Tours

Cycling Adventure to Pullman Factory Tours

Cycling Adventure to Pullman Factory Tours (Departing from Daley Plaza near the Picasso)

Cost: $10 donation to the Historic Pullman Foundation.

Once we arrive we will get an in depth walking tour of the Pullman Factory. A Walking tour of the neighborhood homes and architecture. Artist Ian Lantz will be leading Cycling Tour of the labor movement street art created by resident artist JB Daniels and Ian Lantz's Neighborhood Alley Art displayed on many of the beautiful neighborhood homes. As a bonus for those of us who arrive early enough we may get a game of Frisbee Golf in on the course that is built around the Pullman Factory Ruins.

Sites we will see along the way and when we arrive

- South Shore Cultural Center (1/2 Point Rest Stop)
- Future site of the Ore Wall Garden
- South Chicago Velodrome
- Pullman Factory Complex
- Pullman Clock Tower
- Pullman Market Square
- Greenstone Church
- Surrounding Neighborhood

Check out the bicycling options below, and let's ride to Pullman!

Option 1: 40 Mile Round Trip Cycling Option
Bike both ways with the group departing from Daley Plaza returning to Buckingham fountain. Meet at Daley Plaza (Near the Picasso) at 8:00am, departing at 8:15 sharp. We will take a quick 1/2 mark break at South Shore Cultural Center. After Pullman tours, ride back with the group. (please only choose this option if your are experienced at riding 40+ miles and have a capable bike)

Option 2: 20 Mile One Way Trip Cycling
Bring your bike on the train and bike back with the group. Catch the 10:30am Metra Electric from Millennium Station to 111th St (flag stop). Ride directly to Pullman Factory (2 blocks) as you'll have just enough time to get in the gates. After tours, ride back with the group. (please only choose this option if you are experienced at riding a 20+ mile ride and have a capable bike)

Option 3: < 5 Mile Cycling and Ride the Train Both Ways
Bring your bike on the train and just ride around Pullman with us. Catch the 10:30am Metra Electric from Millennium Station to 111th St (flag stop). Ride directly to Pullman Factory (2 blocks) as you'll have just enough time to get in the gates. After tours, catch the 4:23pm Metra Electric from 111th St to Millennium Station.

Please make sure you have a spare inner tube, patch kit, water bottle, and your tires are filled to the maximum capacity to reduce the risk of pinch flats.

There will be a safe and secure place to lock up our bikes within the factory complex. (The Willy Wonka gates close at 11am to lock up your bike within the facility)

We will also have a quick lunch at The Pullman Cafe.

Here is a link to check up to the minute train times.

http://metrarail.com/content/metra/en/home/maps_schedules/metra_system_map/me/map.html

*Bikes are allowed on the trains but please bring a bungee type cord to secure your bike from moving.

Other related links.....

The Pullman Factory Walking Tour FB Page
https://www.facebook.com/events/574378649400843/?ti=icl

Pullman Factory
http://www.pullman-museum.org

Hotel Florence
http://www.pullmanil.org/hotelflorence.htm

JB Daniels and Labor Movement Street Art
https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160311/pullman/pullman-artist-jb-daniel-installs-street-art-tribute-labor-movement

Pullman Cafe Yep Reviews
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pullman-caf%C3%A9-chicago

South Shore Cultural Center Website
http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/South-Shore-Cultural-Center/

Save the South Chicago Velodrome FB Page
https://m.facebook.com/SouthChicagoVelodromeAssociation/

Ore Wall Garden future development info
http://gbdmagazine.com/2013/lakeside-development/

Look forward to seeing everyone out there for an awesome biking and adventure.

Bike to the Skokie North Shore Sculpture Park + Canoeing to Baha'i Temple

Cost: $25 per person. (Covers Canoe Rental)
Registration: http://meetu.ps/e/BTJlG/tHfB6/a
Date: Sunday September 4th
Time: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Average Speed: 10 MPH

Bike from the Totem Pole on the Lake Front Trail @ Addison St. down Lawrence Ave., then up the North Shore Channel Trail through the Skokie North Shore Sculpture Park. We will continue our Cycling Adventure to the Evanston Community Center. We will then take a guided canoeing trip facilitated by the Evanston Ecology Center up the North Branch of the Chicago River to the Baha'i Temple and back.

Point of Interest along the way...

North Branch Pumping Station
http://chicagopatterns.com/north-branch-pumping-station/

North Branch Damn (Chicago's mini Niagara Falls)
https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160208/north-park/its-no-niagara-falls-but-this-is-chicagos-only-waterfall

Sculpture Park
http://sculpturepark.org

Evanston Ecology Center/Arboretum
http://cityofevanston.org/parks-recreation/ecology-center/

We will break up to have lunch on Center Street in Evanston at the location of your choice. Here are a couple food recommendations.

Backlot Coffee
http://www.backlotcoffee.com

Prarie Joe's
http://prairiejoes.com

There are also several specialty shops you can visit on Center Street as well.

http://centralstreet-evanston.com/directory

Time Table:

8:00am Depart from the Totem Pole
9:30am Arrive at the Evanston Community Center to lock up our bikes and for a short break
10:00am Canoeing Orientation and Departure
12:00pm Arrive back from Canoeing Trip
12:15 Bike to Evanston Center Street for lunch
2:00 Bike back down the trail to spend time viewing the sculptures and take photos.
4:00 Depart back to Lake Front Trail.
5:00 Arrive back at Totem Pole

Biketropolis Cycling Tour of Canaryville, Bridgeport, & Pilsen

Bike to the Big Marsh Opening Ride

Be part of cycling history and bike the Big Marsh on the Opening Ride. We are planning on connecting up with larger group that is leaving from the A Phillip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum and bike up to the Big Marsh to enjoy the landscape and newly built triails. We will play at the bike park for a couple of hours and start our journey back to the Lake Front Trail around 2:30pm

