Lakefront Bike Ride—South Loop to South Shore Cultural Center - Sunday, August 2

Fifteen bike enthusiasts enjoyed the Lakefront Trail Ride from Museum Campus to the South Shore Cultural Center on Sunday, Aug. 2^nd. The group included a few new riders with the club. The cool morning and the new dedicated bike lanes made for an easy and quick ride south. Riders could then take the opportunity to visit South Side lakefront attractions on the way back. Several riders enjoyed a respite at the Japanese Garden in Jackson Park, south of the Museum of Science & Industry. Of course, the view of the city skyline from the lakefront path in the Hyde Park area is always spectacular.

This garden has also been referred to as the Garden of the Phoenix or the Osaka Garden. This garden symbolizes the mutual respect and friendship that Japan and the United States initiated more than 120 years ago. In 1893, on Jackson Park's Wooded Island, the Japanese Government built the Ho-o-den [Phoenix Temple] as its pavilion for the World's Columbian Exposition. The Ho-o-den introduces Japan's artistic heritage to Americans and remained as a gift to Chicago after the fair ended. The original pavilion had only a small garden, however, in the 1930s the newly formed Chicago Park District restored the pavilion and added a more extensive Japanese Garden. The garden has been revitalized several times throughout the 1900s, including a 1992 project that celebrated Chicago's Sister City relationship with Osaka, Japan. 

Of course, the view of the city skyline from the lakefront path in the Hyde Park area is always spectacular. And at the end of the ride, a group of riders also toured Northerly Island-another beautiful spot with amazing views.  After the ride, member Kathy Kirby commented, “Great ride, Ed. Thanks for organizing.”


--Ed Hanlon
  Trip Leader