BEER, BIKES, AND BIG WHEELS

That's right, this past weekend was Chicago's first ever Urban Assault Bike Ride! I must say, having experienced it first hand, the even was an enormous success. Chicago was the last of eight cities to participate in the ride's 2008 season, drawing over 500 riders to an innovative scavenger hunt/ bike race through the city and a rockin' after party.

The Urban Assault ride was created in Austin, Texas by creative bike enthusiasts. The goal of the event is to show urbanites how easy and fun it is to use a bike for transportation. In each city the ride travels to, it works with a local non-profit bike advocacy group to encourage citizens to ride their bikes more often. The event consists of teams of two bikers racing around the city to nine different checkpoints, completing a set task, and trying to be the first to make it to the finish line. Competitors must use their mental wit and knowledge as well as pedal power; riders are given a list of checkpoints, but no set route is specified. It is up to each team to determine a race strategy, ride safely, and not get lost navigating busy city streets. The ride is open to anyone with a bike, helmet, partner, and desire to explore. A fun and adventurous mix of riders got on their bikes Sunday, with participants ranging from young to old, athletes to tourists, road racers to extravagantly costumed partiers; this event managed to unite a diverse group of people and proved to be a great time for all.

I volunteered to help run the event, and was stationed at one of nine checkpoints throughout the city. Our checkpoint witnessed many intense riders, colorful costumes, and even one dramatic fight between partners. One of the best aspects of this race was the way it involved the surrounding neighborhood. As teams raced through our checkpoint, a gathering of bystanders grew; pictures were taken, laughs were shared. Perhaps most importantly, everyone noticed how much fun competitors were having biking around the city. Passerby began asking what was going on, who were these crazy people?

Which is when the beneficiary of the race, West Town Bikes, began to get some well deserved exposure. West Town Bikes is a non profit bike advocacy group here in Chicago. Their team helps get children and adults on their bikes and comfortable riding in the city streets. They provide lessons in bike repair and maintenance as well as helping underprivileged children to get on bikes and ride. WTB is accommodating to anyone with a desire to bike, I encourage you to check out their website and programs at westtownbikes.org.

At the conclusion of the race, we all gathered to celebrate those who participated and enjoy some great burritos and brews together. There's not much better of a way to start your day than with beer, bikes, and big wheels. I will keep you all posted when the 2009 Urban Assault season begins!