Archive for March 2012

60 Second Cycling Summary; Upcoming Events and Week in Review

60 Second Cycling Summary; Upcoming Events and Week in Review
The weekend has arrived! While there is a chance of scattered thunderstorms on Sunday (and when hasn’t there been a chance of scattered thunderstorms lately?), temps in the 60s and 70s will beckon us to get out and ride.  With the fierce March wind dying down, it’s the perfect time to rediscover bicycling. My personal... Read more »
By Brent Cohrs,
March 30, 2012 at 10:45 am • 

Mountains, Shorelines, and the Midwest?

Apostle Islands
When you imagine scenic mountains and picturesque shorelines, you’re probably not thinking about the Midwest.  Caves and islands?  Seriously? With sights set on the grandeur of the Rockies or the sandy beaches of the Atlantic and Pacific, there is a tendency to overlook the fascinating diversity of terrain within a day’s drive of Chicago.  Have... Read more »
By Brent Cohrs,
March 28, 2012 at 9:30 am • 

Spotlight on the League of American Bicyclists

Spotlight on the League of American Bicyclists
Gotta love the League of American Bicyclists. Not just for the great advocacy work they do on behalf of cyclists across the country, but also for the way in which they precisely communicate important information.  I received an excellent e-newsletter yesterday that I could easily cut-and-paste for today’s post.  It almost makes me feel like... Read more »
By Brent Cohrs,
March 27, 2012 at 9:46 am • 
Advertisement:

Rapidly Rising Gas Prices and One Cost Cutting Solution

Rapidly Rising Gas Prices and One Cost Cutting Solution
Driving back from St. Louis this past Friday I was reminded of an all too familiar phenomenon; the Chicago area gets hit much harder each time gas prices start to rise. I did some quick research into state gas taxes and found that Illinois has the 7th highest rate in the nation at nearly 39... Read more »
By Brent Cohrs,
March 26, 2012 at 11:19 am • 

60 Second Cycling: Upcoming Events and Week In Review

60 Second Cycling: Upcoming Events and Week In Review
It’s Friday and you’re probably wondering what’s going on this weekend. The chainlink features a calendar highlighting events for the next week or so.  Among them is the Windy City Cycling Club’s Season Opening Party on Saturday, Occupy the Bike Lane on Sunday, and the beginning of the Gaper’s Block Crit Series on Monday. Lazy... Read more »
By Brent Cohrs,
March 23, 2012 at 10:05 am • 

Cuba Marsh: Diverse Illinois Scenery in Your Own Backyard

A 500-foot long boardwalk across the marsh itself, named after Forest Preserve District board member Keith Peterson.
If taking in beautiful scenery is on your weekend to-do list, you might be surprised to find a sampling of Illinois’ natural diversity practically in your own backyard. Native prairie? Check.  Woods?  Check.  Wetlands?  Check.  Tall pines?  Check.  Lakes?  Check.  Hills?  Check.  Wildlife?  Check. The Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve offers a sampling of “all of... Read more »
By Brent Cohrs,
March 22, 2012 at 9:50 am • 
Advertisement:

As Seen On A Bike: March Meanderings

Typical scenery along the Des Plaines River Trail Lake County section, north of Lake Cook Road
There’s not much time to write when there’s beautiful weather to ride. Here are a few places I’ve seen from the saddle of my bike during the last week…
By Brent Cohrs,
March 21, 2012 at 9:58 am • 

Controversy Surrounds Bike Share Selection

Controversy Surrounds Bike Share Selection
I guess it wouldn’t be Chicago without allegations of impropriety… Last week, an Oregon-based vendor was selected to provide the infrastructure, equipment, and management assets for Chicago’s new bike share program.  I commented on the benefits of having an additional 3,000 bikes available for the short-term transportation needs of residents and visitors in a post... Read more »
By Brent Cohrs,
March 19, 2012 at 8:58 am • 

The Perfect Weekend to Rediscover Bicycling!

The Perfect Weekend to Rediscover Bicycling!
Forget about an early spring, we’re experiencing an early summer! Seventy-degree Saturdays in mid-March are about as rare as declining gas prices in an election year.  Some years we wait well into June for the perfect temperature to hang out in our t-shirts and shorts. While this stroke of lucky weather has taken us all... Read more »
By Brent Cohrs,
March 16, 2012 at 11:17 am • 
Advertisement:

What the New Bike Sharing Program Might Mean to Chicago

What the New Bike Sharing Program Might Mean to Chicago
Word came this morning that Mayor Emanuel has selected a vendor for the city’s bicycle-sharing rental program.  (Thanks to Grid Chicago for being the first to share this) The contract was awarded to the same Oregon-based company that runs similar programs in Minneapolis, Boston, Washington DC, Melbourne, Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa and will soon be... Read more »
By Brent Cohrs,
March 14, 2012 at 10:36 am •