Friday, October 5, 2012

Marianne, S Wabash Ave & E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL


Marianne rides a late-80's Trek rebuild
Where are you going? I am just coming from teaching piano in the loop, and I'm meeting my two visiting cousins for some Al's Beef. For the record: delicious fries.
 What are you wearing? This old thing? A trusty sun dress from Old Navy (ca. 2005), barefoot Merrells, and a decrepit helmet that was recently replaced by a sweet Bern lid! 
Tell me about your bike, and where you got it? It's a bit of a franken-bike. The frame is from a late-80's Trek (Reynolds 531), and the components are from a Fuji road bike. I bought it through Craigslist from a man in Logan Square who rehabs bikes.
Why ride? Faster, healthier, more economical, trendier, way more fun...
Favorite ride? Well, right now I'm mainly a commuter. And this sounds silly, but the curvy stretch that connects Diversey to Logan Boulevard is an oddly open, fast little nook to ride. I utter an internal, "Weeee!" every time. My boyfriend and I are planning a trip down the coast from San Francisco to San Diego for next summer - I'm sure that will trump my little Logan stretch!
While riding you …? ...I try to keep good posture. Chiropractors can get expensive. 
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or be more bike friendly? The obvious answer is to follow through with creating more protected bike lanes. The loop, in my opinion, should have more safe route options, too, since it's the hub of a city that aims to be a top bike city. One more: bike theft is also way too prevalent, and there is little to no consequence for it. Chicago needs to crack down on these thieves!
And other cool, funny tips or stories? Enjoy your ride! I often have to catch myself when I get too focused on where I'm going, or on that car that got a little too close to me - how lucky am I to be able to experience a city like this by bike!

1 comment:

  1. Cool Chicago girl with a sunny smile. Thank you, Bike Fancy!

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