July 8, 2024
These are the days when everything goes
Day Nine: Chicago to Kenosha
We almost didn’t make it. For a variety of reasons, including a threatening forecast for the path of Hurricane Beryl’s remnants and an eye infection (not conjunctivitis), we had seriously planned to cut the ride short in Chicago. But some antibiotics and a change in the weather made everything look better.
We packed up quickly on Monday morning and started on a route through city streets. The riding was enjoyable as we traversed Chicago neighborhoods on bike lanes. In 12 quick miles, we reached the city of Evanston. And our luck changed.
Mike’s front tire went flat. While a local karate studio marched its students out for exercise, we changed it in a public park. It was a struggle. The Surly’s front tire is so tight and inflexible, it took two pairs of hands to get it back on. Unfortunately, the tire did not get seated properly, creating a slight wobble.
We sought help from the Wilmette Bike Shop. They didn’t have time to help us directly, but they did have an auto air pump that they allowed us to use. After more struggle, we were on our way.
The ride didn’t get easier. The bike path we were following was closed for resurfacing, which is great. However, the city failed to put up enough signs to point the way. We ended up getting back on the trail before it reopened, ran into a second work crew, and had to retrace a half-mile or so.
The final push to Kenosha was punishing. We did 12 miles on a stone-dust bike path. Not smooth rolling and fast. It trended uphill nearly the entire way. And the path was interrupted every quarter to a half-mile by street crossing with very rough curb cut.
We got to Wisconsin finally. A friendly couple from Kenosha happened to be sitting on a bench at the state line. We talked to them for ten minutes or so, and the exchange lifted our spirits. Five miles later, we got to downtown Kenosha, cleaned up, grabbed dinner and checked out the town.
Apparently Kenosha was once a manufacturing center. After the auto industry collapsed in the 70s, the city began to redevelop its lakefront. What was once industrial is now a mix of condos, restaurants, marina, walking paths, and parks. The remnants of a rail line running through the park and berths for transport ships offer the only clues to the past of what is called Harbor Place Park.
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Listen: Every Day Is A Winding Road, Sheryl Crow
Today's ride: 51 miles (82 km)
Total: 442 miles (711 km)
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I will say that I rode two years without a flat on Kenda tires on my former touring bike, a Fuji Touring. Make of that what you will and happy riding.
5 months ago