Night Rides and New Neighborhoods

I rode a good 30 miles yesterday. First I took my regular 8 mile commute to work on the Lakefront Path, then after work I took a ride into Pilsen. Pilsen is about 3 mi south west of the Loop. This neighborhood is traditionally Czech and in the most recent decades populated by Mexican immigrants. With each renting season more and more hipsters seem to be calling this place home due to it's cheap rent and proximity to Skylark and Irv's bike shop. Then I got a call from my sisters that we were having some dinner at my brother's place in Logan Square. Logan Square is about 12 mi north west of Pilsen. I took Ashland north to Milwaukee which led me right to my destination. Along the way I really broadened my bicycle tour of the city. This route travels through Little Italy, past the United Center, and Union Park where the Pitchfork Music Fest is held, through Wicker Park and finally into Logan Square and its European style round about. If you find this traffic phenomenon confusing in an auto it will blow your mind on a bicycle. I navigated without issue or horns and when it was all over I had no idea how I got where I wanted to be. After dinner I took a leisurely cruise down the Lakefront path, a stop in Millennium Park for some stunning night views and all the way down to Hyde Park. This city is tops when the weather turns.

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 )