Thomas Gouard
One of the worst feelings in the world is waking up at 1:00 a.m. and not being able to go back to sleep. As I write this it is now 3:00 a.m. in the morning and I am contemplating cycling to the Lakefront to get some early morning sunrise photos to share with you all. That sounds about fair, right? The worse I can possibly encounter cycling are people that are just flat out up to no good with bad intentions, or people that are mentally unstable. But when you think about it, who in the hell would be up at 3:00 a.m. in the morning on a week day? I guess we will have to see because that urge is still there, plus that desire to see that sunrise on Lake Michigan. To be real with you all it is actually more safe riding this streets at these dark hours versus riding the streets during crazy traffic hours during the day. I would rather deal with someone up to no good then deal will with that easily distracted or impatient driver in a city like Chicago. I’m currently setting at 77 miles and support of Multiple Sclerosis with the goal to hit 100 miles before this month ends. Each mile is converted to cash and donated to this charity which means that I’m currently setting as $77 in support of Multiple Sclerosis. A ride to the Lakefront and back to East Garfield Park would put me in the $90 range.
It is now 4:00 a.m. and I am on with my ride. I wanted to pack a select few things, such as an apple, water, shaded sunglasses and a book that I am currently reading, which is ‘Between The World And Me‘ by Ta-Nehisi Coats. While riding, I could not help but think how chilly it is outside, but I honestly cannot complain because later in the day I’ll be wishing that we had this current weather right now. I believe it’s like in the 60s right now, but later it will probably be in the 90s. While cycling through West Loop, I stumbled upon a ‘Goodwill‘ and a restaurant called ‘Wishbone‘ while cycling towards the Lakefront via Washington Blvd. I immediately got on Yelp to bookmark it, so that I can visit it on a later date. I captured a few pictures of monuments along my route, one being ‘The Miro‘ by Joan Miró and the other being ‘The Picasso‘ at Daley Center Plaza. Times like this I do not get a chance to see it without it being congested with viewers, so I figured why not slide down it too. I’ve seen little children slide down it in the past, plus I’ve read Yelp reviews of reviewers that mentioned that they slid down it as a child, so why not?
Now currently 5:00 a.m. and I am near the Lakefront with the sun slightly peeking out. This location is referred to as DuSable Harbor, and if you have ever been to Navy Pier you’ve seen it. Due to their being a detour on the trail, I had to alter my route and turn back around. I headed towards Michigan Ave, and hit Millennium Mile with hopes to enter the trail from it, but hopped on Chicago Ave instead. I figure once I get some more pictures I’ll head back via Chicago Ave.
Now currently 6:00 a.m. and I’m at North Ave Beach watching many runners run along the lakefront. Being out here makes me wish that I would have laced up my running shoes and hit the lakefront path instead, but that will be later date.
While in route back to my apartment, I decided to take Chicago Ave route, but ended up taking a left on Halsted, so that I could take Madison, which is a much more safer and less congested route. It also gives me the chance to cycle pass the United center, which I have cycled pass many times. It is now 7:00 a.m. and I’m ending at 17.11 total miles cycled, which puts me at 94 miles total in support of Multiple Sclerosis.
Very nice pics you post.And you got up very early.bravo!
Thank you very much, Robin, and yes indeed. Since the weather has gotten warmer out, my sleep cycle is a little off. I rely on melatonin to put me out in a heartbeat
You made beautiful pictures ..Like a postcard.
Thank you, Marija. I love taking pictures while out riding my bike. Looks even better in person from the human eye
Yes, I believe that’s true. You are lucky enough to live in such a beautiful place.