It’s been a few months since I’ve had a chance to attend one of the Chicago Women-Who-Bike brunches hosted by Dottie from Let’s Go Ride A Bike, but this past Sunday my schedule was clear and I headed off on my bike. Since the weather was not cooperating, the location was moved from a picnic in the park to the restaurant called Southport & Irving located, of course, at the corner of Southport and Irving. (Trivia note: we met here for brunch in October 2011 when the restaurant was called Deleece).
I pulled up to the restaurant and saw Dottie and her Betty Foy so we locked up together.
We had a small group, with some new faces. As always, good food and conversation had by all.
Even with the drizzly weather, we still spent some time outside after brunch, to check out and talk about each other’s bikes, newest gear, and best routes home.
Julie rode her Pilen – one of only a handful in Chicago that I am aware of.
A new attendee Ashley, is a very recent transplant to Chicago from Phoenix. Her bike had the best story. It was stolen in Phoenix, she recovered it a local bike shop and in the process helped to put the bike thief in jail!
Ashley and her very orangely-accessorized bike.
Continuing the brightly-colored bike accessory trend, Megan rode her Surly Cross-Check to brunch, which I’ve seen before, but I had not seen it with her new handlebars and bright yellow tape. Go bright or go home!
You won’t miss this bike when she rides by!
A different Megan also brighten the dreary day with her new bike – a step-through bike from Giant, the Via 2. A nice-looking chromoly steel bike. 8-speeds, (SRAM), fenders, chainguard, kickstand. Looks like Megan added the rear rack which looks nice on the bike too. She’s very happy with the bike so far – wanted a more upright bike to ride around town, and was looking for a step-through style bike that was not super expensive.
Megan and her very green Giant Via 2 bike.
And you may have noticed a very small attendee at our brunch – she arrived with her mom Ash, in their very customized bakfiets.
Another great brunch on a not-so-great day. On my way home, I made use of the grocery store on the route (and their good bike parking) and filled up my pannier and loaded up my front rack. Until next month ladies!
