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Chicago Bike Adventures

Chicago Bike Adventures

Custom guided bike rides through Chicago's neighborhoods.

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Category: Photos

The Spook Who Sat by the Door (5 Photos)

February 21, 2023March 7, 2023 SteveLeave a Comment on The Spook Who Sat by the Door (5 Photos)
A tour bike leaning at front of the Fountain of Time, a large horizontal tan cement sculpture with one figure's back to the camera and many others facing front ensembled into a wave like formation.

Five photos from CBA’s The Spook Who Sat by the Door Map

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Posted in Literature, PhotosTagged art deco, englewood, googlie, grand boulevard, international style, lorado taft, public art, public sculpture, skidmore owings merrill, washington park, wpa

Former Firehouses (5 Photos)

December 12, 2022February 21, 2023 SteveLeave a Comment on Former Firehouses (5 Photos)
A tour bike leaning on a tan brick and cream stone detailing double bay former firehouse.

Five photos from CBA’s Former Firehouses map

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Posted in Architecture, PhotosTagged beverly, edgewater, former firehouses, washington park, west garfield park, wicker park

CBA Rides 15 (5 Photos)

December 6, 2022August 28, 2023 SteveLeave a Comment on CBA Rides 15 (5 Photos)
A CBA bike tour rider in front of a large black and white mural of Fred Hampton and other Black Panther figures.

Five views from a year in CBA rides

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Posted in Photos, Tours in ActionTagged art deco, east garfield park, humboldt park, queen anne, randolph street, street art, ukrainian village, wicker park

CBA Rides 14 (5 Photos)

November 28, 2022February 21, 2023 SteveLeave a Comment on CBA Rides 14 (5 Photos)
Two CBA bike tour riders smiling at the camera and leaning on the base of a Alexander von Humboldt statue with the Prairie Style Humboldt park Boathouse in the background.

Rides on cool weather days are still going

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Posted in Photos, Tours in ActionTagged fulton market, humboldt park, monuments, prairie school, public art, street art, uic-medical, wicker park

Movie Theaters 1 (5 Photos)

November 7, 2022December 6, 2022 SteveLeave a Comment on Movie Theaters 1 (5 Photos)
A tour bike standing at the curb in front of a one story yellow brick and limestone and tan brick detailed papered up storefront with metal marquee

Five photos from CBA’s Movie Theaters map

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Posted in Architecture, History, PhotosTagged bronzeville, clearing, east village, movie theaters, north lawndale, sheffield neighbors

CBA Rides 13 (5 Photos)

September 15, 2021November 28, 2022 SteveLeave a Comment on CBA Rides 13 (5 Photos)
Two bike tour riders underneath a wooden honey comb-like tunnel with the Chicago skyline in the distance

CBA riders enjoying the sights of neighborhood Chicago

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Posted in Photos, Tours in ActionTagged andyb, black history, church conversions, fulton market, henry starbuck, humboldt park, lincoln park, lutheran churches, menace two, palmer square, rae wilson, resa piece, sandra antongiorgi, south loop, street art, studio gang

CBA Rides 12 (5 Photos)

September 1, 2021May 2, 2022 SteveLeave a Comment on CBA Rides 12 (5 Photos)
A bike tour rider looking at a baroque two towered red brick and limestone detailed church.

Sights from CBA’s custom neighborhood bike rides

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Posted in Photos, Tours in ActionTagged back of the yards, catholic church, chicago river, east pilsen, faber & pagels, joseph molitor, juan de la mora monsavais, loop, noble square, public sculpture, sculpture, street art, wicker park, wolf point

Indemnity Only (6 Photos)

April 6, 2021May 16, 2022 SteveLeave a Comment on Indemnity Only (6 Photos)
A tour bike standing in front of a pale blue white trim wooden 1880s three story single family home.

Six photos from the CBA map for Indemnity Only (Sarah Paretsky, 1982)

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Posted in Indemnity Only, Literature, PhotosTagged 1880s, brutalism, googie, lake shore path, meeting halls, modernist, north kenwood, south chicago, the loop, uic, walter netsch

Looking Around 27 (11 Photos)

October 27, 2020April 6, 2021 SteveLeave a Comment on Looking Around 27 (11 Photos)
A tour bike standing at the curb in front of a heavily red stone three story Queen Anne home with second floor turret that forms an open balcony on the third floor.

10 views from the end of summer

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Posted in Looking Around, PhotosTagged 1880s, avondale, carrie fischer, churches, green star movement, logan square, matr, project logan, public art, skyscrapers, william le baron jenny, woodlawn

CBA Rides 11 (5 Photos)

October 13, 2020September 1, 2021 SteveLeave a Comment on CBA Rides 11 (5 Photos)
A bike tour rider standing below black and white murals of a bird and a fish skeleton on the corner of a yellow brick industrial building.

Five sights from CBA’s custom planned neighborhood bike rides

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Posted in Photos, Tours in ActionTagged bucktown, cera strret art, lincoln yards, loop, lovecraft country, pilsen, ROA, west town

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A book cover for 100 Things to do in Illinois Before You Die with blue text that says We're in the Book!

