One of my most anticipated summer social rides. The day was perfect breezy and warm, pavement dry and no rain in forecast. Over 100 cyclists registered to participate; a lot of familiar and new faces. Bikes setups, wheels, tires and accessories galore. Arrived as Ted Fay randonneur group departing to Indiana Dunes 300k. The cycling community normally offer assistance or advice when requested. Many mechanicals along the way, never seen anyone struggling alone. Rolling out together started strong 16-19 mph; that didn’t last long. Fortunately traffic and trains allowed me to catch up with big groups. The route is great as a group. Nothing I would desire to adventure alone. I always can identify I’m heading in right direction because someone on the street would say you gotta catch up. 🤣 Year three of Tour de Chi; with each rendition it gets better and better. Ben O'Malley did a great job organizing the event. A few times I’ve came close to bailing out especially when we stroll through my neighborhood at 50 miles I could easily call it a day. But found renewed energy when stragglers pass me from behind. Oh I wasn’t the last one. As we grew near to third rest stop I lost group and route kept directing right turn although I was aware it’s somewhere in Humboldt Park; possibly the beach. drained I headed home. A fun day; kinda like North Shore Century except at a faster pace.