Day: Sunday November 6th
Distance Round Trip: 40 Miles
Skill level: Skill level: Moderate ride / No drop
Gear: bike, lock, helmet, hydration, snacks and a camera
Where: Daley Plaza - 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602

We will leave Daley Plaza to meet up with a larger group at the Pullman Porter Museum to bike with them to the Big Marsh

Time Line

8:00 am Meet at Daley Plaza for further Instructions and Safety Check
http://www.thedaleycenter.com/default.asp
50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602

8:30 am Roll to the A Phillip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum
https://aprpullmanportermuseum.org
10406 S. Maryland Ave. Chicago, IL 60628

10:00 am Hang out with the larger group and we will follow their lead the rest of the way to the Big Marsh to ride on the trails opening day.
https://www.facebook.com/events/190690121335877/

12:00 pm Start the actual ride at the Big Marsh
http://bigmarsh.org/#bikepark
11599 S. Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60617

2:30 pm we will meet at a agreed upon location that day to start making our way back to the Lake Front Trail

5:00pm Finish

Bike To The Big Marsh Bike Park

We will be leading a ride to the Big Marsh to help support our fellow cycling Friends of Big Marsh and for those who are interested in biking to REI’s #OptOutside event. Wether you would like to go on a guided nature walk, participate in a race, cheer on a race, or explore the new bike park, this will be a great Adventure Cycling opportunity for all.

Distance Round Trip: 40 Miles
Skill level: Skill level: Moderate ride / No drop
Speed: 12-14 MPH
Gear: bike, lock, helmet, lights, hydration, snacks, sandwiches, and a camera
Dress Code: Layers

Start 7:15 - 3600 N Recreation Drive, Chicago IL. 60613 (Near the tennis courts)

We will also have 2 intermediate pick up points (roll on arrival) for everyones convenience and 2 departure times returning back from the Big Marsh. We expect to arrive at the Big Marsh before 9:45 am.

8:00 am Pick up point #1 - Museum Campus Overlook 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive (In front of The Shedd Aquarium)

8:30 am Pick up point #2 - The New 35th Street Bridge
https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20161109/bronzeville/suspension-bridge-that-soars-over-lake-shore-drive-at-35th-street-opens

Arrive 9:45 am Big Marsh - 1958 E 116th St, Chicago, IL 60617
http://bigmarsh.org/#bikepark

Early Return Departure Time by 1:00 pm (Near the Restrooms)

Late Departure Time by 3:00 pm (Near the Restrooms)

If you want to sign up for the nature walk or a race please use this following link. https://www.bikereg.com/optoutside-at-big-marsh

Shamrocks and Shenanigans Cycling Tour

Let’s bike to the South Side Irish Parade, go on a tour of Chicago’s Only Castle in the neighborhood of Beverly; we will also tour the amazing architecture and learn about the history of the region by resident cyclist Anne Alt, then enjoy lunch at Ellie's. This ride will be the first official Adventure Cycling Tour of 2017 as we pedal back to the south side.

Please visit the Adventure Cycling Tours website directly to reserve your spot.

https://adventurecycling.tours/tours/shamrocks-and-shenanigans/

Date: Sunday, March 12th
Time: 8:00am to 4:00pm
Cost: $20 (Includes a donation to the castle)
Departure Location: Daley Plaza (under the Picasso)
Total Distance Round Trip: 35 Miles
Average Speed: 10-12 MPH with rest stops planned along the way.
Skill level: Moderate ride / No drop
Gear: bike, lock, helmet, hydration, snacks, camera, and something green.

We will kick our Adventure off departing from Daley Plaza, cycle along The Chicago River Walk, see a spectacular view of the Chicago River dyed green, Wolf Point, and The Eastland Disaster site. Next, we will work our way up the lake front to cross the newly constructed 35th Street Bridge. We will continue cycling through Bronzeville, Bridgeport; then we will head south to Beverly. Once we arrive in Beverly, we will tour the amazing architecture of the local neighborhood and learn about its history, enjoy lunch at Ellie's, participate in a tour of the Givins’ Irish Castle, then watch the South Side Irish Day Parade. The return trip will take us through a significant portion of the Major Taylor Trail built in honor of an African-American bicycle racer, civil rights pioneer, and author. We will make a final stop at Marquette Park, then head back to downtown Chicago.

Steelworkers Pilgrimage Cycling Tour

Steelworkers Pilgrimage Cycling Tour Reprise

Date: Sunday, May 21st, 2017
Time: 8:00am to 1:00pm
Cost: Free
Registration Link: https://adventurecycling.tours/tours/steelworkers-pilgrimage-cycling-follow-up-tour-5202017/#tourBooking
Departure Location: The Spoke and Bird
Total Distance Round Trip: 25 Miles
Average Speed: 10-12 MPH with rest stops planned along the way.
Skill level: Moderate ride / No drop
Gear: bike, lock, helmet, hydration, snacks, camera, and cash for lunch at the fishery.

Ride with us to Steelworkers Park to explore the park and surrounding area. Point's of interests include The Ore Wall, Southside Velodrome, St. Michael the Archangel, Ewing Avenue Bridge, and The Tomb of Andreas von Zirngibl (We have been granted permission by the owners of the decommissioned recycling yard where this tomb located to get up close to the smallest cemetery in Chicago. We will also stop off at Calumet Fisheries (Where the Blues Brothers Jumped the Bridge) for lunch before our return ride. Note: The vintage photo I used for this tour is what the area once looked like during the peak of U.S. Steel South Works Plant's operation.

