L.A.T.E. Ride is This Weekend

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jul 14, 2006 7:15PM

Chicagoist is glad our stolen bike was returned last week, because we'd have been pissed off if we had to miss the L.A.T.E. Ride. Once again, we'll be pedaling through the night, along with almost 10,000 other riders. The 22-mile course winds through the city, beginning in Grant Park at about 1:30am and finishing with a sunrise breakfast at Buckingham Fountain.

While the online registration has closed, those wanting to ride can still register in-person at Buckingham Fountain the night of the ride. Also, those participating should keep in mind that the Opening Ceremonies of the Gay Games, held at Soldier Field, will be ending shortly before the ride -- so plan accordingly.

We mentioned in last year's recap of the L.A.T.E. Ride, that there seems to be one recurring problem spot on the course. We've personally seen riders hauled away in ambulances aftter accidents at this exact same spot in each of the past two years -- and that's not the way the ride should end for anybody. Hopefully, organizers will have the area adequately illuminated or re-routed away from this dangerous S-curve this year.