175 Days to Love Chicago: Chicago's Demisemiseptcentennial Exposition 2012

The City of Chicago turned 175 on March 4! This exhibition in the City Gallery in Historic Water Tower celebrates Chicago’s rich history through artifacts, historical prints and rare photographs. See the monumental moments and cultural trends that have shaped our city, from the history of the Chicago River, the essential waterway that brought the city to life, to the world-renowned architecture and leisure activities that continue to make the city such a vibrant place to live and visit.

The exhibition highlights the different facets of Chicago’s unique history, with separate sections devoted to key aspects.

• Business and industry have been the economic engine of the City, and are represented in the Typography and Printing Industry section which depicts Chicago’s pioneering production of large mail order catalogues and magazines.

• The Bicycles section demonstrates that Chicago is by no means all work and no play, and is one of the friendliest bike cities in the United States.

Free admission.  The Exhibit ends today.

Forest School Bike Swap

Forest School in Des Plaines held their first Bike Swap.  Participants brought 50 bikes to the event.  The school charged $5.00 for each sale and made $260.00.  There were 10 bikes donated to Working Bikes.  Congrats to Forest School on the success of their event.  Let's do it again next year!

The Campus Bike Project of Champaign-Urbana Illinois

The majority of the bikes being shipped on May 2nd to El Salvador (CESTA) were collected by the Campus Bike Project of Champaign-Urbana Illinois. 

The Bike Project co-op offers a space, tools, and community to repair bikes, share knowledge, hold classes, and advocate for bikes in Urbana-Champaign.

The Shipping Party's are a lot of fun.  If you have never volunteered for a Shipping Party before at Working Bikes, consider the May 2nd event.  Come alone or bring your entire fraternity, club, or family and friends.  The experience is very fulfilling and you will meet some very nice people who most likely share your spirit of giving back.  Hope to see you there!

We love Tourists!

A great nighttime tour is the easy 3 mile tour, Sites at Night, offered by Bike Chicago. The 2 to 3 hour tour is offered on Wednesday and Saturday. It is a bike ride along Chicago's Magnificent Mile. Enjoy Millennium Park's Crown Fountain, and the nighttime light and water show at Buckingham Fountain. The night ends with fireworks at Navy Pier. A beautiful view of the skyline is offered via boat following the tourist bike tour of the city.
Catch the magnificent Sites at Night tour when you visit Chicago during the summer. Tour dates are June 1 - September 1. Cost is $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, $15 for kids under the age of 12, and $20 for students and military.
Chicago Bike will work with you and your tour group to ensure the best possible bike tours for your group or family. Rent a bike for your own cycling tour, or try Chicago Bike's Segway tours. There is a cycling and Segway package tour that allows you to bike and then glide your way through Chicago.
Bike Chicago at Millennium Park
239 E. Randolph Street
(888) BIKE-WAY
info@bikechicago.com

The next morning visit Working Bikes at 24th & Western.  It is educational & fun!

Electric bicycles

Join IGO as they host the Trans-American Electric Bike Tour when they stop in Chicago on Thursday, April 26th. Give them a warm welcome at the Hyde Park Art Center from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Tour members will talk about electric transportation options and their travels across the US for less than $20 in electricity costs.  In addition to welcoming the Trans-American Electric Bike Tour to our fine city, they will have new, all-electric vehicles available. They will be giving rides, answering questions, quelling any "range anxiety" and just generally having a good time!
Beverages and light refreshments will be served, so please join them to learn more about this exciting new development in I-GO's journey!

April 26, 2012 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Hyde Park Art Center
5020 S Cornell Avenue
Chicago
http://www.eventbrite.com/eve…
(773) 278-4446

Alabama Tornado Relief

HENAGAR, Ala.

Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson and about 100 bicycle riders have started their five-day, 300-mile ride across Alabama to raise money for tornado relief in the state.

TRUE COURAGE

Some athletes are best remembered for heroic actions off the field.

A crowd of a couple of hundred people cheered Tuesday as Jackson led riders out of the tiny town of Henagar in the northeast part of the state. Celebrity riders include former Major League Baseball star Ken Griffey Jr. and NBA standout Scottie Pippin.



The ride is going to go through rural areas and communities hit hard by tornadoes a year ago. The ride started in DeKalb County, where more than 30 people died April 27, 2011.

