Individual Sports: Biking, Golfing, Jogging, Turtle Racing, etc., Chicago

Equipment: For the active minded, or those that just want to see Chicago from a whole new perspective, I recommend renting a kayak and paddling up the Chicago River or the Lake Michigan shoreline. If you’re new to the area you can book any number of guided tours, including an architectural tour. The more experienced kayaker can go it alone, just beware of the larger boats that frequent the Chicago waterways – they always have the right of way, and can’t always see you. If you’re planning to explore the Chicago River the easiest kayak launch is from North Pier. For Lake Michigan access Montrose Harbor provides an easy launch point. Kayak rentals from North Pier through Kayak Chicago run $15/hour for a single and $25/hour for a tandem. They’re open from 10 am to 7 pm Wed – Sun. Check out their website to view dates times and pricing for kayak classes and group paddles.

The Chicago Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the world. Imagine 40,000 plus people running, with 1.2 million people on the sidelines cheering, bands playing every mile or so, music blasting... Like being in a festival, except that you are running for a couple hours.

Equipment: you, shoes...

Early October is the time for the Chicago Marathon - the first or second weekend of the month. Even if you're not a runner (I'm not) it's fun to be in the city with so many dedicated athletes all so intent on doing their best. I'm told that it's a good marathon - Chicago's not exactly a hilly city, and it's possible to make excellent time there, as long as the wind isn't too fierce.

Because Mayor Richard Daley is such a fan of biking, I'm sure that he had a say in the new Bicycle Parking Area called the BICYCLE STATION in Millennium Park. It is an indoor bike parking area with 300 spaces for bikes. The space also has showers, lockers, a bike repair shop, a rental center, and a coffee shop. It is heated, clean, and safe.
This Bicycle Station was designed by Muller & Muller of Chicago. Even though it is a small structure, it is quite nice looking. It cost $3.2 Million and is a two-level building of glass and steel and, in my estimation, is a great addition to the park. Mayor Daley wants to encourage people to bike in the city, and he suggests that they bike to work if they work close to the park because they may use the showers and lockers as well as the bike storage. It is to be the quarters for the Chicago Police Department's Bike Patrol Group. The Mayor sees it as a way to encourage commuting to downtown Chicago.
The building itself is organized around an atrium that leads to the underground facilities, but it gives the building an aboveground presence. Solar panels are used on the sloping roof to announce to the city its GREEN IDENTITY.
The architect, David Steele, extended the simple box into the landscape with steel supports for bright blue awnings. These awnings provide shade for the interior.
He also has horizontal stainless steel cables attached to the exterior and plans to have plants climbing on these cables. He says that "when closely cropped, the plants will add another layer to the bike station's architecture and change its identity with the seasons."
It's obvious that much thought has gone into the building of the Bicycle Station.

Equipment: If you have a bike, then you would be wise to store it at the Bicycle Station while at work or at play.

First there was the Marathon, then lazy people like me decided that was too much and hence they invented the half marathon. Then we got a bit older and fatter so they gave us the quarter marathon. All three are available in Chicago - so if you are feeling sporty then where better to do some excercise. They all run at different times of the year! Though the half is in September? And don't worry they are hopefully working on the one eight marathon right now!

Equipment: You, running shoes, shorts and a vest (girls this is optional)

Pick up soccer is everywhere in Chicago. The one I recommend is in Lincoln Park just south of Belmon Ave and west of Lakeshore Dr.and north of the Diversey Driving Range. Six days a week ( no fridays). Weekends 10am till 1130 am. Weekdays 5PM till 630 or so. Players from all over the world and US. People who actually played in the world cup to average skill. Just be on time or you will just watch.

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Equipment: I suggest you are insured!

Let's go bowling! And a place you'll always remember is Southport Lanes and Billiards. It's got to be one of the very few remaining genuine bowling bars anywhere in the US - and it is certainly the last such in Chicago. It's tiny - just four lanes - and you get to set your own pins. Buy a pitcher of Goose Island brew and have an old fashioned afternoon here.

Equipment: They do rent shoes here, and they have their own bowling balls, but of course you can bring your own.

Big Joes is a cool little neighborhood bar that hosts possibly one of the most competative events in the entire Chicagoland area.

Prepair yourself for... TURTLE RACES. In the bar you recieve tickets for every beer you purchase and at race time you bet your tickets on what turtle you think will win. The person who won with the most tickets on a turtle gets a t-shirt and moves onto the finals. I might add that the last place looser gets a free drink.

At the end of six races all of the winners of all of the other races compete against each other to see who is champ.

The bar is full of regulars and is a lot of fun for all of the first timers, or turtle virgins as what the bar keep will call you.

Equipment: The races are held on every Friday and all that is needed is your best drinking buddy and a little cash for side bets.

The turtles are placed in the center of a wooden circle table and the first one to touch a corner of the table is declaired the winner.