Ken, Glenn, and Darel started the Old Chicago Seminar in 1993. We were developing a college algebra course at CSU at the time, and the seminars were devoted to talking about mathematics and teaching. We added many new members and have continued to meet once each month, initially of Old Chicago Old Town Fort Collins, then Old Chicago Thornton on Grant.
As years went by, the focus gradually moved from teaching and learning mathematics to health issues and bicycle tours.
In 2011 we rode the Katy trail, starting in Clinton and ending up close to St Lewis. Much of the trail closely follows the Missouri River.
Our second tour in 2014 was the Michelson Trail in South Dakota, a bit over 100 miles in three days. The first two days we divided up into two groups, one headed south and the other headed north and exchanging car keys when we met each day in the middle. The third day was roughly 50 miles with everyone headed south.
In 2015 we did Pedal the Plains in northeastern Colorado. Day 1 Julesburg to Holyoke, Day 2 to Sterling, Day 3 back to Julesburg.
In 2016 we rode the Nachez Trace, mostly in the state of Mississippi.
In 2017 we rode the Trail of the Coeur d’Alene in Idaho. The first day was about 50 miles, the first 10 miles very fast downhill, The second day we did the Hiawatha Trail featuring long tunnels and large trestles. The third day took us from Coeur d’Alene to Spokane. The first day was wonderful, the second frightening and the third day rather boring,
In 2018 we rode the Cowboy Trail in Nebraska. The trail starts near Valentine, crosses a nearby trestle, then heads east and slightly south. The trail started out great, but then the wind picked up and made things much more difficult.
Also in 2018 we rode the Glenwood Canyon Trail, followed the next day by the Rio Grande Trail from Aspen to Glenwood Springs. The Glenwood Canyon segment is short and follows the Colorado River gently downstream. The Ria Grande Trail is beautiful between Aspen and Carbondale, then the last ten miles into Glenwood Springs less so.
In 2019 we tode the GAP, starting in Pittsburgh and ending just across the state line in Maryland. This is perhaps the most popular bicycle route in the United States, quite a contrast with the lonely Cowboy Trail in Nebraska.
In 2020 we planned to do an 80-kilometer ride near Fort Collins to celebrate those who just turned 80 or who plan to do so in the future. This was postponed because of Covid-19 , but took place in the fall of 2021. It was a beautiful fall day. Perhaps the best ride ever!
In 2022 we returned to Coeur d’Alene. Mike and Darel drove a diesel pickup so that we could take Mike’s trike. Ken and his relatives did a Wilderness Voyageurs bike tour with rented bikes. Much of the trail is on an old railroad bed, with the Coeur d’Alene River on one side and lakes on the other. The lakes are shallow and seem to be ideal habitat for moose. Mike and Darel rode bikes for two days with a round of golf in between.
