Cycling Mon Dec 15 2008

Icy riding, here and elsewhere

I know it seems unfathomable that it might be pleasurable to spend time out on a bike this month, what with things covered in ice. However, on December 27 at 1:00 PM at the monument at the intersection of Kedzie, Milwaukee and Logan, Big Shoulders Realty hosts an architectural cycling tour of the Logan Square neighborhood. The tours, led by Big Shoulder's Lee Diamond and disassociated from the real estate arm of the company, are rolling celebrations of some of the many architectural marvels, such as historic mansions and shabby dive bars, that exist in the Logan Square area.

The tours are free, helmets are required and it is suggested that one dresses appropriately for the conditions (read: lots of layers and maybe some lobster claws.) In January, Irving Park gets some attention, then Albany Park in February. Keep posted for more details on those rides.

On the faster side of things, a fair number of Chicagoans made the trek to Kansas City for the 2008 National Championships. Devon Haskell, racing for both the University of Chicago and Pony Shop, came in 14th place in the Elite Women's race, but before that she became the Division II National Champion, racing the elite race only one hour after taking the stars and stripes jersey. An unbelievable and fantastic end to a fantastic season that's seen Haskell hold her own against some of the world's fastest bike racers - look for big things next year, for sure.

West-Looper Ben Popper of HRS/Rock Lobster in the Elite Men's race came in 38th, which considering the competition of the nearly 100-something field, is a fine accomplishment. Popper summed up his race and weekend in more brief terms: "Raced hard. Rode well. Ended it on a high note. Nationals rules. Ate Waffle House. Drove home. Midnight. Slept through the alarm this morning."

Then, there's Scott McLaughlin of the SRAM factory team, based here in Chicago, which coming off his win at Montrose last week, managed to bring it in for fourth place in the singlespeed category. One gear, all hardcore.

— Zach Thomas / Comments (1)