Winter Bike Challenge 2016 kicks off

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

January 11, 2017

Contact: 

Clare McDermott
Active Transportation Alliance
312.216.0466 (o)
773.391.7709 (c)
clare@activetrans.org

Celebrate winter bike commuting in Chicago on Jan. 13, and get ready for MB Bike the Drive

(Chicago, IL) — Winter Bike to Work Day on Jan. 13 is the 25th annual celebration of cyclists who don’t let gloomy winter days or low temperatures stop them from pedaling to work. Winter Bike to Work Day, organized by the Active Transportation Alliance, commemorates the coldest day in Chicago history — Jan. 20, 1985 — when the official temperature at O’Hare International Airport was 27 degrees below zero. Attendees of Winter Bike to Work Day Rally can warm up with free Dark Matter coffee and slices of Eli’s Cheesecake from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. at Daley Plaza, located at Washington and Dearborn Streets. 

The Winter Bike to Work Day also kicks off Active Trans’ third annual Winter Bike Challenge — this free event is the perfect opportunity for newbies to give winter cycling a try, but also provides a chance for the more seasoned winter rider to mix it up. During the challenge, which runs Jan. 13-27, participants can win cool prizes like a fat-tire bike, free coffee, bike locks and more! Participants can get all the tools they need to get going on two wheels through tips listed at bikecommuterchallenge.org. Outdoor retailer REI is even offering free classes to prep for the event! Not quite ready to ride in the cold? Participants can also come chat with seasoned riders at the Winter Bike to Work Day Rally! 

January also brings more cycling excitement when online registration opens at 8 a.m., on January 27, for this year’s MB Bike the Drive to be held on Sunday, May 28, 2017. With Chicago recently getting named the #1 bicycling city in America by Bicycling magazine, what better way to celebrate than with a ride on the city’s crown jewel roadway — Lake Shore Drive. You’ll enjoy the city skyline and stellar views of Lake Michigan on the only day of the year when Lake Shore Drive is open exclusively to people biking and closed to car traffic. Tickets can be purchased at mbbikethedrive.org. 

Photos are available on request.  

About Active Transportation Alliance

The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit, member-based advocacy organization that advocates for walking, bicycling, and public transit to create healthy, sustainable and equitable communities. The organization works to build a movement around active transportation, encourage physical activity, increase safety and build a world-class transportation network. The Active Transportation Alliance is supported by more than 7,000 members and 1,000 volunteers. For more information about the Active Transportation Alliance, visit www.activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.

About MB Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: MBFI)

MB Financial Inc. is the Chicago-based holding company for MB Financial Bank, whichhas approximately $19 billion in assets and a more than one hundred year history ofbuilding deep and lasting relationships with middle-market companies and individuals.MB offers a full range of powerful financial solutions and the expertise and experienceof bankers who are focused on their clients’ success.