Yelp

  •   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

  •   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

  •   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

  •   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

  •   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

  •   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

  •   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

  •   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

  •   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

Airbnb

  •   This was a great tour! Even though spending 5 hours on a bike touring around Chicago's neighborhoods might sound daunting, this is a tour for anyone with basic fitness... read more and biking skills. Steve was really friendly, had a vast knowledge about Chicago's history and culture, and knew lots of interesting details about the neighborhoods and their histories. The tour was from 10-3 on a weekday, so we missed rush-hour traffic, and Steve's route was mostly through safe and easy-to-navigate neighborhood streets and bike-friendly paths. We stopped often to talk about the neighborhoods, so nobody ever got tired or winded. Chicago is a beautiful, open city with amazing architecture and history, and I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to learn about some of its neighborhoods outside of the main downtown Loop. Thanks Steve, and thanks Chicago!

    thumb Dominick
    August 12, 2019

  •   This is an excellent way to get to know Chicago. Steve uses a survey to learn what you want to see, so put some thought into it. Steve knows... read more SO MUCH about the area! Ask him questions and be amazed. Bring lots of water, 2 water bottles, and easy to eat snacks for quick energy during the bike breaks. Don’t hesitate to ask for something specific, Steve adjusted on the fly when I asked for something. Traveling bike bike was so much fun!

    thumb Shayla
    August 23, 2021

  •   Lovely tour! Very much enjoyed this - the small group size (4) was great and Steve did an excellent job of guiding us around Chicago. We rode... read more about 20 miles, which was very manageable / relaxed pace over the course of the tour.

    thumb Margaret
    October 14, 2019

  •   I found Steve of Chicago Bike Adventures on Trip Advisor. They also have a website: (Website hidden by Airbnb)

    I wanted to enhance a four... read more day holiday in Chicago 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
    December 21, 2018

  •   I thoroughly enjoyed my tour with Steve. He was extremely patient and accommodating. Steve was a great storyteller and was very enthusiastic about the various neighborhoods we visited on our... read more 12-mile journey through Chicago. Thanks for the wonderful photos and recommendations, Steve. I highly recommend this experience!

    thumb Alejandro
    October 4, 2023

  •   This 5 hour bike ride was wonderful. Steve is very knowledgeable and also low key. He genuinely tries to give you the best experience possible. We saw... read more lots of what we hoped to see, and also places we didn't know to ask to see. This is a wonderful way to learn about the history of Chicago. We rode all the time except fo a quick lunch break. So I think being fit helps on this tour. I am sure if you wanted more stops, Steve would oblige.

    thumb Barbara
    August 12, 2019

  •   Steve was an excellent guide through the streets of Chicago, with intriguing facts about all of our stops that were tailored to our group's interests. I would highly recommend this... read more bike adventure to anyone who wants to not only see the city but also understand how it came to be.

    thumb Sarah
    September 29, 2018

  •   Great experience and nice way to experience the city. The gps maps and geo tagged photos at the end of the experience were amazing.

    thumb Ishan
    July 24, 2021

  •   The bike tour with Steve was great. A great way to explore a bit more than downtown Chicago and connect better with the city. Steve knows the region and its... read more history very well and he was a great guide. After the tour, he sent me a map with our route and some great pictures. Totally recommend this!

    thumb Livya
    June 11, 2023

  •   Steve was friendly and knowledgeable and had a good plan for the day. Great experience overall!

    thumb Lori
    July 1, 2021

TripAdvisor

  • 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

    tripadvisor logo
    ana_rg123
    March 1, 2020

  • star rating  Had a wonderful tour around town with Steve. He showed me places where I never ever would have been on my own. Well maintained bikes and a beautiful city! I... read more would definitely recommend Chicago Bike Adventures.

    tripadvisor logo
    avatar thumb Nadinevd
    September 28, 2018

  • star rating  If you're looking for a fun, informative bike tour of Chicago with friendly, knowledgeable guide then look no further! I was lucky enough to have a one to one personal... read more tour with Steve the other day. It was clear to me he takes great care...More

    tripadvisor logo
    avatar thumb Costi S
    September 7, 2018

  • 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  I highly recommend this bike tour. Steve does a great job of gathering your info before hand and tailoring the ride to you. I was lucky to be the... read more only rider that day so the experience was very personal. Steve does a great job leading...More

    tripadvisor logo
    dazelr
    September 17, 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  This is a great way to see more of Chicago and develop an understanding of the communities and... read more

    tripadvisor logo
    D2057BUshannonh
    March 22, 2021

  • star rating  Wonderful ride, Steve is a very nice guy who knows A LOT of Chicago, you will really have a good time with him. Such a great experience!

    tripadvisor logo
    avatar thumb Julio S
    September 18, 2018

  • star rating  I read the reviews about how awesome Steve and his Chicago bike tour is ahead of visiting Chicago...and they were all true. Steve is a super laid back guy that... read more knew every inch of incredible Chicago. This was my first visit to the city and after our 5+ hour tour, I felt

    tripadvisor logo
    Steven K
    October 1, 2019

  • 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

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