Exploring Chicago’s Lake Front.
Day 5 A Bike Ride Around Chicago. After a night of heavy thunderstorms and a weather forecast bordering on apocalyptical I had resigned myself to a day indoors on the Internet planning the next part of my trip. Two things happened quite early that changed my mood. The first was a face time call of my sparring partner Cassie, oh I have missed her these few days. The second was that around breakfast time the sun came out and the forecast had changed to sparse showers. Certainly not something that was going to stop this explorer. Gabe had offered to lend me his bike for the day if I wanted it and with the sun shining and things to see it was an offer I couldn’t refuse. A quick lower of the saddle to accommodate my short but perfectly formed legs was in order and a stock up on filled water bottles and I was off. The plan for my ride was to follow the shoreline of Lake Michigan to the little town of Winnetka around 10 to 15 miles away. I made a note of the Starbuck cafe’s on route as free WiFi is a god send here and headed off. Gabe’s bike was superb to ride but navigating the back to front road system was proving tricky so I slowed down at each junction to just review each situation as it arose. It didn’t take to long to get to notice that there is a system in place where right of way is basically whomever fancies chancing their arm at getting round the island or across the junction first. As a stranger in a strange town riding someone else’s bike and with minimal travel insurance I wasn’t going to join in this vehicular game of dare. I thought it much better to chill and watch and go or cross when I was ready. My first stop was the beach, which I never expected to say while I was in Chicago but Lake Michigan has a very long shoreline and it was already starting to fill up with people catching the early morning sunshine.
My next stop was at the North Western University. This building and campus is, to quote my other work mate Laura, AMAZING!!!. If ever the filmmaker is struggling for a Bond Villain lair then they should really check this out. Another few miles and the local Hindu temple came into view on the horizon. So far the churches I have seen have been pretty spectacular but this building is another level. Maybe there is something to be gained from having multiple gods rather than just one.
Another 5 miles of roads adjourned with the best looking houses I have ever seen and a turn onto Lincoln Avenue and there it was. The Mcallister house from Home Alone. Minus the broken statue by the steps and now surrounded by a small fence but still, there to be found by any film nerd on a bike.
I didn’t want to out stay my presence in case one of the locals released the hounds so I set off back towards the lake. On the way back I saw a location out of Ferris Bueller, the church from Home Alone and a non film related American tradition of a young family selling home made lemonade on the curb side.
U.S.A, U.S.A, U.S.A......
