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Chicago Bike Adventures

Chicago Bike Adventures

Custom guided bike rides through Chicago's neighborhoods.

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Tag: east Ukrainian village

The Coast of Chicago 1 (5 Photos)

April 13, 2020April 21, 2020 SteveLeave a Comment on The Coast of Chicago 1 (5 Photos)
A tour bike leaning on a colorful mural of Don Quixote.

5 locations from Stuart Dybek’s Lower West Side short story collection.

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Posted in Photos, The Coast of ChicagoTagged brewing history, brutalism, east Ukrainian village, greektown, little village, pilsen, polish chicago, south loop, street art

Looking Around 8 (12 Photos)

February 18, 2019May 16, 2019 SteveLeave a Comment on Looking Around 8 (12 Photos)
A tour bike leaning on a mural of a face and yellow and aqua waves.

12 photos taken while riding around Chicago.

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Posted in Looking Around, PhotosTagged avondale, east garfield park, east Ukrainian village, lincoln square, near west side, north park, ravenswood, west town

Looking Around 3

November 21, 2018December 3, 2018 SteveLeave a Comment on Looking Around 3

The third installment of what I saw the past week riding in Chicago.

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Posted in Looking AroundTagged afrokilla, art deco, autin, avondale, birdo, blake jones, east Ukrainian village, james jankowiak, joe miller, lake view, mcpherson, midway place, movable bridges, queen anne, shawn smith, skyscrapers, street art, west garfield park, wicker park, willis tower
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 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

  •   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

  •   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

  •   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 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

  •   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

  •   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

  •   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

  •   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

  •   This review is an unabashed promotion for biking with Steve! After sitting in a conference for two days, the chance to get outside and see Chicago from behind handlebars instead... read more of behind a windshield sounded like a fresh idea. Steve took us to places I wouldn't have gone, found us a delicious taco stand to eat at, and made everyone in the group feel included. All of this plus feeling the wind in my hair! Ride!

    thumb Joanne
    September 25, 2019

  •   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

  •   If you want a personalized and fantastic Chicago tour- book this! Steve was a great tour guide, great knowledge of the area and the history of the area. It was... read more just the two of us and Steve and he was easy to talk to! We got to see the off the beaten path Chicago, definitely something I would get on my own. I cannot recommend this experience enough!

    thumb Leanne
    September 12, 2024

  •   It was a great tour and Steve an amazing hosts. He knows a lot about Chicago and it is truly a must-try if you visit Chicago and want to better... read more understand the city culture, visit places like a local. The plus: he sent us our route on a map after the tour and pictures.

    thumb Flo
    September 5, 2022

  •   Steve was great. You are asked to fill out a form before the trip, so that Steve can adjust the tour to specific interests and abilities. Steve was easy to... read more communicate with and gave us a wonderful taste of Chicago on bikes. I would totally do this again and have Steve show us around a different part of Chicago.

    thumb Blake
    April 13, 2024

  •   Great experience! Steve is knowledgeable and a great storyteller.

    thumb Doretha
    June 24, 2022

  •   This is my second tour with Steve. He is a friendly, knowledgeable host. Very accommodating and his biking experience creates a safe and comfortable ride. Great way to see and... read more learn about many parts of Chicago!

    thumb Lisa
    July 16, 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

  •   Great bike ride. Awesome host!

    thumb Steven
    August 29, 2019

  •   Steve's a friendly, knowledgable and fun guide and I very much enjoyed the tour with him! He personalises the tour well and I wish I had the time to do... read more another tour with him! Defnitely recommend!

    thumb Nora
    May 23, 2023

TripAdvisor

  • 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  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  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
    D2057BUshannonh
    March 22, 2021

  • 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  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  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  Excellent experience and would highly recommend. Steve, the owner and guide, was incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and tailored the tour to our interests.

    tripadvisor logo
    avatar thumb SLC3333
    May 28, 2019

  • star rating  Steve was a great tour guide as we biked through Chicago. His pre-ride survey allowed him to tailor the ride to some of our interests. We were super confident navigating... read more the streets with Steve in the front. The street art was amazing as was the ride along the old L tracks and along the lake. Highly recommend. We will be back.

    tripadvisor logo
    amyek-6
    March 21, 2021

  • 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  Steve is a warm, fun-loving and very knowlegeable tour guide. He took us through several very cool neighborhoods, showed us awesome street art and shared countless interesting details. He is... read more a confident bike tour guide and knows the streets of Chicago well. He even managed to arrange good weather for the tour! :)

    I highly recommend Steve and Chicago Bike Adventures...you'll have a blast!

    tripadvisor logo
    theworldiswide
    September 30, 2019

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