Pedal To Pullman Adventure Cycling Tour

Join us for a cycling adventure back in time to the first successful working factory city in the United States founded by railroad car mogul George M. Pullman. Once we arrive, we will visit the Pullman National Monument and the Pullman Visitors Center, participate in an in-depth walking tour of the Pullman Factory Buildings, The Hotel Florence, and a neighborhood walking tour. We will also go on a cycling tour of the labor movement street art created resident artist JB Daniel and tours of the Back Alley Street Art Paradise created by another prominent resident artist Ian Lantz.

Date: Sunday, June 4th, 2017
Time: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Cost: $20 (Includes paid walking tour)
Registration Link: https://adventurecycling.tours/tours/pedal-to-pullman-06042017/#tourBooking
Departure Location: Spoke & Bird (205 E 18th St, Chicago, IL 60616)
Total Distance Round Trip: 40 Miles
Average Speed: 10-12 MPH with rest stops planned along the way.
Skill level: Moderate ride / No drop
Gear: bike, lock, helmet, hydration, snacks and a camera
Lunch: We will grab a bite to eat at The Pullman Cafe please look over their menu. http://thepullmancafe.com or bring your own lunch and enjoy relax at Arcade Park.

Gary Indiana Architecture Preservation Cycling Tour

Come ride with us on our next great cycling adventure to Gary Indiana for the cities organized Gary Preservation Tour Event. We will discover the lost architecture that is under way of being preserved. For 1 day only, we will join in on architectural walking tours and go inside many abandon buildings (without even sneaking in) that are being saved. We will also check out Lake Effekt where we will get the opportunity to witness over 60 street artists create amazing street art and urban murals.

Date: Saturday, June 17th, 2017
Time: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Cost: $20 (Includes a donation we will make as a group to the Marktown 100 Year Celebration)
Registration Link (https://adventurecycling.tours/tours/gary-indiana-architecture-preservation-cycling-tour-6172017/#tourBooking)
Departure Location: The Spoke and Bird (205 E. 18th Street)
Total Distance Round Trip: 60 Miles
Average Speed: 10-12 MPH with rest stops planned along the way.
Skill level: Moderate ride / No drop
Gear: bike, lock, helmet, hydration, snacks, camera, and cash for lunch (TBD).

Here is the complete list of the buildings we will visit....

Gary Land Company Building

Union Station

Gary City Hall

Lake County Courthouse

Gary State Bank Building

City Methodist Church

Hotel Gary (Genesis Towers)

Old U.S. Post Office

Additional activities will be held at the following locations.

Heat, Light and Water Building

Art House

Gary Human Rights Commission Museum (Old Sears and Roebuck Building)

Graffiti and Gears Adventure Cycling Tour

We will be traversing the city on our bicycles on an art tour to visit many of the city's Murals, Graffiti Walls, and Street Art. Key points of interests include the Pilsen Mural Wall, Hubbard Street Murals, The 606 Murals, Permission Logan, Vivian Maier Mural, The Mile of Murals, and hidden gems in between all of these sites I have been tracking. Proceeds will be donated to West Town Bikes, please select a donation you can afford from one of the registration links below.

Date: Sunday, July 16th, 2017
Time: 9:00 am to 5:00pm
Cost: $5, $10, or $20

$5 https://adventurecycling.tours/tours/5-graffiti-and-gears-cycling-tour-07162017/#tourBooking
$10 https://adventurecycling.tours/tours/10-graffiti-and-gears-cycling-tour-07162017/#tourBooking
$20 https://adventurecycling.tours/tours/graffiti-and-gears-cycling-tour/#tourBooking

Start Time 1: 9:00 am Eckhart Park - 1330 W Chicago Ave Chicago, IL 60622
Start Time 2: 11:45 am West Town Bikes - 2459 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
Start Time 3: 2:30 pm Chicago Mural - 2226 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL. 60647

Total Distance Round Trip: 10, 25, and 50 Mile Round Trip Options
Average Speed: 10 MPH with rest stops planned along the way.
Skill level: Moderate ride / No drop
Lunch: https://www.facebook.com/empbike/ (you can also pack your own lunch)
Gear: bike, lock, helmet, hydration, snacks, cash for lunch, sunscreen and a camera

Once we arrive Logan Square we will receive an in-depth tour from Gabriel Carasquillo AKA FLASH of the ABC Crew (Artistic Bombing Crew), he began posting and documenting Chicago Graffiti’s culture. Two years later in 2005, he would become the Moderator for Chicago Graffiti Forums, a site used by schools and universities as a place of reference for students learning about the history of Chicago Graffiti. Today, the site gets 1 million visits a year. His Graffiti photo collection has over 35 years of Chicago Graffiti and street art. His photos have appeared in Roger Gaston’s History of American Graffiti and other graffiti publications. His block letters are featured in “CRACKDOWN 2” a video game by Ruffhouse for X-BOX 360.

