They came together as a horde, revving their engines in celebration as they gathered by the hundreds in the West Loop ahead of their annual “season opener” motorcycle ride throughout the city.
But the group of bikers who came together on Saturday evening weren’t there to cause havoc — just to shake off the winter blues and make friends, the group’s leader said.
“We’re a super friendly group,” according to Chicago United Riders President Mike Dobija, who helped organize the event. “It’s just a really fun atmosphere.”
Still, the throng of bikers assembled in and around Cobra Lounge, 235 N. Ashland Ave., drew the attention of dozens of Chicago police, who shut down the intersection of Justine and Fulton streets for about 30 minutes after bikers began doing tricks through the intersection. Some were popping wheelies and smoking their tires.
Dobija said police had issued some citations, which had driven off about half the group, but he wasn’t concerned. “We’ll just meet up with them on Wacker” Drive, he said shortly before the ride’s scheduled 8 p.m. start.
A police spokesman said officers typically won’t escort or bother the group unless a biker blocks a road or rides unsafely. As some officers wrote tickets, others huddled with Dobija and discussed the safety concerns. That discussion ended peacefully, with the ride being allowed to go on.
The event is organized mostly through Facebook and other social media platforms, as well as by word of mouth. “It’s a hobby and it’s supposed to be fun,” said Dobija. “You can come with friends or you can come [alone] and make a hundred friends.”
After meeting at Cobra Lounge, the group headed into the city, with plans to ride Lower Wacker and Lake Shore drives, but without a defined route, Dobija said.
“Usually we just follow the path of least resistance,” Dobija said.
The ride typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour.
“We’ve never had any issues,” according to Dobija.
