Erin go braugh

I am so sick of February that I will now look to the wonderful things to come. That being said March is just days away and is arguably the best month to be a Chicagoan. We celebrate St. Patrick's day all month. Everyone is Irish on St. Paddy's day so we're all Irish all month. The southside does it best. We have the largest community parade for the celebration in the country, the old country might have us beat though. Just a mention of "Parade Day" to a Southsider and the Irish Eyes begin to smile for the first time since the first snowflake fell in November. Where I went to high school the prize for meeting your class pledge amount for the walk-a-thon was no school the day after the southside parade. This is a much needed recuperation day for teachers and not to mention the student population. The route follows Western Ave from 103rd st to 111th and into the pub of your choosing. There are somewhere around 20 neighborhood Irish pubs along this street my favorite is Keegan's, and finally ends at a house party of some sort. For my Colorado friends, think Ullr Fest, but all day. It is always the Sunday before St. Patrick's day so this year will be the 9th of March. All joking aside it is a major cultural event not to be missed. Chicago's open container law being over looked.

Half of these people will pee in someones yard on the way home.

Climbing Gyms

Yesterday after work I met up with my brother, and climbing partner, Kenny for some indoor boldering at Hidden Peak. The indoor climbing culture thrives around Chicago and the sport definitely has a learning curve. The rating system is different than outdoor and it is all about routes. Some holds are part of a route and others belong to a different route. Finding your next hold can be difficult, but don't think too much as I was told yesterday "paralysis by analysis" will certainly set in.Kenny (bottom right)

Me shaking the spiders out of my chalk bag.

Not a Puddle

I woke up this morning pretty jazzed to pedal into work even though its a Sunday. It was the first day I rode with out the winter coat and just my fleece. What started out as dogging puddles on the lakefront path turned into slowly riding through them. I made up my mind to turn off the path and hit up the road instead. Now if you're not familiar with Chicago's lakefront path this is no easy task due to the fact that one has to cross at a bridge over Lake Shore Drive in order to ride on a side street. On my way to the 32nd street bridge there is a low spot which has now turned into mini Lake Michigan. So as I lost all speed in the middle of this lake I had to pedal below the water line in order to stay upright and dry from my ankle up while keeping my pants dry. I think Ill stay off the path till the snow melt is complete.


If you read all of this you deserve to see a picture. Behold the city in fog.

Essentionally Spring

Well it might as well be spring in my fair city, not because it is unseasonably warm but because the sun was out. I took the opportunity to snap a few pics of sunshine and snow in Millennium Park.The Great Lawn

The Bean (Cloud Gate) with the Trump Tower looming in the background.


Finally the Ice Sculpture

Whats in the Pack

I was inspired by my friends at A Year of Bike Commuting to log the contents of my messenger bag. The only things that are intentionally in the bag are the copy of the Chicago Bicycle Code and the "I parked in a bike lane" sticker. Go here for yours. The rest of the gear just made it in there by chance.
Light
Tool
Phone (hard to see)
Bottle Opener
Pocket Knife
Sun Glasses + Case
Various sharpie and pens
Thermos
National Geographic
MP3 Player + USB Cable
Copy of Chicago Bicycle Code
Electrical Tape
Zip Strip
Sewing Kit
I Parked in a Bike Lane sticker ( I can't wait to use it )

Medio-Core

A relic of my punk rock days medio-core is a term that has carried over to my adventure seeking, active lifestyle. After years of trying I've come to the realization that I will never be "Hardcore" and I'm content with simply being Medio-core. I'll be chirping in about how I have fun here in the flatlands. So check back and see how I bike to work, mountain bike in the forest preserves, rock climb where ever I find a cliff and camp when I need to get out of the city.