For the past five years, Gabriel Carasquillo has curated “Project Logan” a permission wall which rotates various artistic styles of Graffiti. Most recently, he was invited to participate in the inaugural creation of the 606 Chicago Graffiti Garden Arena. Both projects serve as a visual record of an ever-changing community and the evolution of Graffiti. Another one of his loves is riding bicycles with the Classic Cruisers an old school beach cruiser club out of Humboldt Park.
Other well-known artists work we will visit throughout our adventure are as follows,
Banksy (I may know where there is still one left)

ROA
Hebru Brantley
JC Rivera
Nikko Locander
Etc. (Too many to mention)

Point and Shoot Camera Cycling Tour

Join us for this hands on photography lesson as we cycle through Oak Park Chicago to photograph the various historical landmarks and architectural creations of Frank Lloyd Wright and others. We will stop for lunch in Oak Park then proceed onward to Thatcher Woods (River Forest) for the nature portion of this photography lesson. This hands on photography lesson will provide you with all the techniques and tips you need to take stunning photos with your smart phone's built in camera. (Any smart phone or camera can be used for this lesson)

Date: Sunday, August 13th

Time: 9:00am to 5:00pm Cost: $20 (Includes photography lesson)

Registration Link: https://adventurecycling.tours/tours/point-and-shoot-camera-cycling-tour/#tourBooking

Departure Location: Daley Plaza (under the Picasso)

Lunch: TBD

Total Distance Round Trip: 30 Miles Round Trip Average Speed:10-12 MPH with rest stops planned along the way.

Skill level: Moderate ride / No drop

Gear: bike, lock, helmet, hydration, snacks, sunscreen, smart phone or camera.

Bike to the Marktown Centennial Celebration

Date: Saturday, August 19th 2017
Time: 8:00am to 3:00pm
Cost: Free
Departure Location: The Spoke and Bird
205 E 18th St, Chicago, IL 60616
Total Distance Round Trip: 50 Miles
Average Speed: 12-14 MPH with rest stops planned along the way.
Skill level: Moderate ride / No drop
Gear: bike, lock, helmet, hydration, snacks and a camera

We have been graciously been invited back to Marktown to help celebrate the Marktown Centennial Celebration in Southeast Chicago, Indiana. We will participate in a Marktown Historic District walking tour hosted by Marktown’s preservationist and resident Paul Myers, plus various additional points of interest along the way and on the return trip such as The Ore Wall, Steelworkers Park, Wolf Lake, The Republic Steel and Memorial Day Massacre Site and Sculpture. Oh yeah did I mention we will search for a hidden Pullman Car?

Bike to Fermilab's Open House

Bike to the Fermi Labs Open House (We reserved 15 tickets https://www.facebook.com/events/1396735527062030?%3Fti=ia)

We will head out early and bike to the Fermilab Open House to enjoy nature and science!

Points of Interests along the way...

Illinois Prairie Path
Bison Farm
Nature
Trains
Broken Symmetry Sculpture
Wilson Hall
Fermilab's Open House

Cost: Free
Registration Link: https://adventurecycling.tours/tours/bike-to-fermilabs-open-house-09232017/#tourBooking
Total Distance Round Trip: 80 Miles Round Trip
Average Speed: 12-14 MPH with rest stops planned along the way.
Skill level: Intermediate / No drop
Gear: bike, lock, helmet, hydration, snacks, sunscreen, smart phone or camera, lights, cash.
Lunch and Dinner: TBD (Maybe Two Brothers?)

Graceland Cemetery Cycling Tour

Be a part of history and bike with Adventure Cycling Tours through Graceland Cemetery for a one of a kind tour. For the first time and with special permission we have been granted access to explore the history, architecture, landscaping, nature, and the wildlife that makes up this beautiful 120 Acre Chicago space. Graceland Cemetery was founded in 1860 and is the home of many architects and influential people that help build and shape Chicago. Along with its incredible design and architecture, Graceland Cemetery is also a certified arboretum and the home of vast wildlife. This tour also includes a visit to the Edgewater Historical Society to view the “Made In Chicago” exhibit. Meet at the fully restored Kwanusila Totem Pole along the lake front path then head for our journey to Graceland Cemetery. After our visit to the Edgewater Historical Society we will bike through The Wonderful Westridge Nature Preserve.

Date: Sunday, October 29th
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Cost: $20 (Includes a donation to the Edgewater Historical Society)
Registration Link: https://adventurecycling.tours/tours/graceland-cemetery-cycling-tour-10292017/#tourBooking
Departure Location: Kwanusila Totem Pole (3510 N Recreation Dr, Chicago, IL 60657)
Lunch: The Empanada Bike https://www.facebook.com/empbike/
and First Slice Pie Cafe http://www.firstslice.org
(Bring Cash, Debit or Credit Card for lunch)
Total Distance Round Trip: 20 Miles Round Trip
Average Speed: 10 MPH with plenty of rest stops planned along the way.
Skill level: Moderate ride / No drop
Gear: bike, lock, helmet, hydration, snacks, sunscreen, smart phone or camera.

Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum, The Big Marsh, and ACME Coke Plant

We will begin our journey from The Prairie Avenue District (The Spoke & Bird) where George Pullman’s massive family residence once stood and then pedal our way to The National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum located across from The Pullman Wheelworks Factory. The Randolph Pullman Porter Museum contains a permanent collection displays exhibits which are pertinent to the study of American Labor History with a specific focus on the African-American contribution to America’s labor history of the Pullman Company, as it relates to the labor history of African American Railroad employees.

We will then bike through The Historic Neighborhood of Pullman. Pullman was built in 1880 and was the planned model factory town where employees of the Pullman Palace Car Company lived and worked. George M. Pullman’s Town today still contains the Pullman Administration Building and Clock Tower, The Hotel Florence, The Green Stone Church, The Pullman Mural, and home to the newly installed former President Barack Obama and George M. Pullman Murals.

We will then head over to The Big Marsh which is 278 acres of open space sharing its past with Big Steel and the unique natural history of the Calumet region. Big Marsh creates a new legacy of outdoor recreational biking and public space stewardship.

If time permits we will bike past and get up close to the abandoned ACME Coke Plant which was constructed over the years 1905 through 1929. The Acme coke facility mainly consisted of two oven batteries, containing about 50 separate ovens inside each, as well as 15 brick buildings and a wooden quenching tower and is the backdrop of the Big Marsh.

