Cycle to the Givins Beverly Castle

Join Biketropolis and Women Bike Chicago for a day of cycling that will help with preservation efforts (the castle needs major repairs to its turrets and facade; see additional photos). We will start by biking to the neighborhood of Beverly for a one-of-a-kind tour and multimedia presentation about Chicago’s Only Castle. Once we arrive, we will meet Errol Magidson, who wrote a book and produced a film about the building and its history.

We will then be treated to a neighborhood tour led by Beverly resident Anne Alt, one of Women Bike Chicago’s founding members, to learn about the distinctive architecture of Beverly/Morgan Park. This trip also includes a visit to the Ridge Historical Society to learn about the geography and geology of the region. One highlight of the museum is a tribute to the late local cyclist Carl Spencer.

The return trip will take us to the Union Stockyard Gate, the main entrance of the meatpacking district for more than a century, and to the memorial sculpture erected to honor 21 firefighters who were killed while combating the 1910 blaze at the stockyards. Lastly we will visit the Palmisano Nature Park, an incredible 27-acre site on the southwest side. It has transformed from prehistoric coral reefs to quarry to landfill to a gorgeous park with amazing views and various perspectives of the city.

Date: Saturday, September 14th, 2019.

Time: 8 am to 5 pm

Cost: $35 (includes a donation to the Givins Beverly Castle and Ridge Historical Society).

Registration Link: https://cycletocastle.eventbrite.com

Departure location: Daley Plaza (under the Picasso).

Lunch: Ellie’s Cafe (Ellie’s accepts cash, credit or debit—please check out the menu prior to the ride).

Total distance round-trip: 35 miles.

Average speed: 10-12 mph with rest stops planned along the way.

Skill level: Moderate ride/no drop.

Gear: bike, lock, helmet, hydration, snacks, camera.

• Tom Limon (biketropolis.com)
  Organizer
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