This weekend a very special guest stayed chez Dottie, S from Simply Bike. I was very excited to meet her in person, after following her for a long time on Academichic and now on the newer bike blog. Obviously, we have a lot in common and as I predicted, we got along extremely well and I had so much fun. As a bonus, she and Betty Foy were perfect together.
Riding bikes was a big part of the visit, since she had a conference about 8 miles away along the lakefront and I dropped her off and picked her up each day. Other notable activities: the Race Against the Sky movie, a big German meal at Chicago Brauhaus, a ferris wheel ride at Navy Pier, fresh Mexican at Rick Bayless’s XOCO, Checkov’s The Seagull at Goodman Theatre and warm donuts from Dinkel’s Bakery.
I love getting out and enjoying Chicago to the max. I always try to take advantage of everything the city has to offer, but hosting an out-of-towner gives me an extra push.
Saying goodbye to such a cool lady was sad. All of us fun, smart bike ladies should colonize a new city, where we can hang out and ride bikes together all the time. :)
Let's Go Ride a Bike 
How wonderful that you were able to host S! It looks like you had a wonderful time biking about Chicago!
oh my gosh, two of my very favorite bloggers together!!! your weekend sounds awesome. i have to admit i’m a little jealous :)
Dottie, I’m in Chicago and Betty withdrawal now! Thanks for the best weekend ever, I spent the entire afternoon raving to T. about it. I had such a great time!
And these photos are beautiful – I love all the Navy Pier ones. Now I need to upload those fun mirror ones :)
Thanks again to you and Greg (and Betty) for everything!
fun! count me in on the bicycle commune!
S- I just popped over to your site and am eager to read more of your bicycle building adventure, I have been contemplating such a move myself. cheers!
Thanks, Sigrid! Please stop by and comment with ideas and thoughts on bike restoration whenever you like!
[…] yet, and just about anywhere else we could get on bikes. (For a complete list of places we visited, see Dottie’s post). What can I say? The weekend was […]
So great to see both of you together in the same city. I enjoy reading both LGRAB and Simply Bike. Please do tell, did you enjoy the movie Race Against The Sky? Do I see mountain bike riding in your futures :)
Yes, loved Race Against the Sky! Almost makes me want to pick up a mountain bike. :) I watched last year’s, too.
I loved it too! I had to fight back tears a couple of times at some of the people’s stories. At first I kept thinking that it was just like what goes on in my mind preparing for a marathon and that I could maybe do something like a MTB race too, but then once I saw what they were REALLY in for, I came back down to reality :) It looked awesome though!
Glad you had a fun weekend together! It sucks that you live in Chicago, Dottie, and I live in lowly Edmonton. It doesn’t really strike people as a hot spot to visit when they’re planning their vacations:)
And yes, the photos of S are grand. Helps with you have a beautiful subject to photograph too.
S*
You should just move to Chicago! Mayor Daley is not running for re-election, so there’s a job opening for Don.
how lucky you ladies are to enjoy each others company on bikes! and ding ding to colonizing a new city where we can ride bikes together!
Gosh, all I can say is that you ladies know how to party : )
And both of your outfits are very fetching in these pictures. Chicago looks like it’s even colder than Boston at the moment.
Yes, now you need to come visit and we can party together!
Mmm, Dinkel’s! D&G do know how to show bike-loving ladies a good time.
p.s. if it needed to be said, I’m in for the colony. :)
Dottie and Greg are the best. I’m glad you had such a good time.
Aw, thanks. :)
I have not forgotten about visiting Edinburgh one day…
How was the Race Across the Sky movie? I wanted to see it, but wasn’t able to go.
It was great! You have to see it – I know you’d love it. I think it will be playing again sometime in the next week or two.
Keep in mind that MTB riding does not have to be about riding extreme technical trails. Though overcoming and learning how to handle your bike to maneuver around and over small obstacles like roots and rocks is empowering and an intellectual sport. The best part is riding what I call ribbons and ribbons of single track trails and enjoying the beauty of nature. Don’t mean to get off topic, just thought I’d share my experience with you. After all, you have opened up my horizons and now I’m looking to purchase, or restore a vintage style bike. The Pashley Sonnet Bliss and the Raleigh Sports models have peaked my interest from reading your blogs.:)
Ooooh, ribbons and ribbons sounds lovely! The way you describe really makes me want to try. Good to hear that it’s not all about extreme trails because there’s not much incline around Chicago. Thank you for sharing your experience with us – that’s always more than welcome!
So sweet! How nice you guys had the opportunity to meet up, and share your passion for cycling! And, as always, fabulous photos!
Thanks! I hope you’re able to get back on your bike soon.
Don’t take it the wrong way — but you guys are beautiful biker babes! :)
I like your comment about sharing your city with a tourist. I live near Princeton, NJ and I plan to get a tour guide and go “act like a tourist” on bike — riding around, taking pictures and trying to see the town with new eyes.
Thanks for sharing!
I luv your site! I recently bought a civia loring,and have had a great time riding,even in rain. My work commute is more pleasant &relieves stress better.
I love it when two chic bicycling worlds collide! You girls are so cute. Looks like a lovely time.