Date: Sunday, November 12, 2017

Time: 8:00am to 5:00pm

Cost: $20 (Includes admission into The A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum)

Registration Link: https://adventurecycling.tours/tours/to-the-big-marsh-and-acme-coke-plant-cycling-tour-11122017/#tourBooking

Departure Location: Spoke & Bird (205 E 18th St, Chicago, IL 60616)

Total Distance Round Trip: 40 Miles

Average Speed: 10-12 MPH with rest stops planned along the way.

Skill level: Moderate ride / No drop

Gear: bike, lock, helmet, warmer clothing, hydration, snacks and a camera

Pothole Art Bike Tour with Jim Bachor

A uniquely Chicago urban treasure hunt – by bike! Jim Bachor’s stunning and sometimes snarky mosaic works are the centerpiece of this casual group ride, tracking down each and every existing pothole Jim has lovingly adorned with unique mosaics since 2013. And, the artist will join us! Meetup is inside the Thorndale Red Line Station, where Bachor’s commission, entitled “Thrive,” was installed in 2014. We’ll then ride a winding west to east to south route that catches up with up to 25 pothole artworks, including two private commissions. Please bring cash for a lunch and drinks stop, tentatively scheduled for 1pm, and another possible drink stop along the way. Space is limited and demand is high – we recommend signing up ASAP!

More about Jim Bachor’s Pothole Art (video from CBS Sunday Morning): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrBWimf_4uY

Date: Sunday, November 19

Time: 10:00am to unknown end time – likely 5pm

Cost: $10 (Includes a Bachor sticker designed just for the ride!)

Departure Location: Thorndale CTA Red Line Station, 1112 W. Thorndale

Total Distance (Round Trip): 30 miles, with multiple peel-off opportunities

Average Speed: 8-10 m.p.h.with short and longer stops at each of the mosaics

Skill Level: Casual ride / no-drop

Gear to Bring: tuned-up bike, lock, helmet, hydration, snacks, cash, ID, and a camera

Please note: More details will be posted as we get closer to the ride date.

Shamrocks and Shenanigans Cycling Tour

Let’s bike to the neighborhood of Beverly to attend a one of a kind tour and multimedia presentation of Chicago’s Only Castle. During this ride, we will have the opportunity to meet Errol Magidson, author of “Chicago’s Only Castle: The History of Givins’ Irish Castle and It’s keepers.” We will then cycle through the amazing architecture of Beverly and learn about the history of the region by resident cyclist Anne Alt. This ride will be the first official Adventure Cycling Tour of 2018.

Date: Saturday, March 31st, 2018
Time: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Cost: $25 (Includes a donation to the castle)
Departure Location: Daley Plaza (under the Picasso)
Lunch: Ellie's Cafe (Ellie's accepts cash, credit, or debit please check out their menu prior to the ride)
Total Distance Round Trip: 35 Miles
Average Speed: 10-12 MPH with rest stops planned along the way.
Skill level: Moderate ride / No drop
Gear: bike, lock, helmet, hydration, snacks, camera.

We will kick off our Adventure from Daley Plaza, cycle along The Chicago River Walk to see spectacular views of the city then visit Wolf Point and The Eastland Disaster site. Next, we will work our way up the lake front to cross the newly constructed 35th Street Bridge. We will continue through Bronzeville and Bridgeport, then head south to Beverly. Once in Beverly, we will tour the amazing architecture of the neighborhood and learn about its history, enjoy lunch at Ellie’s Cafe, and walk through the Givins’ Irish Castle. The return trip will take us through a portion of the Major Taylor Trail, built in honor of the African-American bicycle racer, civil rights pioneer, and author. We will make a final stop at Marquette Park, then head back to downtown Chicago.

Steelworkers Pilgrimage Cycling Tour

Randolph Porter Museum, Big Marsh, ACME Plant Cycling Tour

We will begin our journey from The Prairie Avenue District (The Spoke & Bird) where George Pullman’s massive family residence once stood and then pedal our way to The National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum located across from The Pullman Wheelworks Factory. The Randolph Pullman Porter Museum contains a permanent collection displays exhibits which are pertinent to the study of American Labor History with a specific focus on the African-American contribution to America’s labor history of the Pullman Company, as it relates to the labor history of African American Railroad employees.

Date: Sunday, May 6th, 2018
Time: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Cost: $25 (Includes admission into The A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum)
Departure Location: Spoke & Bird (205 E 18th St, Chicago, IL 60616)
Lunch: The Pullman Cafe
Total Distance Round Trip: 40 Miles
Average Speed: 10-12 MPH with rest stops planned along the way.
Skill level: Moderate ride / No drop
Gear: bike, lock, helmet, warmer clothing, hydration, snacks and a camera

We will then bike through The Historic Neighborhood of Pullman. Pullman was built in 1880 and was the planned model factory town where employees of the Pullman Palace Car Company lived and worked. George M. Pullman’s Town today still contains the Pullman Administration Building and Clock Tower, The Hotel Florence, The Green Stone Church, The Pullman Mural, and home to the newly installed former President Barack Obama and George M. Pullman Murals.

Then over to the The Big Marsh which is 278 acres of open space sharing its past with Big Steel and the unique natural history of the Calumet region. Big Marsh creates a new legacy of outdoor recreational biking and public space stewardship.

If time permits we will bike past and get up close to the abandoned ACME Coke Plant which was constructed over the years 1905 through 1929. The Acme coke facility mainly consisted of two oven batteries, containing about 50 separate ovens inside each, as well as 15 brick buildings and a wooden quenching tower and is the backdrop of the Big Marsh.

