I'm in the hood.

;)

how about we just ride to a bar and play cards? Aha just kidding.

the weather is actually not that bad, when it's not raining. the temp is around 40. it feels almost like spring, sort of.

hey i call #41 because that's my number.

The weather is/was great earlier, it does indeed feel like Spring. Hopefully the rain dies down some and becomes a light sprinkle...

or mist. mist is refreshing

...first flat of the day. KICKASS