Covering a Convention on Two Wheels
A Jaded Reporter’s Guide to Staying Sane at the Democratic National Convention
Sixteen-hour work days aren’t conducive to a healthy work-life balance. I salvaged a bit of my own balance on a bicycle while covering the Democratic National Convention over four picture-perfect Chicago summer days and nights.
The Perks of Pedaling
To sidestep DNC traffic bottlenecks and avoid CTA hiccups — and to save our venerable nonprofit news organization a few expensed Ubers (you’re welcome, bosses) — I logged 58.1 miles on my trusty Jamis Coda while darting from schmoozefest to political schmoozefest.
A Morning Routine
That often meant showing up for the functions with a sweaty back and an occasionally forgotten rolled-up pant leg.
A Cool Down
But thanks to a blessed week of 80-degree temperatures, low humidity and overly air-conditioned media tents, I generally gave myself enough time to cool down, air out — and not stink up the joint.
The Downtown View
The downtown view on Aug. 20 outside the hotel of the Illinois delegation to the Democratic National Convention.
Mitchell Armentrout/Sun-Times
A Coffee-Fueled Ride
Coffee cup No. 2, enjoyed along the Chicago Riverwalk, staved off the heavy eyelids after filing the day’s first few live blog submissions. So did the 5-mile jaunt along Milwaukee and Division to a Humboldt Park assignment, which also invited coffee cup No. 3.
A Memorable Ride
Holding on for dear life down the Damen Avenue bike lane kept the senses sharp for the wrong reasons. But rolling out the final mile to the United Center on a blissfully carless, tree-lined Wood Street gave me new life to endure each night’s made-for-TV political programming.
Conventions and Memories
I’ll remember the way the UC’s 300-level shook when Kamala Harris walked out to accept the first presidential nomination for a Black woman atop a major-party ticket.
I’ll remember the pin-drop silence of Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum as Donald Trump spoke just days after an attempted assassin came within an inch of the nominee’s life.
I’ll remember the buzz — and eventual disappointment — of DNC attendees praying for Beyonce to walk on stage, and the absurdity of Kid Rock urging thousands of RNC guests to “fight, fight.”
You better believe I’ll remember chatting on the DNC floor with Wendell Pierce, the legendary Detective “Bunk” Moreland of “The Wire” himself, one of my favorite actors, who campaigned for Harris.
Conclusion
More than that, I’ll remember laboring alongside and learning from my wildly talented colleagues, Tina Sfondeles and Lynn Sweet, and standing in awe of ace Sun-Times photographers Ashlee Rezin and Anthony Vazquez.
But mostly I’ll remember zipping past the postconvention traffic gridlock, taking the long way home and decompressing with 5 quick miles along the lakefront and the nighttime skyline.
You should try it.
FAQs
Q: How many miles did you ride during the convention?
A: I logged 58.1 miles on my trusty Jamis Coda.
Q: What was the most memorable part of the convention for you?
A: The way the UC’s 300-level shook when Kamala Harris walked out to accept the first presidential nomination for a Black woman atop a major-party ticket.
Q: Did you get to meet any notable people during the convention?
A: Yes, I chatted with Wendell Pierce, the legendary Detective “Bunk” Moreland of “The Wire” himself, who campaigned for Harris.
Q: Would you recommend covering a convention on two wheels?
A: Absolutely. It’s a great way to stay sane and get some exercise during a long and grueling event.
