November is Here… Still Biking into Work!

Winter bicycle riding in the city

That’s right, and even though that’s not me in the picture and it’s not snowing like that in Chicago (thankfully), winter is approaching. I know, it’s terrible, but there’s nothing I can do about it… EXCEPT… Maybe… No, there’s nothing I can do. And for all you people that actually like winter and the colder weather, well you can shut up. Yeah, you read it right. Shut up. Just remember that this site is called Summer of Andy, so consider yourself in enemy territory you winter loving fools.

OK, back to the bicycle riding… Let me first say that this is a big deal for me. Anything that involves the cold weather and me being in it, that’s a big deal. In most cases I’d rather have someone punch me in the face repeatedly than go out in the cold. I know, if I hate the cold that much, then why am I living in Chicago? I don’t know, I still haven’t figured that one out yet. I’m pretty sure I curse 95% more during the winter months than I do during any other time of the year. Although in Chicago it some times feels like there’s 8 months of winter, 3 months of summer and a couple weeks for each of those other seasons… spring and whatever. Continue reading »

Bike Ride from Chicago to Wisconsin… and Back!

Bike ride from Chicago to Wisconsin

When you read that, maybe you’re saying, “Hey, that seems like a long ride!” Well, you would be correct, and I would say, “Yes, 113 miles to be exact.” If it hurts your knees, ankles, or possibly even your butt just thinking about it, well just imagine how I feel. At this point, pretty good, but it’s also been two days.

This was the longest one day ride I’ve ever been on and my second century ride. My first century ride was earlier this summer before my RAGBRAI trip. This century ride to Wisconsin I did with my friend and fellow cycling enthusiast, Allison Wagner (There you go Allison, I gave you a name in this post instead of just “friend” like my last post). Allison was brave to join me and trust that I actually knew where I was going… when I obviously didn’t. I mapped it on Google Maps and had a few print-outs with me… Oh, and my trusty GPS (my phone). Either way, we were ready for an adventure. Continue reading »

Best Bike Route from Downtown Chicago to the North Branch Trail

Chicago North Branch Trail sign

What is currently my favorite bike trail to ride in Chicago? Definitely the North Branch Trail. If you’re someone that likes the Lake Shore Path, but can’t deal with the crowds of people that make it nearly impossible to ride your bike, then you need to venture north of downtown. The North Branch Trail starts about 11 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, and it winds through parks and forest preserve while crossing low traffic streets a few times along the 15 mile trail. At the northern most point, the trail loops around and passes by the entrance to the Chicago Botanic Garden. Continue reading »

Completed My First “Century” Bike Ride

Century Bike Ride

No, that doesn’t mean that I dress up in 1st Century attire and bike around Chicago (I’m not even sure what 1st Century attire would be). It means that I biked 100 miles in a single day. It’s actually something that on Friday I decided I wanted to try to do. The most I’ve ever biked in a day is 60 miles, so I wanted to push myself and make sure that I could ride the longer distances. After today I feel like I should be able to complete the longer 80+ mile days during RAGBRAI. Continue reading »

Trying Something New at IO Chicago Improv Comedy

IO Chicago Improv Comedy Sign

After 56 weeks of improv at Second City, I’m moving on to try something else. Sure, I had a great time at Second City and met a lot of great people over the past year, but I figured it was time to broaden my horizons as they say. I’m not sure who “they” are or when they said it, but someone said it at some point in time. Anyway, that’s what I’m doing. Continue reading »

55 Mile Bike Ride to the Chicago Botanic Garden

Holding my bike at the Chicago Botanic Garden

This past weekend my friend and I took our first bike ride to the Chicago Botanic Garden. Someone had mentioned the trail to her, so we decided to check it out Sunday morning. From the start of the North Branch Trail at Devon and Caldwell, to the northern most part of the Botanic Garden is about 16.5 miles. It’s an amazing trail, which twists and turns through parks and the forest preserve… oh, and it’s nicely paved! Continue reading »

A Great Day for Bike the Drive in Chicago

Bike the Drive and Summer of Andy

Were you confused as to why Lake Shore Drive was blocked off and there were hundreds of bicycles riding up and down the 15 mile stretch of highway? If you were, then I guess you haven’t been reading my blog. I’ve been talking about it for the last 4 months. Anyway, it’s pretty amazing to see hundreds of bicycles on Lake Shore Drive, which is usually packed with cars either heading to work or to the beach on the weekends. Continue reading »