biketropolis – graffiti & gears
Back in early August my friend Susan & I signed up for one of Tom Limon’s Biketropolis biking adventures called Graffiti & Gears. We traversed through the city seeking out hidden treasures of cool graffiti. It was a beautiful day for a bike ride and once again Tom did not disappoint.
We started downtown at Daley Plaza then wound through parts of the city that I have never been. We discovered very cool, sometimes bizarre but always interesting works of art. Depends on who you ask but I found it all pretty amazing.
We headed through downtown streets & alleys to the south loop then heading west on 18th Street to Pilsen. Heading north via Damen Avenue we passed by Rush University Medical Center & the United Center (the house that Michael Jordan built!), through West Town, Ukrainian Village, Humboldt Park and ended up in Logan Square at a bike show & graffiti throw down.
Tom, as usual, had a couple of experts on the tour to discuss certain pieces and his team of volunteers to get us safely through the lights making sure to leave no one behind. We stopped to check out West Town Bikes and to grab lunch at local restaurants & the empanada bike.
West Town Bikes is one of the organizations Biketropolis supports. They promote bicycling in the city of Chicago, educate youth focusing on under-served populations, and foster and serve Chicago’s growing bicycling community. While their headquarters/workspace is in Humboldt Park, they are a city-wide service provider for youth programs.
All that riding made us hungry so we stopped for a snack before taking the blue line closer to home. We got off at the Damen stop in WickerTown & had a drink so we could make it home. 🙂
My apologies for some blurry photos but I shoot while I’m riding. Maybe time for camera upgrade or a GoPro perhaps? Stay tuned. Thanks for reading Biketropolis’ biking adventure Graffiti & Gears. Until the next adventure!
According to MAP MY RIDE the route was about 13.8 miles. To check out more routes go to biketropolis.com. Tell Tom city girl sent you.
7 Comments
Greg Borzo
Great photos. And so many! Who knew that Chicago sported so much graffiti art? Yes, what Tom took you around to and what you showed us through your photos is true art. And you really captured the movement, variety and excitement of this tour.
mimi
Thanks, Greg. I tried to sign up for your Fabulous Fountains tour with Tom but it was sold out. Perhaps it will be offered again this year?
Ivy
Next time you go let me know sounds like fun!
Kristie
Wow this looks amazing. I hope I can join you this year!
mimi
Will do sister!
mimi
I hope so too!
TB
Hi there!! love the graffiti you captured. So beautiful.
Did the tour guide tell you who painted each mural?
xx