CHICAGO...crossroads of America

Excellent bike trail on Chicago's west side

It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters in the end.
                                                                                                       Ursula K Le Guin

Chicago, is a city I wanted to spend some time in on this tour and Mrs. DeCola is a women I wanted to interact with. I knew it would be time well spent if I could get to see her.  Mrs DeCola is the mother of a childhood friend of mine named Nick. We were neighbors and graduated from Brookfield Central High School class of 79, we remain friends today. Some things have changed in the 42 years I've known Mrs DeCola, she's moved to IL and I moved to CA. Somethings however; haven't changed, she's still a great cook as well as a very kind woman. I sure enjoyed the great food, hospitality and stories she shared. To me Mrs DeCola is "The Mother of Chicago".

The greatest treasure I found in my attempts to get around this city was the network of off road trails designed for non motorized vehicles. If it wasn't for these trails, my northeastern IL experience wouldn't have been nearly as pleasant. I consider these trails "The Hidden Jewell's Of Chicago". I especially enjoyed the paved Fox River Trail, this urban pedestrian and bike friendly route hugs many miles of the Fox River as it flows on Chicago's west side.

Mrs Toni DeCola, "The Mother of Chicago" and yours truly at her Saint Charles home.

Windmill on the Fox River Trail in Geneva, IL

Crossing the Illinois River into the Chicago area

War Memorial- Warrenville, IL

Traffic flow signs on some Chicagoland trails

Soooo nice to get off the roads and onto these surfaces

Besides having some good biking experiences in Chicago, I enjoyed some gaming at local casinos in Joliet and Elgin, on my northerly trek.

Additionally; I met some very dear new friends and trustworthy folks in this massive urban area. Aspiring author James More was the first of them. He's written 6 books but has had issues marketing them. You can visit his website: www.jamesmorebooks.com to learn more about his life, writings and struggles. By purchasing any of his books, you can show your support for this Southwestern Chicago area native. I also enjoyed the hospitality and friendship of librarian Susan Parsons and avid cyclist Ron Gunner...thanks for extending yourselves to me.