Every year, thousands of bike enthusiasts gather at Buckingham Fountain, in downtown Chicago, to ride around the city they love. “Friends of the Parks” hosts this annual L.A.T.E. ride between the hours of 1 and 7 am. This experience allows any able bodied person with a bike to join in a 25 mile trek around the perimeter of Chicago.

When I was initially asked to come on the ride, I balked. You want me to ride around, dodging cabs, with 8,000 people, at 3am, when I should be sleeping? What should I do, fill my Camelbak with coffee? Despite my initial uneasiness, my curiosity got the better of me and I paid the $40 entrance fee.

My friend and I arrived at Buckingham Fountain about midnight, a good 2 hours before we were scheduled to leave. We picked up our packets of a t-shirt, map of the region, and coupons, and wandered the area looking for action. There were probably around 4,000 people already there when we arrived, and I was amazed at the diversity that I saw. There were people there with ages ranging from 5-85, and many looked like weathered professionals.

There was also a diversity of bikes. I rolled up pretty proud of my Trek 4500, when I noticed that there were hundreds of people that had much nicer bikes. Several people had bikes that looked lighter than Lance Armstrong’s, and other’s had rigs that looked like they’d ridden down Everest. The average rider had an affordable bike however, and many families showed up and rode tandem.

I was impressed with the accommodations the park had to offer. There was a trailer from Starbucks, several tents that gave out bottles of water, and in the middle of it all, was a live band playing all kinds of music.

Due to the huge amount of people participating, the staff had organized for the bikers all to leave in waves of 2,000 people. These were staggered at about 20 minute intervals, and we wound up leaving with the third wave at 2am.

Overall the ride was fascinating. I’ve been to the city many times, but never have I seen anything more incredible. The city has many different sections, and we rode through most of them. Among them was Greek Town, whose clubs still were blaring music long after twilight.

The staff at “Friends of the Parks” had two rest areas set up, and gave out food and drinks for the weary participants. Soon after leaving the second stop, the sun began to come up, displaying some of the greatest sights one can see. I honestly think that the city displays its true colors early in the morning, when most people are still asleep.

We finished riding at about 5:30, and rolled into the fountain area exhausted. Thankfully, a breakfast of yogurt, fruit and granola was offered, and that provided the necessary energy we needed to drive home without falling asleep.

Overall, it was a phenomenal ride. There’s nothing like riding through the windy city with 8,000 people who love biking as much as you. Would I do it again? Yep. But next time, I am definitely, 100%, without a doubt, filling my water bottle with Red Bull.