This morning Mr. Dottie and I set out at 9 o’clock for brunch at the home of friends. The catch: they live over 15 miles away (31 miles roundtrip) in Hyde Park, aka Obama’s neighborhood. The ride was totally worth it for their fantastic food and company, plus I always like an excuse for a bike expedition.
Thanks to the Lakefront Trail, the ride there was simple and beautiful. From our house we rode a mile east to the Trail, then 14 miles south down the Trail, then a mile west to their house. I often ride along the north side of the trail, but very rarely along the south side. The south side is much quieter and less crowded, more nature-like and removed from the city.
Me at Promontory Point - view of skyline from the south side
Greg and Sir Raleigh at Promontory Point
Museum of Science and Industry
I'm on a boat! Not really, I only wish I were.
Part of the skyline from the south
Chicago skyline with kid biking
I wish I could convey the feel of the 90-degree heat, burning sun, miraculously cold lake breeze, cookout smells, boom box music, children laughing… We returned home at 5:30 pm, exhausted in a good way, feeling alive.
This is going down as a Summer Games event, “explore a new part of town by bike.” Although I’ve been there before, I don’t go often, and I’m not eligible for prizes, anyway 
Read about my ride to Hyde Park last year here.
While you’re at it, check out this fun write-up with photos of the south side Lakefront Trail from Bike Bliss.
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