The ride ends Saturday in Tuscaloosa. Jackson says he hopes to raise $1 million for the governor's relief fund

Bucktown Bicycle Friendly Cafe

This tiny Bucktown BYOB features Latin American and American fare for breakfast and lunch--everything from French toast and Denver omelets to chilaquiles and Cuban sandwiches--and a Mexican-heavy menu at night. Expect dinner choices such as chiles rellenos, enchiladas in mole and carne asada tacos. Fans of Johnny's Snack Shop, the neighborhood grill that called this address home for years, will appreciate the touch of nostalgia: The well-worn Johnny's grill has been refurbished and is being used in the kitchen here. The once-gritty spot now sports a contemporary look with exposed brick and one wall fitted with pocket doors to bring an open-air vibe indoors. (For the real deal, head outside to the fenced-in patio.) Added bonuses: There's a parking lot that holds about 6 cars (a rarity in these parts) and Cafe con Leche is bicycle-friendly

Bicycle Maintenance Basics

If you ride a bike, you need this class!
In this informative presentation you'll learn how to lube a chain, fix a flat tire in record time, and make other minor adjustments to your bike.
No experience necessary!

April 23rd

Northbrook REI 7:00 - 8:00


FREE

Women's Cycling Clinic

2012 Women's Cycling Clinic: Empowering Women Through CyclingDate: April 22, 2012 Time: 9:00 AM - http://highergearchicago.com/events-rides/women-cycling-clinic-empowering-women-through-cycling/Event Description
Get ready for the season! Join them for an all day clinic to fine tune your bicycle handling skills and review the basics to feel confident on your bike with your family, in a group or in a race.

Appropriate for all levels of cyclists: recreational, fitness or racing. Whether you are planning for a bike trip or your first race or to add cycling to your summer routine, this clinic will get you ready to ride safer, faster and with more confidence.

Clinic topics include:

* Skills and drills to improve your bike handling confidence
* Group riding and pacelines, shifting and braking
* Bike maintenance essentials (things to know before you head out the door)
* "How to Stay Injury-Free On & Off the Bike" - presented by Dr. Jon Sebby, DC, ART, & Paul

Presented by
Higher Gear


433 Vine
Highland Park, IL
Sunday, April 22, 2012


Online Registration Closes
Friday, April 20, 2012 at 6:00 PM ET

Community Bike Swap April 28th - Des Plaines

American Cancer Society Walk and Roll April 29th

For over 40 years the American Cancer Society’s Walk & Roll has raised funds to fight cancer. Because of their progress in detecting, treating and preventing cancer, 350 more birthdays are celebrated every day. They need your help to light even more candles.

1 Day: Celebrate at Walk & Roll- the premier birthday bash for cancer survivors and Illinois' longest-running cancer fundraiser.

1 Goal: Raise funds to fight all cancers, fulfilling the gift every cancer patient wants – another birthday.

3 Ways to Roll: This family-friendly event has something for everyone, no matter your age or ability.

Choose to walk, bike or skate
Participate individually or form a team with co-workers, friends and family.
Wagons, strollers, tricycles and wheelchairs are welcome, too!

St Isadore Recycling April 21st

The St. Isidore Foundation Presents
A Free Electronics Recycling Event
LifeStorage - Libertyville
Saturday, April 21st 10am-2pm
700 East Park Avenue, Libertyville
The St. Isidore
Foundation
Elecronics recycling:
TV's - (no cabinet units) Computers - all types and ages
Servers Modems, routers & switches
Monitors - CRT and LCD Computer peripherals
Keyboards & mice Phones and phone systems
Cell phones Gaming equipment and games
Stereo equipment Printers
Scanners Fax machines
VCR's & DVD players Media - CD’s, DVD’s, Vinyl Record Albums
Video and digital cameras Automotive and computer backup batteries
UPS units Cords of all types
Appliance Recycling:
Gas, Electric, microwave ovens, dishwashers, washers, dryers, water heaters.
NO refrigerators, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners
Document Shredding:
On-site, $5.00 per box
Services Provided By:
The St. Isidore Foundation Presents
Computers, Electronics, Appliances, Bicycles, Document Shredding
Electronics Recycling
• 700 East Park Avenue • Libertyville, IL 60048 •
• 2750 West Columbus Avenue • Chicago, IL 60652 •
• 847.235.6201• donations@st.is.org •
Working Bikes
Cooperative
Event Sponsored by:
www.1800gotjunk.com www.workingbikes.org
www.lifestorage.

Happy Birthday Conan

Keep on biking!

The Arlington Bike Swap

The Arlington Bike Swap
Saturday, April 28th
Centennial Park
adjacent to Riley School
1209 Burr Oak Drive
Arlington Heights, IL

check www.cyclearlington.com for more information

National Volunteer Week

Our Volunteer night is held every Tuesday evening, from 5pm until 9pm.
Wednesdays (noon-7pm) and Saturdays (noon-5pm), when the storefront is open, are also good times to volunteer.

