Museum of Science and Industry

MSI SUPPORTERS TAKE PART IN SCIENCE SPINS BIKE RIDE AND EVENT

Lakefront ride to Museum offers preview of Museum’s historic bike collection

CHICAGO (Sept. 18, 2012)— Supporters of the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) took to the lakefront  on their bikes on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 15—all in the name of science. They were riding as part of a fun, family bike event, Science Spins, hosted by the Museum.

MSI friends and donors took part in two different bike ride options along the lakefront—a 6.5 mile and a 30-mile trek—both of which ended up at the Museum. At MSI guests enjoyed refreshments and a look at the Museum’s historic bike collection, on display for the first time in decades and soon to be part of new permanent exhibit at MSI, opening next year.

Bikes on display included a replica of an 1818 Draisiene, the first attempt at a human-propelled, two-wheel bicycle, invented in Germany; a replica of an 1820 McMillan, a Scottish bike that brought pedals into the picture; an 1880 American Star, with a large wheel in the back and a unique clutch system; and a 1900 No. 10 Giant, with a diamond-shape frame that introduced the basic bike design we use today.   

Examples of cutting-edge, modern-day bikes were also on display, including a Renovo Elwood wooden bike, which is great at absorbing shock; and the Cannondale Supsersix Evo Team, made from ultra-light but impact-resistant carbon fiber. Members of the MSI collections team were on hand to explain the artifacts and answer questions.

In addition, volunteers from Working Bikes, a non-profit organization that rescues discarded bicycles and restores them for those in need, helped facilate some “pedal power” activities: guests pedaled a bike to power a record player, light bulb, fountain and a spinning globe.  

“This event was a great way to not only showcase the Museum’s amazing collection, but also to demonstrate, in something as simple as a bike ride, how science and innovation really do impact our daily lives,” said David Mosena, president and CEO of the Museum of Science and Industry. “The bicycle revolutionized the world over 150 years ago and maintains its place as one of the most sustainable and green forms of individual transportation. And in exploring the evolution of bicycles, there are opportunities to learn about technology, engineering and energy.”

Other activities included tours of the Smart Home: Green + Wired exhibit and garden, an eco-friendly home and landscape built on the Museum’s grounds; as well as the Henry Crown Space Center, which features the iconic Apollo 8 command module. The evening capped off with the opportunity to see Omnimax film Wired to Win, which documents grueling Tour de France, and the brain-science involved for those who attempt it.

The Museum of Science and Industry gives special thanks to the following for making the Science Spins event possible: the Science Spins Host Committee of Jim Gray, Ken Griffin, Michael Krasny, Smita Shah, Maarten de Jeu, Denis Smith, Joanne McSweeney;  On the Route Bicycles, TREK Bicycles on Michigan Avenue, Working Bikes and Dominick’s.  For more information on how to become a supporter of the Museum of Science and Industry, visit msichicago.org.

The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) offers thousands of fun and interactive exhibits and one-of-a-kind, world-class experiences to inspire the inventive genius in everyone. Through its Center for the Advancement of Science Education, MSI also aspires to a larger vision: to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in science, technology, medicine and engineering. Come visit and find your inspiration! MSI is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, and regular hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Museum is supported in part through the generosity of the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, find MSI online at msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414 or (800) GO-TO-MSI outside of the Chicago area.

Press Materials

• SCIENCE SPINS Press Release (PDF)

Images

To save an image, click on the "Download" link to open the full-size version in a new window.
Then right-click on the full-size image and select 'Save Picture As' to save to your hard drive.

Images presented here are for the express use for promoting the Museum of Science and Industry. All images must be properly credited. Images may not be reproduced by third parties without express written permission from the Museum of Science and Industry.