The group listens to Debby Rijos as she explains the route to riders outside of Parlour on Clark. Parlour supplied complimentary coffee and donut holes.
On May 21st, 2011, weather.com said rain. Most of us were ready for it, rain on our ride-to-the-Chicago-History-Museum-parade. But it didn’t rain, the day was PERFECT. People were excited. Lesbians high-fived and gay boys mouthed “oh-em-gee the lesbians have arrived” to each other. The believers pointed and whispered “the rapture has started”. It was just, perfect. Here’s what happened, in a photostory…
The bikers linedup in front of Parlour. Revving up their bikes and making traffic wonder what the heck was going on.
As traffic came to a halt, it began. "Let's ride!"
The route took the riders through Clark street. The L Stop stayed behind and took photos.
Part of the route was to wait for some 5-0 at Spin. Here the riders stretched, joked, scratched.
What's a good ride without a 'stache?
There was one rider near the back, Baby. Baby's bike set off car alarms. I'm pretty sure I'm in love with her.
I must say I was really impressed with how well the Dykes on Bikes stuck together. Like peas in a pod.
Some neighborhoods were especially fun to ride through, Andersonville and Boystown. Why you ask? Because it's always fun to see other lesbians do "the nod".
Other neighborhoods in Chicago are awesome and most are gay-friendly here in Chicago. Still it was fun to see all kinds of reactions from bystanders.
The museum comes into view. Woo!
As the Dykes on Bikes arrived it was sheer awesomeness. Sirens, music blaring, bikes revving, people cheering.
As the riders parked their bikes, photographers quickly ran up to take photos. Including myself.
The bikers all lined up again, once more before getting up to greet friends and loved ones to head into the museum.
Who doesn't love Tamale on a bike?
The bikers come together for a group photo.
Bikers posed for newspaper and media afterward.
Bikers posed for newspaper and media afterward.
Debby Rijos, who organized the event, poses here with Alma Izquierdo and Tamale
The bikers chatted, danced, and posed after the ride. Here
The LGBT History Exhibit is open now. It is wonderful and worthy of a trip. Come check it out!
Click here for more information on the LGBT History Exhibit at The Chicago History Museum.
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Way to go bikers we did it,we made history!!!!
I am very proud of everyone who came out to support “Out in Chicago”
Posted by Debby | May 25, 2011, 10:41 pmI can’t believe how well we did in such a short amount of time. :O
Awesomeness!
Posted by Vivian | May 26, 2011, 3:06 pmLooks like so much fun! Does anyone have any information on any riding groups these gals may belong to? I ride solo and would love to ride in a group once in a while.
Thanks
Posted by Sharon | May 31, 2011, 5:11 pmHey Sharon, yes we do! We are actually adding a Dykes on Bikes column to The L Stop that will have info on how to join the group and ride with them. I’ll send you the link to the page once its up!
Posted by Lisa_Martinez | June 1, 2011, 7:51 pmHi Lisa. Thanks so much.
Posted by Sharon | June 2, 2011, 5:07 pmI’d like the link too please!
Posted by Lucy Wieczorek | June 9, 2011, 2:25 pmLucy and Sharon, in the meantime, here is a link to the Chicago Dykes on Bikes page on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chicago-Dikes-on-bikes/147984068607548
Posted by Vivian | June 9, 2011, 10:54 pm