Federal Tax Refund

Use that Federal Tax Refund to purchase a bicycle from Working Bikes. You will get a quality bicycle, with a guarantee, and the proceeds will help fund the shipping costs for the bicycles we send to developing nations.

The Great River Trail

The Great River Trail is a breathtaking journey along 60 miles of the Mississippi River. The route is a mixture of paved rail-trail, small-town sidewalks, dedicated bike lanes on the street, and a stretch of road shoulder along the Great River Rd. The Great River Trail begins in Savanna and travels south through many small river towns with traditions still steeped in the quintessential culture of the Mississippi River. There are many opportunities for antiques, sumptuous catfish dinners, and viewing the boats and barges.

Eighth Annual Illinois Sustainable Living & Wellness Expo

The Eighth Annual Illinois Sustainable Living & Wellness Expo will be held at the Shirk Center at Illinois Wesleyan University on Saturday April 14, 2012 from 9am-4pm. This event blends ideas for green alternatives and the many services that promote health and healing. The expo will feature up to 100 exhibitors and presenters, as well as many other fun activities. Information will be available on a variety of topics such as Sustainable Living Practices, Health & Wellness, Energy-Efficiency & Renewable Energy, Green Building, Land & Water Resources, Community Development, and more. To receive more information, visit www.islwe.org or call (309) 454-3169.



Ride your Bike to the Event!

No worries about leaving your bike unattended or even locking it up, you can enjoy the Expo with free Valet Bicycle Parking. Bike riders will get premium parking spots.

Maintenance/Repair/ Tune-up

Getting your bike ready for riding season… members of West Bloomington Revitalization Project want to help. They will be available from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. to make primary repairs to your bike!

They will inflate tires to proper level for optimum riding, adjust brakes, oil chains, and replace tires/tubes. If someone has training wheels to install they can do that too! There is no charge for these services, and will be provided on a first come first serve basis.

Free Culture

FEATURED EVENT
2nd Fridays Gallery Night - link
April 13th, 2012 -
Chicago Arts District
at S. Halsted and 18th Streets

The Chicago Arts District hosts "2nd FRIDAYS Gallery Night", the monthly opening receptions at the galleries and artists' studios centered around South Halsted and 18th Streets in Chicago. The receptions begin at 6:00pm and run until 10:00pm.

Join the 30 creative spaces in the Chicago Arts District at South Halsted and 18th Streets, as they showcase an exciting display of art and artists from Chicago and beyond. This unique art community opens its doors, free of charge, and lets you get up close and personal with the art and artists.

Pick up a map at the information center at 1821 S. Halsted and explore the city's most vibrant art community, the Chicago Arts District, where people meet ART!

IIT Bike Rental

The Sustainable Student Enterprise (SSE) is launching a pilot bike rental program this semester that is complimentary to the existing bike share program. This bike rental program will allow students to rent a bike for a semester, use it, and at the end return it without having to store or sell the bike. It is like having your own bike without the hassles. If you have questions about the program, contact sse@iit.edu.

Fight For Air Ride

June 8, 9 and 10th - Join cyclists of all levels for the 27th Annual Fight for Air Ride - Lake Tour Bike Trek. Challenge yourself to ride 50 miles each day for a new cycling experience, a personal achievement or to honor a loved one affected by lung disease. Whatever your reason, your ride will make a difference in the Fight for Air!

Tour of Rogers Park

Tour of Rogers Park
Saturday April 21, 2012 at 11:00 AM
Warren Park at 6601 N Western, Chicago

Chicago Community Area #1, Rogers Park sits 9 miles north of the Loop. It was formerly land used by the Pottawatomi Nation and other indigenous people. Present day Ridge and Rogers Avenues were both former native trails and Rogers formed part of the Indian Boundary Line decreed in the 1816 Treaty of St. Louis. Named for the first non-native settler, Irish born Phillip Rogers, the area was initially used as farmland and was later developed by the likes of Rogers, who had 1600 acres of former government land to develop and scores of others that came to build and settle the small village south of Evanston and north of the city.

It is also home to inspiring architecture designed by such icons as Frank Lloyd Wright, Walter Burley Griffin, Andrew Rebori, Henry J. Schlacks and Clarence Hatzfeld. The streets of Rogers Park are likewise lined with amazing homes and apartments which may lack such heralded pedigree or historical significance, but make up for it in simple, utilitarian and enduring beauty. The area is rich in stories to hear, features to discover and is well-suited for exploration on two wheels.

