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Chicago Bike Adventures

Chicago Bike Adventures

Custom guided bike rides through Chicago's neighborhoods.

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Month: May 2019

Former Synagogues Map Update (14 Photos)

May 21, 2019June 17, 2019 adminLeave a Comment on Former Synagogues Map Update (14 Photos)
Yellow brick former synagogue now church with a large etched stone entrance and a tour bike in front.

These fourteen pictures have been added to markers on the Former Synagogues Map.

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Posted in Architecture, Map Updates, PhotosTagged african american churches, austin, brighton park, former synagogues, hispanic churches, homan square, lawndale, north lawndale, rogers park, roseland, west garfield park

Looking Around 13 (14 Photos)

May 14, 2019December 11, 2019 adminLeave a Comment on Looking Around 13 (14 Photos)
Dolly Parton mural with new and old buildings during a bike ride tour.

Fourteen photos taken from the bike in recent weeks.

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Posted in Looking Around, PhotosTagged adaptive reuse, b_line, edgewater, fulton market, martin luther king, movable bridges, pullman, red line, rodgers park, roseland, south deering, west town

Map Updates 3 (15 Photos)

May 6, 2019May 21, 2019 adminLeave a Comment on Map Updates 3 (15 Photos)
Silhouette of a tour bike in front of red brick Romanesque St. Boniface church between trees.

15 pictures that have been added to markers on previously published maps

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Posted in Map Updates, PhotosTagged church conversions, historic schools, humboldt park, irving park, lincoln park, little italy, marshall square, memorials, monuments, noble sqaure, old town, public art, uic-medical, uptown, west town
A book cover for 100 Things to do in Illinois Before You Die with blue text that says We're in the Book!

Yelp

  •   Steve created a wonderful memory for us while on a short trip to Chicago. Our group of girls had a mix of biking experience and he went out of his... read more way to ensure we all felt comfortable. This tour was a comfortable pace filled with local art and history of each space. The ability to ride through the city made us feel like a local even though my riding skills may have indicated otherwise. Thank you Steve for making us feel like a priority to you and your city. Would love to come and do this again.

    thumb Amy H.
    4/29/2021

  •   I found Steve of Chicago Bike Adventures on Trip Advisor. They also have a website: https://chicagobikeadventures.com/about/

    I wanted to enhance a four day holiday in Chicago... read more with something more interesting than the usual Red Bus or Architectural River Tours which, while worth doing, are things I had done before. Steve's tours involve riding cycles around the northern neighborhoods of the city for 5 hours while he explained the sights. Before the tour, you are sent a questionnaire which asks about your size, bike riding expertise, and interests: History, architecture, sports, churches, etc.

    I chose a cold day in December and was the only person on the tour which meant I got Steve all to myself. When I arrived a the beginning of the tour, Steve was waiting with a helmet and a well tuned bicycle adjusted for my size and ready to go.

    We started with a tour of the immediate neighborhood. As we rode He explained the local history and pointed out landmarks. The pace was just right, we kept moving to stay warm, it was about 30 degrees F, with stops at various points of interest. Steve teaches in the Chicago schools when he is not giving bicycle tours and we got along famously. As the tour went open we explored the University of Illinois, street art, the trendy new neighborhoods that are attracting tech workers and historical sights going back 100 years.

    One of the best things about a small group tour is the ability to get to know a local, ask questions and get a sense of what it is like to live in the city you are visiting. This is much better than hearing a recording of the points of interest as you drive by on a bus filled with other tourists.

    Later Steve took me to a local taco place for lunch. The food was very tasty and we continued our discussion of Chicago, one of the most interesting cities I know.

    After 5 hours and 12 miles of bike riding I was tired and very happy to have taken the tour. I suspect you will be just as satisfied if you take one of Steve's bike tours. Although the route is chosen carefully to minimize congested streets, you will be riding in a big city for hours so you should be comfortable riding a bicycle in traffic.
    John Kelly

    thumb John K.
    12/28/2018

  •   My friend from out of town wanted to visit me in Chicago for my birthday. Instead of going out to a fancy dinner, we decided to go on an... read more adventure with Chicago Bike Adventures. It was a great! I live in Chicago and love to bike. I wasn't sure if I would see anything new or unexpected on my trip because I live here, but I certainly did! Steve is extremely knowledgeable and knows about all the hidden gems! He customized the tour for just me and my friend and one other woman that joined us that day. It was great to be able to see all of the things I wanted to see (like street art, history, and planning stuff) and not get into the things I didn't care as much about. I'm sure there are many more customized adventures that he is prepared to give!

    We saw a lot of really fantastic street art. We also stopped by a brewery in Pilsen, Lo Rez. I highly recommend it! Steve was extremely knowledgeable about all of the things and places we visited. He was also very approachable and fun to ride with. He even lent someone a pair of socks so she could be a little warmer on the ride. Great guy.

