June 16, 2008

Handlebar None

Summer Bicycle Guide

Today Big Wheel drag races; tomorrow the Tour de France. Help your little biker go the distance.

Pedal
The Strida Mini (Village CycleSport, 1313 North Rand Road; 847-398-1650) for beginners folds into a handheld bundle, while Radio Flyer’s Grow ’n Go has an adjustable frame.

Secure
Tell thieves to hiss off with a Snake Bike Lock.

Learn
Mayor Daley’s Bicycling Ambassadors give free bike safety lessons and helmet fits in local areas and at community events.

Tour
Survey the city’s bike map or ride the Southwest Side’s Major Taylor Bike Trail, a six-and-a-half-mile stretch of forest and parkland at 105th and Throop Streets.

That should steer everyone in the right direction.

JABBER
Skald Storytelling Workshop
What: WNEP founding director Don Hall teaches kids how to spin a good yarn.
Why: Tell it like it is.
When: Mon. & Tues., 11:30 a.m.
Where: Chicago Cultural Center, Garland Room, 78 E. Washington St., at Michigan Ave. R.S.V.P. to 312-742-8497.

SEE
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
What: Family musical about a crocodile living in a family’s bathtub.
Why: Crocodile rockin’, it’s something shockin’.
When: Thru Jul. 13. Fri.-Sun., 1 p.m.
Where: Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., at Farwell Ave., Rogers Park (773-761-4477).

SEEK
Family Quest
What: Competitive challenge lets kids uncover clues, solve problems, and learn about nature.
Why: Be a part of the team.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Jackson Park (Wooded Island), 6401 S. Stony Island Ave., at 64th St. (312-742-5039).