Lake Shore Drive
Wednesday, March 5th, 2008Aliotta-Haynes-Jeremiah, a folk-rock trio in the early 70s, had their biggest (and only real) hit with “Lake Shore Drive“, in homage to the best road in Chicago. Lake Shore Drive (or the Drive or LSD) is a Chicago expressway which runs along Lake Michigan for most of the length of Chicago.
I don’t get too excited over many roads, especially in Chicago. In fact, the usual traffic snarls, increasing potholes and constant construction makes me abhor driving on any street here. But Lake Shore Drive is not any street. I was reminded of that this past Sunday, as my work took me from one end to the other of this awesome road.
A quick history lesson reveals that it was opened in 1937 as Leif Ericson Drive and was designated as US Highway 41. Aside from the name change to Lake Shore Drive in 1946, other changes include straightening out a dangerous curve and moving part of the northbound lanes to better utilize the lakefront museum area.
Simply driving the length of Lake Shore Drive is an aesthetic treat. On one side, there is the lakefront. Words do not do justice to the beauty of a sunrise over Lake Michigan. Even in the winter, with a frozen lake, the view is magnificent.
On the other side is a panorama of the city, encompassing the many lakefront neighborhoods. The view is a lesson in history, architecture and cultures. The city’s ever-changing landscape ensures you will see something different every time.
I have had the pleasure of actually running on the Drive, as part of the Chicago Marathon’s course included stretches on it. Hitting the Drive always brought an adrenaline burst, as much for the sheer awe of the view as for the fact that the Marathon’s end was near.
I even tempted the law by taking the scooter on the Drive a few times. While it is not approved for expressway driving, I just had to experience the feeling of zipping along the lake, unencumbered by my usual vehicle. It was a thrill, despite being somewhat intimidated by the larger, faster vehicles flying by me (hence the scooter laws).
I could continue to explain my love for Lake Shore Drive by use of flowery language and mounting superlatives. Instead, I will simply quote Aliotta-Haynes-Jeremiah:
“Well there ain’t no road just like it, anywhere I’ve found, Runnin’ south on Lake Shore Drive, headin’ into town.”
-John Wroblewski, distribution specialist
