Chicago Man Discovers Hidden Gems in Every Community Area During 150-Mile Marathon Bike Ride
Chicago is a city known for its bustling downtown, but one man decided to explore beyond the tourist spots and uncover the hidden gems in every community area. Benjamin O’Malley, a 27-year-old North Side resident and self-described amateur hardcore cyclist, embarked on a marathon bike ride spanning 150 miles to raise awareness about the diverse neighborhoods of Chicago.
O’Malley’s journey began at 9 a.m. from his Noble Square apartment near Division Street and Ashland Avenue. Over the course of nearly 12 hours, he weaved through all 77 community areas in the city, venturing far and wide to showcase the richness and charm of each distinct neighborhood.
I definitely believe that we should be more open to exploring, I would say by bicycle, too. In Chicago especially, it’s just a great way of getting around and it’s good for our planet, O’Malley remarked, emphasizing the benefits of cycling as a mode of transportation.
His idea to traverse the entire city by bike originated from a desire to challenge himself and make the most of his summer. As he delved into his research, O’Malley realized that Chicago doesn’t have official neighborhood boundaries. Instead, the city is comprised of 77 officially recognized community areas, each with its own specific borders and unique community name.
From the start, O’Malley was determined to discover hidden treasures within each neighborhood. Throughout his epic journey, he encountered numerous noteworthy places worth exploring. These included the Des Plaines River Trail on the Far Northwest Side, Big Marsh Park in South Deering, Wolf Lake in Hegewisch, the Major Taylor Trail stretching through several South Side neighborhoods, Pullman National Historical Park, and The Great Wall of Chicago mural in Auburn Gresham.
Despite the scorching heat on that day, O’Malley persevered and was rewarded with memorable experiences. He particularly enjoyed a pit stop at Sharks Fish & Chicken Express in Washington Park, where he indulged in catfish, shrimp, and banana pudding, which fueled him to complete the grueling trip.
The marathon bike ride left O’Malley exhausted, but he couldn’t resist ending his adventure on a classic note. He savored a Chicago-style hot dog from Superdawg Drive-In in Norwood Park, satisfying his hunger for a well-deserved reward.
But this is only the beginning for O’Malley. As a member of the cycling club Bicycle Illinois, he aspires to organize a group ride that encompasses the entire city, creating a community event that showcases the beauty and diversity of Chicago’s neighborhoods.
Change up the route a little bit, but to turn this into some sort of event going forward, O’Malley explained, envisioning a grand tour of Chicago that brings together residents from various communities.
By sharing his adventure and the hidden gems he discovered, O’Malley hopes to inspire others to explore Chicago’s neighborhoods and embrace the vibrant culture that lies beyond the well-trodden paths. Through his marathon bike ride, he seeks to foster a sense of unity and appreciation for the city’s diverse communities.
As O’Malley’s story unfolds, it serves as a reminder that there is much more to Chicago than meets the eye. So, grab a bike and set off on an adventure, for there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered in every corner of this magnificent city.
