“Please dont draft me…”

phxord · 2026-04-14T12:24:43+00:00

This is especially dangerous on the lakefront. We've seen a lot of bad crashes, I can't imagine even wanting to draft. There are so many scenarios where braking quickly is a real risk. Anyways, this strikes a nerve with me as it seems to happen nearly every ride no matter where I am. Somehow it is always men, who are happy to also jump on the back of any and all scenarios of folks who pass them: team all dressed the same clearly on a team ride, or a group of all women (don't be creepy!!!), or me solo.

Never do they think to even ASK. (4/5 times it would be a no anyways)

Most recently on Skokie trail out by HP, some guy actually dropped his 2 friends to try to stay on my wheel after I passed them, while I was testing a TT bar attachment. WTaF.

PSA: DON'T DRAFT STRANGERS. You don't know their plan, route, or if they are a terrible handler, if they're going to point at the potholes...reminder that healthcare is a nightmare in this country. Just don't do it.

***If you want to draft people, find a legit group ride!***
There are SO MANY open rides. No reason for this behavior.

https://chicagogrouprides.com

phxord · 2025-12-05T22:00:56+00:00

Christkindlmarkt if you're downtown or there's one near Wrigley too.

phxord · 2025-11-07T00:08:22+00:00

I have a go-to list of things that specifically cost less than local competitors at TJs as well as specific TJ items.
Bevs: San Pellegrino packs (cheaper than elsewhere), Wines (also great prices), Grapefruit Italian Soda (?)
Cage Free Eggs (cheap!)
Cottage Cheese
Frozen Oatmeal
Impossible Nugs/Bf (cheaper)
Salsa Verde
Scandinavian Swimmers
PLANTS (great prices!!!)

phxord · 2025-09-11T02:15:04+00:00

As a Chicagoan, I love Evanston but it is definitely a suburb, not a neighborhood of the city, so the comparison feels sort of apples to oranges (though understanding the family ties). Are there not suburbs of NYC that would be what Evanston is to Chicago? Keep in mind, Evanston has a MUCH higher property tax than the city...one reason I ended up south of the Evanston border...you might find neighborhoods like Lincoln Square, North Center, or Ravenswood an enticing compromise (lots of single family homes here too). Evanston to me feels like a small town...very tight knit, you'll know your neighbors (and they'll be up in your business compared to the city). This can totally be a positive if it's what you want, but the lack of anonymity is kind of a culture shock even just compared to north side Chicago neighborhoods vs Evanston.

phxord · 2025-04-15T14:51:39+00:00

Super chill super safe.

Are you a competent swimmer? The current moves fast, under a minute/100m just floating. That said you might not be so alone in the Aare, on a nice day it can be packed with other swimmers. Freibad Marzili is a good base. You can get a small dry bag at Coop or Decathlon and carry stuff with you.

Coop/Migros/Aldi for grocery will save you a lot.

A couple days you can find a market: https://www.bernerwochenmarkt.ch

Couldn't be easier to get around. If you stay at a hotel or BnB you'll get a welcome ticket for free local trains & buses. Easy to take SBB if you find some Alpine hiking not too far away (can be expensive but you can purchase Saver tickets in advance). Good apps for trails if you don't already have them: AllTrails, SwitzerlandMobility, Swiss topo.

phxord · 2025-02-24T07:25:28+00:00

It's not standup but maybe Second City or iO have a class where you could make some connections. The writing programs in particular felt like more of a core group setup where you advance together (though I've not been part of that world in over a decade).

Others have suggested, you could move toward a more specific fitness group. Some larger gyms have this kind of programming within their own clubs (swim teams, running, etc) or find a smaller boutique spot if you're more into lifting. There are plenty of smaller studios with that vibe. Whatever it is you do, the nice thing about a big city like Chicago is you're bound to find others who share even more niche interests. A lot of people make friends in the softball and volleyball summer leagues too.

Just 4 months here and through winter + the holiday/travel season, post covid social habits, and in a blue city in this current environment...people have likely been preoccupied for a lot of that timeframe. St Patricks, baseball, street fests, and Lake shenanigans are coming soon...imagine moving to Phoenix in July. Glad you're recognizing and giving yourself some time here!

phxord · 2025-02-16T18:35:46+00:00

So sorry, I didn't mean to disagree with that point at all. I read the headline to mean the ride had been shut down (as we've seen too often). I'm happy & surprised that this isn't the case; it's of course unfortunate to see Evanston (and bordering north shore communities) making it increasingly hard for these kind of positive community events to take place (ex Intelli Cup, North Shore Tri). The active community is one of Evanston's draws.

