Loyola University Chicago

Department of History

Midnight Bike Ride

The Midnight Bike Ride returns on Thursday, September 19 at 9 pm.

 

Hog Butcher for the World,
Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat,
Player with Railroads and the Nation's Freight Handler;
Stormy, husky, brawling,
City of the Big Shoulders.
-Carl Sandberg 

 

Since 1989, Loyola University history professor Timothy Gilfoyle has conducted a "midnight bike ride" for his students and friends. The event introduces students to major themes in American history by visiting various historic sites in Chicago. 

A Brief Introduction to the Midnight Bike Ride: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rslSQGO2PAI​ 

Check out highlights from the Fall 2017 Midnight Bike Ride on the YouTube Series "I Am Your Neighbor."

The Midnight Bike Ride begins in the plaza just south of the East Quad and bounded by Cuneo Hall, Madonna della Strada Chapel, and Mundelein Center on the lsc-map-080924.pdf of Loyola University. Riders normally return to campus between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. the following day. The ride takes place in the late evening and morning hours in order to avoid daytime and rush-hour traffic and because participants always see and learn more on a bike than during a bus ride or walking tour. Riders pedal at a leisurely pace (this is not a race), frequently stopping at important historical and architectural sites. Pit stops to eat, drink, and visit the rest room are frequent. All Loyola students, faculty and alumni are invited, and they are encouraged to bring family and friends.

Participants are urged to dress warmly, preferably wearing layers of clothing in order to adapt to the frequently changing Chicago weather. Gloves are also recommended in the event of cold weather, particularly in the early morning hours. Participants should bring money to pay for food and drink, and are also required to sign a legal waiver of release prior to the ride.

Don’t have a bike?  No problem! Loyola students may rent bikes for $35 (discounted from the regular $45 charge) from Chainlinks located at 1100 W. Sheridan Road on the ground level in the Parking Structure next to Campus Transportation on the Lake Shore Campus. A sign is displayed in the entry way to the garage with Chainlinks' name on it. 

Bikes are limited to 15 students. Students must confirm use of Chainlinks' bike through prepayment. The Google Form will close after 15 students have signed up and PAID. Please email Chainlinks at chainlinksloyola@gmail.com to be placed on the wait list. Payment Website for Chainlinks rentals: 

https://epay.luc.edu/C20996_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=138&SINGLESTORE=true

Past bike rides have visited the following places:

DATES OF UPCOMING BIKE RIDES

September 19, 2024

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