    It was great how Steve knew which route to take. He clearly did a lot of research in finding the best way to get around. I ride my bike in Chicago so I know how difficult it can be getting around if you don't find a bike lane, or a less busy street. The ride that day was very pleasant and stress free.

    Oh! I should mention that it was 33 degrees when we did this trip and I still loved it! We bundled up and kept warm by moving.

    I would definitely recommend this for a visitor or a local!

    thumb Emily E.
    1/25/2019

  •   Absolutely loved this bike tour with Steve. Our tour was customized to what we wanted to see. Steve included stops in between our requested stops so we could learn and... read more enjoy more about this beautiful city. Steve was patient with us and accommodating to our level of bike riding, making sure we were following behind and letting us know our route ahead. Steve took pictures and put them together on a map showing where we had been. He also included photos from the movie sites we stopped at so we could compare our pictures with the movie. It was awesome! I will recommend Steve to friends and book again!!!

    thumb Stacie A.
    9/25/2023

  •   I spent an amazing 4.5 hours riding 15 miles on a totally customized bike tour with Steve. He knows so much about the art, architecture, and history along the way... read more (he is a retired teacher so it's not surprising.) After I got home he even provided me with a detailed map of the ride that included photos of me along the way with informational links about the scene shown. A+ experience.

    thumb Colin K.
    8/17/2021

  •   This was by far the best day of my vacation in Chicago. A bike tour is the best way to see a city, and Steve's street art bike tour was... read more such a great experience. We saw great popular murals and tons of never seen or known about before. Steve knew the answers to all my questions about the artists, the collaborations, the backgrounds of the pieces and more. On top of that I felt very safe the whole and trusted his urban biking skills. It was truly a memorable experience and I can't wait to take my friends with me next time I go!

    thumb Naima B.
    10/29/2019

  •   Steve is great and love the tours. My wife took me on one a couple years ago and we went again while some friends were in town last week. Great... read more way to see the city and each tour is customized based on what you are interested in learning about and how far you want to go. Highly recommend!

    thumb Jason K.
    8/16/2022

  •   If you want to get to know Chicago more personally, try this out. This was one of my favorite experiences during my three day stay at Chicago. I did all... read more the tourist must-dos but it was nice to bike around neighborhoods and to feel what exactly the locals see everyday. Steve was great with everything from picking out/adjusting a bike for my size to explaining fun little details of Chicago. If you love being active and want a new experience while traveling, this would be great for you.

    thumb Somang L.
    8/28/2019

  •   A fantastic bike tour, personally tailored to your interests. We did a 3-hour ride with a group of four who signed up together, but you can also sign up alone... read more and be paired with others.

    Steve is a friendly and knowledgeable guide. We had a rider who hadn't ridden a bicycle in years and Steve's loaner bike and helmet worked out great.

    Highly recommend the "bike the boulevards" route and on through Pilsen and Chinatown. Great history and architecture.

    Thanks, Steve!

    thumb Alex H.
    7/12/2019

Airbnb

  •   It was a great experience! Highly recommend to anyone, including Chicago’s residents! Great way to see the city and learn curiosities outside the mainstream turistic sights. Steve was very knowledgeable,... read more friendly and accommodating. If you still considering, just do it!

    thumb Pedro
    September 4, 2020

  •   Steve has a wonderful in depth knowledge about Chicago and if he didn't know about a specific landmark or building, his curiosity will not allow him to sleep until he... read more finds answers (thanks to his previous librarian career). In short, Steve's bike tour > architecture boat tour any day!

    thumb Helen
    September 17, 2019

  •   I have been enamored I’d bike tours for quite some time: what a GREAT way to be introduced (or reacquainted) with a city than on a bike guided by someone... read more who knows and loves the city.
    Steve did not disappoint! His love of history and Chicago and biking are perfectly melded in this tour. He took us to many iconic areas of Chicago. He tempered our tour to our pre-ride questionnaire and showed us architecture, neighborhoods, Wrigley field and gave us a great history in so much of it (do YOU know why it’s called the Windy City?)
    When he says 5 hours expect it; he’s a man of his word and will give you your money’s worth.
    Highly recommend this tour!

    thumb Lisa
    September 12, 2018

  •   A truly immersive and tailor made Chicago experience. Taking a cycling tour in December seemed like a risky idea - and in fact it was a pleasant, comfortable, and insightful... read more ride

    thumb Nick
    December 8, 2019

  •   What a great ride we had. Despite the playful weather. Steve is great guide and a fun storyteller. And a nice person in general. He taylored the ride to... read more our request. Strong recommendation.

    thumb Florian
    April 1, 2023

  •   We had a good time exploring the outer neighborhoods of Chicago with Steve!