Friends of the Lakefront Trail

Do you walk, run, bike, or rollerblade on Chicago’s Lakefront Trail? How would you make the trail better, safer and easier to access?

The Active Transportation Alliance is partnering with Friends of the Parks and Chicago Area Runners Association to host two Friends of the Lakefront Trail Visioning Workshops. Come tell them about your experiences using the Lakefront Trail and share your ideas for its future. Your input will help shape the advocacy goals to improve the trail!

North Side – April 9, 6:30-8:30PM at Margate Park Fieldhouse (4921 N. Marine Drive)

South Side - April 18, 6:30-8:30PM at Jackson Park Fieldhouse (6401 S. Stony Island Ave.)

Happy Easter

Happy Easter from your friends at Working Bikes

Sustainability at Elmhurst College

A free recycling event will be held on Saturday, April 14, from 9:00 a.m. until noon in the Mill Theatre parking lot at Elmhurst College.

Working Bikes will be collecting:bicycles: working & non-working • helmets • child seats • carriers/trailers • wheelchairs • crutches • sewing machines: working condition only.

For more information, email any questions to sustainable@elmhurst.edu. Participating organizations include Elmhurst College, the Elmhurst Bicycle Club, the Elmhurst Lions Club, SCARCE, Cornerstone Used Books, DuPage County, Creative Recycling, the St. Vincent DePaul Society and the DuPage Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

Easter

Be on the look out for a large bunny on his bicycle delivering eggs. Give him the right-of-way.

Professional Wheel Building Clinic

Time: April 5, 2012 from 10am to 5pm
Location: Bicycle Guild
Street: 140 Harrison Street
City/Town: Oak Park, IL
Website or Map: http://bicycleguild.com/
Phone: (773)-490-0683
Organized By: Christopher Wallace


The art of wheel building is easy to understand when broken down to individual pieces. They also demystify spoke length calculations by using free programs on the net. Wheel lacing is just weaving patterns, When you can understand how to look at symmetry in the evolving pattern then it is easy to lace a wheel. Tightening spoke nipples to make a wheel round, dish, and true all are about learning to see movement of the rim when you tighten or loosen a nipple. When you can see the amount of movement you want to create then you have learned a new Hand/Eye coordination art.


Everyone taught has been successful in building a better wheel than any they have purchased. You can make a safer, stronger, longer lived wheel, easily in this class.

Silent Auction: by the numbers

We sold 53 or our 167 bikes.

Special thanks go to those who who did the inventory of the bikes, marketed the event across the country*, set up the procedures and organized the volunteers. We spoke to many of the bidders and they all said that the event was very pleasant and well organized.

We had so much help from so many other volunteers. Thanks to everyone who came out on Sunday and Saturday and everyone who helped, supported and well-wished this adventure.

*Our biggest buyer got eight bikes at our auction. She drove in from Cambridge, MA just to do this auction. At the end of the auction, she was helped by five of our volunteers getting all eight bikes into her minivan.

Thanks to everyone who made the event a success!

Shipping Party

We are filling a container to ship bikes to the Prisoner Support Organization in Uganda on Easter Saturday.

Check our home page for information on previous successful shipments to this partner in May & October 2010, and for the container we sent in November 2011, and for pictures of the arrival and unpacking of a container of bikes in Uganda

Southside Art Bicycle Tour

Saturday, April 28, 2012 11:00 am



Where:

Logan Center
915 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL



Description:


Interested in the South Side arts scene? Like to ride bikes? Come explore the South side landscape while learning about some of the wonderful art programs and organizations the community has to offer!

This arts bike tour will take cyclists through Chicago's South Side to four major arts organizations where participants will tour art spaces and exhibitions, as well as attend special presentations. Lunch will be provided.

Space is limited on this special tour. Please RSVP to logancenter@uchicago.edu by 5pm on Wednesday, April 25.



Contact:

Logan Center
773-702-2787

Chicago Cubs Home Opener

Come out Thursday April 5th for the Cubs Home Opener against the Washington Nationals.

The Chicago Cubs offer a free courtesy bike valet service for all Cubs home games. Sponsored by SRAM and World Bicycle Relief, the bike valet is located on the northeast corner of Clark and Waveland.

Bicycles are claim checked and secured during the game. The courtesy bike valet opens two hours prior to each game's scheduled start time and closes one hour after the game ends.

White Sox Opening Day

Ride your bike to the Chicago White Sox Home Opener April 13th against the Tigers at 1:10

Bike Racks are located outside U.S. Cellular Field between Gates 2 and 3 and along 35th Street, near Gate 5.

Introducing: Free Air Sundays

They are lining up already!