Pedal To Pullman Cycling Tour

Join us for a cycling adventure back in time to the first successful working factory city in the United States founded by railroad car mogul George M. Pullman. Once we arrive, we will visit the Pullman National Monument and the Pullman Visitors Center, participate in an in-depth walking tour of the Pullman Factory Buildings, The Hotel Florence, and a neighborhood walking tour. We will also go on a cycling tour of the labor movement street art created resident artist JB Daniel and tours of the Back Alley Street Art Paradise created by another prominent resident artist Ian Lantz.

Date: Sunday, June 3rd, 2018
Time: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Cost: $25 (Includes paid walking tour)
Departure Location: Spoke & Bird (205 E 18th St, Chicago, IL 60616)
Total Distance Round Trip: 40 Miles
Average Speed: 10-12 MPH with rest stops planned along the way.
Skill level: Moderate ride / No drop
Gear: bike, lock, helmet, hydration, snacks and a camera

We will kick the tour off in front of Spoke & Bird, just a stones through away where George M. Pullman’s home once stood in the Prairie District, We will then start our journey to the factory town of Pullman. Once we arrive in Pullman we will lock up our bikes, have lunch, and visit the Pullman National Monument, the Pullman Visitors Center, and take in a tour of the Factory Building, The Hotel Florence, and Neighborhood walking tours. Before we end our adventure, we will start on our bikes on a brief neighborhood art installation tour created by the incredibly talented JB Daniel and Ian Lantz. Then we will venture back to downtown Chicago to reflect on what we have seen and learned along the way.

The History of Cycling in Chicago Tour

Join Biketropolis, The Wheelman, and Chris McAuliffe, author of Cycling in Chicago (Images of America), as we pedal down memory lane to learn about Chicago’s rich cycling history. We’ll start our journey at Daley Plaza near where bicycling manufacturing once thrived. We’ll discuss a variety of important cycling events that took place in Chicago during the mid-1800’s thru the early-1900’s. To help paint the picture of how popular cycling was during this time period, we will view and discuss vintage photos, bike catalogs, and brochures along the tour. Carey Williams will talk us through this important time in history, along with his fellow Wheelman who will be riding antique bicycles dressed in period apparel. The carefully planned route will take us past where several prominent bike manufactures and showrooms once stood, where indoor racing events took place, and along some of the routes where early outdoor racing competitions occurred.

Date: Saturday, June 16th, 2018
Time: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Cost: $25 (Includes a donation to the Wheelman)
Lunch: The Empanada Bike
Departure Location: Daley Plaza (under the Picasso)
Total Distance Round Trip: 35 Miles
Average Speed: 10-12 MPH with rest stops planned along the way.
Skill level: Moderate ride / No drop
Gear: bike, lock, helmet, hydration, snacks and a camera

Here are the tour’s highlights:

Multiple locations used by Arnold & Schwinn Co.

Loring & Keene’s First Chicago Velocipede

A G Spaulding

Ellsworth Zouave Hall Riding School and Showroom

Fauber

Vintage Bicycle Magazine Locations

Major Taylor’s extremely important role in cycling

Mead Cycle

The Famous Race to Pullman

Riding Schools and Showrooms from the past

Chicago Handle Bar Co.

Excelsior Supply Company

Rambler Factory Building

Monarch Cycling

Illinois Cycle Works

Pope Mfg. (Columbia)

Western Wheel Works (Crescent)

Cycle Smithy (Antique bikes and Artifacts)

Oscar Wastyn (Antique bikes and Artifacts)

Extended Portion of Tour: (Optional)

Rosehill Cemetary (Ignaz Schwinn Grave)

Gary’s Cycle Shop (Antique Racing Bicycle and Photos)

Graceland Cemetary (Featherstone Grave)

Too much to list.....

Pothole Art Bike Tour

A uniquely Chicago urban treasure hunt – by bike! Jim Bachor’s stunning and sometimes snarky mosaic works are the centerpiece of this casual group ride, tracking down each and every existing pothole Jim has lovingly adorned with unique mosaics since 2013. And, the artist will join us! Meetup is inside the Thorndale Red Line Station, where Bachor’s commission, entitled “Thrive,” was installed in 2014. We’ll then ride a winding west to east to south route that catches up with up to 25 pothole artworks, including two private commissions.

More about Jim Bachor’s Pothole Art (video from CBS Sunday Morning): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrBWimf_4uY

Date: Sunday, July 1st, 2018
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Cost: $25 (Includes a Bachor sticker designed just for the ride!)
Departure Location: Thorndale CTA Red Line Station, 1118 W. Thorndale, Chicago, IL 60660
Lunch: The Empanada Bike
Total Distance (Round Trip): 30 miles, with multiple peel-off opportunities
Average Speed: 8-10 m.p.h.with short and longer stops at each of the mosaics
Skill Level: Casual ride / no-drop
Gear to Bring: tuned-up bike, lock, helmet, hydration, snacks, cash, ID, and a camera
Please note: More details will be posted as we get closer to the ride date.

Cycle to Chicago’s only Castle

Let’s bike to the neighborhood of Beverly to attend a one of a kind tour and multimedia presentation of Chicago’s Only Castle. During this ride, we will have the opportunity to meet Errol Magidson, author of “Chicago’s Only Castle: The History of Givins’ Irish Castle and It’s keepers.” We will then cycle through the amazing architecture of Beverly and learn about the history of the region. This trip also includes a visit to the Ridge Historical Society to learn about the geography and geology of the region. The museum also has a well displayed tribute to a past local cyclist, Carl Spencer who we will get to learn more about.

