LSD (Lake Shore Drive to non-Chicagoans)

[specialist8]

The extremes of Chicago weather showed their true colors this weekend as temps approached 80. This is unseasonably high for us here, but it's presence was nonetheless welcomed by any one that wanted to stretch their legs on their bikes (be that motorized or not).

I over-zealously prepped my day in accordance with the weather. Ran through my head the errands and tasks for the day to see how much seat time I could accumulate without just "riding around". In Chicago (and I mean I live in the actual city; not the outskirts or Chicagoland) it's not easy to just pick up your bike and ride around. Traffic (especially on nice weekends) is just too much and there is no joy in stop n' go traffic. So riding with a purpose validates a lot of my seat time.

Queue LSD. As you can see with the picture posted above, LSD provides hands down the most scenic route most of northern Illinois even has to offer. Getting a glimpse of the lake as you're riding and catching the cooler breeze it continually offers is one of best moments a motorcyclist in Chicago can experience. Oddly enough, LSD doesn't even get that busy and my apartment resides right on the entrance ramp to it. Having those variables makes it a common route for much of where I need to go.

If you're riding two-up, your passenger is as well benefiting from the experience. Getting an uninterrupted view of the lake for miles (LSD runs about 16 miles; about 2/3 of it being scenic) is a pleasantry any motorcyclist would enjoy. Luckily I live so close, but it's presence is a continual highlight to any trip of mine.

Viva Chicago!