There is no doubt about it. It is summer! And what a summer it has been for getting outdoors and riding our bikes.
There are several opportunities still available to participate in a Bike Invitational Ride, and here are a few of the better ones for your consideration:
Saturday, August 29 – Boulevard Lakefront Tour
In Chicago sponsored by the Active Transportation Alliance
For info blt10in@activetrans.org or call 312-427-3325 ext. 251
Saturday, Sept. 11 – Heartland Century
In Hampton sponsored by Quad Cities Bicycle Club
For info sbswanson@cygnusrex.org or call 563-340-2901
Sunday, Sept. 12 – Capital City Century
In Springfield sponsored by the Springfield Bicycle Club
For info events@spfldcycling.org or call 217-726-5560
And while we are on the subject of summer, Leinenkugel Beer has a Summer Shandy canned beer that is available through August. Summer Shandy owes cyclists for its inception. According to leinie.com, in 1922, Frank Xavier Kugler designed this variation when cyclists visited his Munich tavern. As his beer dwindled, he mixed the supply with lemonade and pretended he created the blend especially for the cyclists.
And still on the subject of summer - the time that Bicyclists and Pedestrians are most likely to be involved in an accident involving an automobile. it was interesting to learn about a Crash Hotline, and a Crash Support Group. There is now a support system available for emotional, legal or logistic assistance. The Hotline – 312-869-HELP (4357)
and a Monthly Crash Support Group are part of the Active Transportation Alliance’s effort to support bicyclists and pedestrians who have been in a crash. It is important to note the following. This hotline does not replace 911 and the Alliance encourages people to call 911 whenever they are involved in a crash. The Monthly Support Group meetings are free, confidential, and facilitated by a trained professional. For more detailed information send an email to crashsupport@activetrans.org
And if you get bored during one of our summer’s many rainy days, visit my blog where you can find this article, as well as many others that have appeared in this newspaper. You’ll find the blog at cakewalkblogs.com/bicycling/