Date: Saturday, July 21st, 2018
Time: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Cost: $25 (Includes a donation to the castle)
Registration Link: https://cycletochicagosonlycastle.eventbrite.com
Departure Location: Daley Plaza (under the Picasso)
Lunch: Ellie’s Cafe (Ellie’s accepts cash, credit, or debit please check out their menu prior to the ride)
Total Distance Round Trip: 35 Miles
Average Speed: 10-12 MPH with rest stops planned along the way.
Skill level: Moderate ride / No drop
Gear: bike, lock, helmet, hydration, snacks, camera.

We will kick off our Adventure from Daley Plaza, Once in Beverly, we will tour the amazing architecture of the neighborhood and learn about its history, enjoy lunch at Ellie’s Cafe, walk through the Givins’ Irish Castle. The return trip will take to the Union Stockyard Gate, the main entrance of the meatpacking district for more than a century, starting in 1865 and the Chicago Fireman Monument which was erected to honor 21 Firefighters that were killed while combating the blaze of the Chicago Stock Yards Dec. 22nd 1910. Lastly we will visit the Palmisano Nature Park (Guided Audio Tour) – Incredible 27-acre site on the southwest side. It has transformed from prehistoric coral reefs to quarry to landfill to a gorgeous park with amazing views and perspectives of the city.

Graffiti and Gears Cycling Tour

Join Biketropolis and traverse the city on our bicycles on an art tour to visit many of the city’s Murals, Graffiti Walls, and Street Art. Key points of interests include the Pilsen Mural Wall, Hubbard Street Murals, The 606 Murals, Permission Logan, Vivian Maier Mural, The Mile of Murals, and hidden gems in between all of these sites I have been tracking. This tour will include discussions with a guest speaker at the Pilsen Mural Wall and the Permission Logan Wall, and an opportunity to witness an organized graffiti battle at the Logan Monument.

Date: Sunday, August 5th, 2018
Time: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Donation: $25 (Includes a donation to West Town Bikes)
Departure Location: Daley Plaza (under the Picasso)
Registration Link: https://graffitiandgearscyclingtour.eventbrite.com
Total Distance Round Trip: 10, 25, and 50 Mile Options
Average Speed: 10MPH with rest stops planned along the way.
Skill level: Moderate ride / No drop
Lunch: The Empanada Bike (Vegan and non-Vegan options they accept Cash/Credit/Debit)
Gear: bike, lock, helmet, hydration, snacks, sunscreen and a camera

Art Deco Twilight Cycling Tour

Grab your favorite bicycle and come explore the bountiful Art Deco architecture woven into the fabric of the city. Chicago's Art Deco architectural details are usually hiding in plain sight and often overlooked by passersby. Bicycling during twilight will set the stage for astounding views of Chicago's architecture and deliver a new experience for adventure cyclists. Experts from the Chicago Art Deco Society and Preservation Chicago will ride with us on this tour to give you information and share some preservation stories about the many Art Deco buildings we will be visiting. The tour will include access to some of the buildings, plus viewing of facades, fountains and much more.

Date: Saturday, May 18th.
Time: 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Cost: $35 (Portion donated to Preservation Chicago).
Registration Link: https://artdecocyclingtour.eventbrite.com
Departure Location: Daley Plaza under the Picasso (50 W. Washington St.)
Food Break Location: Ipsento 606 + Empanada Bike along the 606 at Milwaukee Ave.
End Point: Palmolive Building (159 E. Walton Pl.)
Approximate Distance: Approximately 20 miles
Average speed: 10-12 mph with rest stops planned along the way.
Skill level: Moderate ride/no drop.
Gear: bike, lock, lights, helmet, hydration, snacks, camera, and cash for food.

If you are interested in taking a deep dive into the city's Art Deco designs, I recommend the Chicago Art Deco Society's highly anticipated book, which is now available. https://www.chicagodeco.org/book

Pedal to Pullman Cycling Adventure

Join Biketropolis as we cycle back in time to visit one of the first successful factory towns in the United States. Founded by railroad car mogul George M. Pullman in 1880, the town of Pullman was built around his belief that human beings are deeply influenced by their environment. He thought his workforce would be more productive when housed nearby and surrounded by culture and beauty.

We will meet at the Spoke & Bird and start off the tour in the Prairie Avenue District, where Pullman’s massive family residence once stood. Our first stop will be the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum, located across from the site of the Pullman Wheelworks Factory. The museum is named after the organizer and members of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first African-American labor union in the country to win a collective bargaining agreement against a corporate giant, the Pullman Palace Car Company.

Next we will bike to the Pullman Visitor Center and break for lunch. Afterward, we will begin a docent-led walking tour to learn about local architecture and the early residents of this unique neighborhood once dubbed “the world's most perfect town.” Before riding back downtown, we will pedal around the Pullman neighborhood to search for remains of the Labor Paste work created by local artist JB Daniel and roam some back alleys to find Ian Lantz’s bedazzled garage doors and Nick Lubovich’s surprising art installations.

Date: Sunday, June 2, 2019.
Time: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Cost: $35 (includes museum admission and walking tour).
Registration link: https://pedaltopullman.eventbrite.com
Departure location: Spoke & Bird (205 E 18th St, Chicago, IL 60616).
Lunch options: The Pullman Cafe, Potbelly Sandwich Shop. (Please bring debit/credit card, cash, or feel free to pack your own lunch and enjoy while relaxing at Arcade Park.)
Total distance round-trip: 40 miles.
Average speed: 10-12 mph with rest stops planned along the way.
Skill level: Moderate ride/no drop.
Gear: bike, lock, helmet, hydration, camera and snacks.

If you would like to help one of Pullman’s favorite non-profits Share Your Soles Foundation  please bring a pair of lightly used shoes to donate to a great cause once we arrive.

