This was the first time for me and definitely not the last. I had a great time despite the 17F temp at 6:45 am when I left. 55 miles one way for me, too.
The start was at Dan Ryan Woods at S. 83rd and Western Ave in Chicago. There were several thousand bikes and maybe 6 Urals, one may have been a Dnepr.
This guy, I think his name was Rob, had a heck of a load.
Cj's load was impressive, too.
Not really sure what this is. Looks like a Dnepr with a Ural engine.
The parade ran north on Western Ave from 83rd St, 8300 south, to Belmont Ave, which is 3600 north. Almost 15 miles. With that many bikes around me, I didn't take any pics along the route but I did learn this ride is a very big deal.
One thing did happen that kind of restored some faith in humanity for me.
I did not buy any of those toys. As I was stopped waiting to get into the finish at DePaul Universty Prep, a guy and his kid walked up and placed those on the sidecar and told me that the toys were their donation.
Already looking forward to next year.