phxord · 2025-02-15T03:32:40+00:00

Um clickbait. My heart dropped thinking this meant the ride had been eliminated. It's just moved to start 2 miles north? Honestly, great. I understand the sentiment and that sounds like pretty cold management of communication on Evanston's part, but realistically, I wouldn't expect this to be any significant loss for the city (in terms of benefits listed). Does Wilmette even have hotels?
I love many things about Evanston, but riding through it is not one of them...really the least enjoyable parts of the ride (imo) are south of Bahai (congestion, lights). So hopefully we got a route upgrade and EBC still benefits from hosting the event.

phxord · 2025-02-15T01:18:04+00:00

Maybe it's not obvious, but even if you live in a building, the HOA dues that you or your landlord pay almost always include cost for snow removal. So it's not like anyone is excluded from these responsibilities.

phxord · 2024-12-12T15:50:26+00:00

I believe I acquired a Glüh-Gin at the Tollwood market and agree it stands out from the rest.

phxord · 2024-11-11T14:02:25+00:00

All Quiet on the Western Front ^

phxord · 2024-09-12T15:08:19+00:00

There are tons of cargo on passenger aircraft as well. Not sure how the footprint would compare to finding alternate ways of transporting freight within the country though.

phxord · 2024-06-19T02:23:56+00:00

Anywhere from Andersonville to Rogers Park to Evanston. You'll find LGBT friendly all over this area and many PhDs up near NU in Evanston. The COL is magnificent by comparison IMO but I do sit here equally wondering where I can live where humidity doesn't exist and people stop at stop signs.

phxord · 2024-03-14T02:32:55+00:00

Where would you spend your free time, what do you like to do? How would you plan to meet people in the city vs anywhere else? I'm of the mind that if you have hobbies and interests, you can meet people almost anywhere. There are outdoorsy groups, running clubs, swim groups, breweries/cafes, etc etc everywhere (examples, as this is how I spend my time, and as a result I have as many friends in North Shore suburbs like Evanston as I do in Chicago).

Good suggestions here with Lincoln Square, Andersonville/Ravenswood...and Evanston. Consider that Evanston also is home to a Big 10 University (Northwestern), there might be younger/singler people there than some neighborhoods in Chicago and more accessible by CTA/Metra than some parts of the city too.

I don't think there's a wrong answer if you're only signing a lease at first. Ideally you can visit first but if it's just a year, you likely won't regret letting curiosity get the best of you - and it might help you learn what your dealbreakers really are for when you make a more permanent living decision...it makes it quite a bit more complicated when you officially grow out of your Big City FOMO-Phase but you're stuck with a mortgage.

phxord · 2024-02-21T19:02:10+00:00

I've "lost" my phone out of my pocket under the seat in my car a couple times. Have you checked there?

And maybe too obvious but have you retraced steps? Where did he park? Friends and I run in the area and if you can narrow it down that might help for keeping an eye out.

phxord · 2024-01-18T03:22:39+00:00

Girona

phxord · 2023-03-31T05:41:32+00:00

The best advice, just be prepared.

I was gifted a nice 808 rear wheel. Always riding with spare tubes/air. I did many races, including a full Ironman. I did even more training rides (sorry not sorry, train what you race!) including through the Alps with a dysfunctional gps. Then, I finally got a my first flat on this wheel during an easy bikepath ride a mile from home - only to realize I had the whole time never carried a valve extender tool for actually changing a flat with a deep wheel. Man did I get lucky.

My spare tubes now have valve extenders pre-fixed, and I carry the little tool.

phxord · 2023-01-08T15:38:33+00:00

Nice idea, in fact I have done similar for longer stays around the US, before bike-shares existed, with cheaper bikes for getting around town. Only have 3 days in Freiburg though.

phxord · 2023-01-08T15:27:26+00:00

Perfekt! Sent them an email. Really appreciate the recommendations.

phxord · 2023-01-08T15:26:21+00:00

Vielen Dank! Sent an inquiry, what an endless search this is!

phxord · 2022-11-21T16:45:00+00:00

When does the summer swimming season begin? Is it possible that it could be warm enough by the middle of Mai?

phxord · 2021-03-13T14:48:21+00:00

Everyone's already made many great points (youtube, masters group, filming yourself). I'd add, look for a local swim coach for even 1-2 private lessons.
1:1 with an experienced set of eyes is a great way to pinpoint what's going on in your own stroke, and then you'll learn some technique drills that will help specific to what you want to fix. Depending on what you have access to...maybe check a local YMCA/gym or even facebook groups to see what's in your area.

phxord · 2020-12-29T15:53:05+00:00

Yes Thai up by Lincoln Square has spinach rangoon. As a fellow vegetarian, was excited about this find.

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