Bicyclists Arrive on Lake Shore Drive

Cyclists will start at the historic Midway Plaisance, site of the 1893 World’s Colombian Exposition, and ride northbound on Lake Shore Drive. From the Drive, they’ll pedal through the Loop and travel Chicago’s historic boulevard system through scenic neighborhoods and many of the city’s parks. The route includes a rest stop at Daley Plaza and a tour of the Garfield Park Conservatory, hosted by the Chicago Park District and the Garfield Park Alliance. Riders will finish the 35-mile tour back at the University of Chicago in time for lunch, live entertainment, and an array of exhibits at the BLT Bike Festival.

Proceeds from the Boulevard Lakefront Tour support the work of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation (CBF), a nonprofit, membership-based group making bicycling better and safer in and around Chicago. Since its inception in 1985, CBF has become one of the nation’s premier bicycling advocacy organizations. CBF has helped secure more than $100 million in infrastructure improvements for bicycling in Chicagoland, including additions to the regional trail network, new bike lanes on major Chicago streets and the installation of more than 6,400 bike parking racks.

Riders may register in advance for the Boulevard Lakefront Tour on-line at www.rideblt.com or contact the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation at (312) 42-PEDAL, 650 S.Clark Street, Chicago, Ill 60605. The Boulevard Lakefront Tour starts between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m on Sunday, June 17. Participants who want to ride on Lake Shore Drive must check-in at 59^th Street and Woodlawn Avenue between 6:00 and 7:30 a.m. The registration fee is $25 by May 31 and includes a free event shirt. The registration fee on June 17 is $30 and the shirt costs extra. All riders get a route map, ride support and free food at rest stops. Riders also may opt for a 10-mile route instead of the tour’s full 35 miles.

The Boulevard Lakefront Tour is organized by CBF in cooperation with the Mayor’s Office of Special Events, the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Transit Authority, and the Chicago Department of Transportation. Sponsors of the Boulevard Lakefront Tour include REI, Kryptonite Corporation, Clif Bar, Shore Bank, the Chicago Park District, the University of Chicago, WLUP-FM Chicago, the Chicago Transit Authority, NBC-5 Chicago, the University of Chicago Hospitals and Chicago’s Amateur Athlete.

• Images available: Bikes on Lake Shore Drive

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• Images available: Cyclists

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