The December Chicago Critical Mass was one of the best in our short history. Last year we had all of 12 riders this year we had by a couple of counts 100! Of course the weather was much easier to deal with this year than last. With temps in the 40s one was tempted to ride in shorts! I can say that this was one of our best rides. We spent enough time downtown to be seen by lots of curious eyes. As I was taking my last couple of pictures before getting on the bike a family came up and introduced themselves as a family of riders from an un-remembered 'burb and they wanted to know all about this ride. I started with my favorite point being that Critical Mass happens in more than 120 cities around the world on the last Friday of every month. They asked how to join and I simply replied "show up and ride". They seemed pretty overwhelmed. But then again so was I at the really great turnout we had in the dead of winter.

Alex was handing out these totally cool BikeWinter flashing lights. They have the bicycle snowflake pattern printed white on blue with a red flashing LED in the middle. Thanks Alex and Lauren!

At the same time Gin was busy folding, stapling and distributing the Derailleur. I wish I had a picture to share with you but I gave my copy away after I read it.

Though I did not know it at the time Gin's parents were riding with us again. I know each has ridden with us separately but I do not know if both of them have joined us at the same time. I did not hear this until the end of the ride and then I discovered this picture.

Josh was pouring the champagne and the spirits were high to say the least.

Lauren and someone I could not identify due to the heavy layering toast the new year.

RAMPAGE ON SANTAS!

and we had a couple of snow flakes.