    thumb Robert
    September 10, 2022

  •   The tour was amazing. We experienced Chicago in a one of a kind way. Steve is extremely accommodating, highly knowledgeable and easy going. We highly recommend this tour.

    thumb Sharine
    October 6, 2022

  •   I had few expectations since I’d never done a bike tour before. And, I was a little nervous about riding in the road in downtown Chicago, but Steve put me... read more quickly at ease with his years of experience and a well thought out route which included quiet streets and some non-motorized paved paths (just gorgeous). I also learned quickly how bike friendly Chicago is with well-marked lanes and even some protective barriers.
    Not only did the short, interests survey Steve sent me help to inform our trip, but he was very flexible in adjusting to accommodate my desires along the way. The scenery, architecture, views, landscapes, gardens and stories were fantastic.
    Steve is extremely knowledgeable, easy-going and funny. Not only did I have a great time and get some exercise, but I have far deeper understanding and appreciation for Chicago’s history and changing cultural landscape.
    If I’m in the area, I’d love to ride with him again!

    thumb H
    May 23, 2021

  •   Steve was an excellent guide! There was no possible way for us to see most of Chicago in 4 hours but he made it happen and did so as a... read more professional. He made the tour personal and customized it to all of our interests. No script. Just an entertaining cycling history machine! His knowledge of the city stretched back to the late 1800s and he covered many sites that no longer exist. We really enjoyed his tour and getting the opportunity to ride vintage bikes around the town with him! Highly recommend to visitors and locals! Steve is Chicago’s Cycling Historian!!

    thumb Oksana
    July 13, 2021

  •   I enjoyed a personalized bike rid through Chicago with Steve. This was a great way to see other parts of Chicago without hoards of tourists. Based on my interests, there... read more were trips to various neighborhoods to see architectural gems, street art, parks and other areas worth biking. Steve was personable and a great guide.

    thumb Jeff
    October 9, 2024

TripAdvisor

  • star rating  My friend from out of town wanted to visit me in Chicago for my birthday. Instead of going out to a fancy dinner, we decided to go on an... read more adventure with Chicago Bike Adventures. It was a great! I live in Chicago and love to...More

    tripadvisor logo
    avatar thumb Eeaags
    January 25, 2019

  • star rating  Steve was a great tour guide as we biked through Chicago. His pre-ride survey allowed him to tailor... read more

    tripadvisor logo
    amyek-6
    March 21, 2021

  • star rating  Thank you Steve for an informative, detailed and unforgettable bike tour through Chicago‘s suburbs, but also for showing us Chicago from a completely different side. The ratio between riding the... read more bike and receiving information was perfect!

    tripadvisor logo
    avatar thumb Kai H
    July 19, 2018

  • star rating  A must if you come to Chicago. You’ll see a different side to the city and Steve will customize the experience for you. See different neighborhoods, learn about the history,... read more take great photos and enjoy a drink!

    tripadvisor logo
    ana_rg123
    March 18, 2020

  • star rating  This is a great way to see more of Chicago and develop an understanding of the communities and history of the city overall. Steve takes great pictures and shares them... read more with you after the tour. Depending on the weather make sure you dress appropriately!

    tripadvisor logo
    Shannon H
    March 1, 2021

  • star rating  Was lucky to have a solo tour with Steve today and saw so much of the city, a lot of which I wouldn’t have had time or the prior knowledge... read more to visit on my own. He takes a lot of care over the itinerary, sending...More

    tripadvisor logo
    philip_goodman
    June 14, 2019

  • star rating  This was a great experience! Steve was great, informative, and truly wanted us to have a great time. This is highly recommended and a great way to see the city... read more in a totally different way! His expertise in history exponentially added to the already great...More

    tripadvisor logo
    John R
    November 1, 2019

  • star rating  I spent an amazing 4.5 hours touring Chicago neighborhoods with Steve. He knows an amazing amount about the art, architecture, and history along the ride. He totally customizes the tour... read more based on your interests. After the trip he provided me with a detailed map of the route with photos of some of the stops and with informational links. A+ experience.

    tripadvisor logo
    Colin Knight
    August 1, 2021

  • star rating  I spent an amazing 4.5 hours touring Chicago neighborhoods with Steve. He knows an amazing amount about the art, architecture, and history along the ride. He totally customizes the tour... read more based on your interests. After the trip he provided me with a detailed map of the route with photos of some of the stops and with informational links. A+ experience. …

    tripadvisor logo
    Colin Knight
    August 17, 2021

  • star rating  Very knowledgeable of the city of Chicago. Very considerate and safe lead bicyclist. Great way to explore the city! Highly recommend.

    tripadvisor logo
    Meadow C
    August 27, 2019

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