Biking Chicago: Simply Magnificent

As my closest friends and family members know, riding a bicycle is one of my favorite activities. Learning and touring through the city of Chicago is another. An on June 25, 2012 - I was given the opportunity to combine both passions. The result was an experience I'll never forget - and hope to repeat in the very near future.
My travel mate Ramon and I began our bike tour by parking near his former home on 16th and Jefferson street in the Pilsen neighborhood. From there, we rode down Canal Street to Roosevelt, from Roosevelt east to the Museum Campus, right along the lake northbound east of Lake Shore Drive past Buckingham Fountain, along the Chicago River and then to the highlight of the day.
The Magnificent Mile.
Riding a bike northbound on Michigan Avenue from the Fort Dearborn site to the John Hancock Center is a thrill. With the wind behind our backs on a 72 degree not a cloud in the sky day, it was heaven.
Or maybe just Chicago, which in my book is pretty darn close.
From there, we rode up to Oak Street Beach to get beautiful pictures of the Chicago skyline from the north and the choppy waters of an angry Lake Michigan late in the day. All the while watching beachgoers play volleyball with the Drake Hotel as a backdrop.
As much as I love traveling, no place will ever be more thrilling than the town I can proudly say I was born in.
On our route home, we passed famous sites such as Holy Name Cathedral, Rush Street, the Greektown neighborhood, Picasso sculpture and the Art Institute of Chicago. Not to mention a water break at the fountains of Millenium Park.
If you own a bike and are anywhere close to Chicago, biking through the entire city is an experience that should not be skipped.