The Way to Mundelein

Andrew had mentioned to me before that he'd like one day to ride to his parents' place in Mundelein, IL from his home in Chicago. He also mentioned that they were wanting for him to come and visit this past Sunday. In August, I rode my first century with David, and so I've been a little cocky. We decided to ride the 39mi there for the visit, and then ride the 39mi back. 

This is one of the many sculpture exhibits along the Skokie Northshore Channel Trail. I'm lucky enough to call a portion of this trail part of my daily commute.

We were surprised when he was researching our route, just how much of it was bike path. We spent VERY little time in any kind of traffic.

 Going under!

And going over!

Hmm... where'd the trail go!?

 We didn't meet any red-wing blackbirds, and it's too bad. They're some of my favorite birds.

Holy crap! Lambs Farm is a LONG way from home!

The path along Rt176 was gravelly. I remember driving down 176 when I used to drive and catching glimpses of cyclists on it here and there. As a driver back then, it had never occurred to me to ride on it, myself.

 TA-DAAAA! We made it!

On the way there, it took us 5 hours with the 12mph headwind, smoke breaks and general floundering.

On the way home, it took more like 4 hours... it seemed the wind was still somewhat against us, and we stopped for coffee and to eat. And it was COLD! 

The next day I was stiff in the knees and my shoulders were sore. Andrew had no complaints to speak of. 

A Picture

I am a self-proclaimed attention whore.

I adore being noticed as being a strange person, a whimsical character, even an idealistic fool. I am a knitter, a crocheter, a screenprinter and a cut-it-up-and-put-it-back-together-er. I'm learning to hula-hoop. I have left-leaning political views, but tend to drop out of advanced political conversation due to a critical lacking in ability to retain details such as names, faces, places and dates (it's a problem). I am a smoker and a high school dropout with a GED, boasting the highest score at that community college that year. I am punctual, calm and kind. I am a cat lover, a dog liker and unafraid of spiders and snakes... but house centipedes just ick me out. My favorite color is green.

I am a cyclist, a bicycle commuter, a masser and a marauder. I hope that next summer, I will be a bikepacker as well.

I am polyamorous, meaning that monogamy's not my thing. I don't feel like I need or even want that "one special someone," and feel like the sentiment is outdated. I believe that over the course of the years, most people cheat (I've been guilty) and that it doesn't have to be that way. With a little bit of extra added effort, honesty and communication, provided that their relationship is already healthy and stable, most people can take on an additional lover or few.

I live in a house I rent with my partner David, his wife and my good friend Karen, and their three kids, ages 9, 8 and 3. Also, one of my very best friends, a (monogamous) ex of mine, is living with us too at the moment. His name is D.

I eat mostly vegetarian these days, not out of choice, but because Karen is, and she does most of the cooking for everyone in the house. It's done wonders for my physique. Also, I love fruit and most days, especially Monday through Friday, it's what I eat for breakfast and lunch. I don't mind the recent decline of meaty meals in my life, but I'm a little sad that these days, as a result of the lack of meat, the occasional burger or steak can give me a tummy-ache. It's hard to be too sad, when Karen is such a fabulous cook. She also likes to ride her bike, is an active mom and an unschooler.

I mentioned that I like to ride, and that is largely David's doing. I started dating him the summer of '08, and by springtime I was a full-fledged bike commuter, inspired by his love of the activity. He rides almost 20 miles a day, commuting to work, going out and running errands... he's hardcore. David has a big smile for everyone he sees, bunny ears on his helmet, patches on the butt of his pants (from where his saddle has worn through) and a big ol' bushy beard on his face. He would pull over to help you fix your flat, totally unsolicited. He's an all-around, genuine sweetheart, that David.

My other boo is named Andrew, and he is also a cyclist. In fact, David and I met him last year at the World Naked Bike Ride here in Chicago. He's the organizer of the ride, though he generally skates the Naked Ride for the maneuverability it affords him while leading such an event. Andrew lives off-site, a 15 minute bike ride away. Andrew is a Break the Gridlock board member, a balloon-twisting pro, has a knack for body painting and a penchant for Star Trek.

I decided to start this blog as a creative outlet and a source of support for my goals. Right now, at the moment, these goals are to become a hooping adept and to tour on my bike cross-country next year.