For more information about Share Your Soles Foundation please visit https://shareyoursoles.org/donate-shoes/

Chicago’s Fabulous Fountains Cycling Tour

Join Biketropolis and one of Chicago’s top authors, Greg Borzo, as we tour the fabulous fountains decorating our vast city. Learn the history and architectural importance of these "water tossers"—often in plain sight but sometimes hidden within the jumble of skyscrapers, parks, museums and neighborhoods. We will pedal to a great number 25+ of Greg’s favorites from his 224-page book, Chicago’s Fabulous Fountains. 

Greg will also provide us with details about each fountain's history and significance, as well as stories about the water features that we walk and ride by every day.

Date: Saturday, July 27th, 2019.

Time: 9:30 am to 4 pm

Cost: $35.

Registration link: https://fabulousfountains.eventbrite.com

Departure location: Chicago History Museum (in front of the fountain at North Avenue and Clark Street).

Lunch: Spoke & Bird (205 E 18th St.).

Total distance round-trip: 25 miles.

Average speed: 10-12 mph with rest stops planned along the way.

Skill level: Moderate ride/no drop.

Gear: Bike, lock, helmet, hydration, snacks and camera.

Be sure to check out Greg Borzo’s latest book titled: Lost Restaurants of Chicago

Join Biketropolis and traverse the city by bicycle on this art tour highlighting Chicago's public murals, graffiti walls and other street decorations. Key points of interest include mural walls in the Pilsen and Fulton Market neighborhoods and at the Crawford Steel Company, as well as many hard-to-find art installations in between. Our route will include a visit with the artist Obe at the Crawford Steel Wall, where artists from all over the world participated in the three-day Meeting of Styles. We'll also meet up with Caesar Perez (Ava Grey Designs), who was recently commissioned by the Shedd Aquarium, at one of his murals. Capping off our tour will be an opportunity to witness an organized graffiti competition at the Battle of the Eagle with our friend Flash (Artistic Bombing Crew & Classic Cruisers), curator of Project Logan.

Date: Sunday, August 4th, 2019

Time: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Cost: $35 (Includes a donation to West Town Bikes)

Registration Link: https://graffitiandgears.eventbrite.com

Departure Location: Daley Plaza (under the Picasso).

Lunch: The Empanada Bike

Distance:  35 miles

Average speed: 10-12 mph with rest stops planned along the way

Skill level: Moderate ride/no drop.

Gear: bike, lock, helmet, hydration, snacks and a camera.

The History of Cycling in Chicago Tour

Join Biketropolis, the Wheelmen and Chris McAuliffe, author of Cycling in Chicago (Images of America), as we pedal down memory lane to learn about our city's rich cycling history. We’ll start our journey at Daley Plaza, near locations where bicycling manufacturing once thrived, and discuss some of the top cycling events that took place in Chicago from the mid-1800s through the early 1900s. Throughout the tour, we will share and discuss vintage photos, product catalogs and brochures that help paint the picture of how popular cycling was during this time period. McAuliffe and Wheelmen member Carey Williams will share stories about this important time in history; and we will ride with Williams and his fellow Wheelmen, who will be on antique bicycles and dressed in period apparel. The carefully curated route will take us past the places where several prominent bike manufacturers and showrooms once stood, where indoor racing events took place, and along some of the routes of early outdoor-racing competitions.

Date: Saturday, August 17th 2019

Time: 9 am to 5 pm

Cost: $35 (Includes a donation to the Wheelmen)

Registration Link: https://historyofcycling.eventbrite.com

Departure location: Daley Plaza (under the Picasso).

Lunch: The Empanada Bike

Total Distance: 35 miles

Average speed: 10-12 mph with rest stops planned along the way

Skill level: Moderate ride/no drop.

Gear: bike, lock, helmet, hydration, snacks and a camera.

Cycle to the Givins Beverly Castle

Join Biketropolis and Women Bike Chicago for a day of cycling that will help with preservation efforts (the castle needs major repairs to its turrets and facade; see additional photos). We will start by biking to the neighborhood of Beverly for a one-of-a-kind tour and multimedia presentation about Chicago’s Only Castle. Once we arrive, we will meet Errol Magidson, who wrote a book and produced a film about the building and its history.

We will then be treated to a neighborhood tour led by Beverly resident Anne Alt, one of Women Bike Chicago’s founding members, to learn about the distinctive architecture of Beverly/Morgan Park. This trip also includes a visit to the Ridge Historical Society to learn about the geography and geology of the region. One highlight of the museum is a tribute to the late local cyclist Carl Spencer.

Before we head back north, we will take a short ride along the Major Taylor Trail and visit the recently installed mural that vividly portrays the career and accolades of the inspiring African-American cyclist Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor.

The return trip will take us to the Union Stockyard Gate, the main entrance of the meatpacking district for more than a century, and to the memorial sculpture erected to honor 21 firefighters who were killed while combating the 1910 blaze at the stockyards. Lastly, we will visit the Palmisano Nature Park, an incredible 27-acre site on the southwest side. It has transformed from prehistoric coral reefs to quarry to landfill to a gorgeous park with amazing views and various perspectives of the city.

Date: Saturday, September 14th, 2019.

Time: 8 am to 5 pm

Cost: $35 (includes a donation to the Givins Beverly Castle and Ridge Historical Society).

Registration Link: https://cycletocastle.eventbrite.com

Departure location: Daley Plaza (under the Picasso).

Lunch: Ellie’s Cafe (Ellie’s accepts cash, credit or debit—please check out the menu prior to the ride).

Total distance round-trip: 35 miles.

Average speed: 10-12 mph with rest stops planned along the way.

Skill level: Moderate ride/no drop.

Gear: bike, lock, helmet, hydration, snacks, camera.