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Jason “Deep Dive” Lord • • About the Author
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From Battle Creek to Chicago: An Amtrak-powered e-bike adventure

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🌆 From Battle Creek to Chicago: Bikes, Bars & Deep-Dish Vibes

An Amtrak-powered e-bike adventure through flavor and storm clouds

It started with a folded e-bike, a train ticket, and the threat of thunderstorms. What unfolded was a uniquely Chicago story—where every stop served up something unforgettable, from dive bars to rooftop vibes. This is the Deep Dive AI travel log from our Battle Creek departure to settling into the heart of Ukrainian Village.

🚆 Amtrak Ride-In: Folding Dreams & Real Storms

We boarded the 10 a.m. Amtrak at Battle Creek’s historic station with our e-bikes (well under 50 lbs) ready to roll. Amtrak allows folding e-bikes like ours with a reserved bike slot, and we used every tip in the book: early arrival, folding handlebars, batteries safely packed, and patience with station staff.

Onboard, clouds began brewing. By the time we rolled into Union Station in Chicago around 12:30 p.m., the radar was red and pulsing. Rather than stop mid-route, we headed straight for our Airbnb to beat the incoming rain. The 2-mile ride was mostly on well-marked bike lanes and went smoothly.

🏠 2135 W Haddon Ave – Home Base in Ukrainian Village

We arrived at our Airbnb, dropped our gear, and headed out on foot as the skies threatened to open. Our first real Chicago experience began at J&M Tap, just a short walk away. After ringing the camera doorbell to be let in, we discovered a cozy dive with pool tables, a jukebox, and $5 seltzers (cash only, ATM on site). The rain hit hard while we were there, so we decided to stay put and had Roots Handmade Pizza delivered—specifically, the famous McDowell’s Pizza, topped with seasoned beef, pickles, onions, cheddar, and Louis sauce.

Once the storm cleared, we returned to the Airbnb for a quick nap and to map out our evening plans.

🍺 Evening Crawl: Queen Mary & Empty Bottle

As night fell, we set off on foot for the famed Queen Mary Tavern to catch their Wednesday night "cost-price bottle pour." Unfortunately, by 6 p.m., it was already standing-room only, and we missed the limited-time special. Undeterred, we continued on to the nearby Empty Bottle, a local dive with legendary status.

We walked in to a laid-back vibe. I got the $5 drink special: a beer and a shot. Kellie opted for a Sprite. The music wasn’t set to start until 9 p.m., so after soaking in the ambiance and meeting Peg—the bar’s resident cat and true mascot—we walked back to our Airbnb for a good night’s sleep.

🍳 Letizia’s Morning Magic

The next morning brought sunshine and one of the sweetest spots of the trip: Letizia’s Natural Bakery. We picked up a poppy seed muffin for Kellie and a strawberry yogurt muffin for me, then sat tucked behind the bakery in their secret flower-filled garden. A peaceful and beautiful way to start the day.

🎧 Listen to the Trip Playlist

🍯 Deep Dive Travel Gear Picks

We don’t ride—or survive Chicago storms—without these go-to tools and gear. Each of these was used (and appreciated) on this trip. Affiliate links help support our next journey:

Everything on this list traveled with us or saved the day at least once. Thanks for supporting Deep Dive AI with your clicks!

🌍 Join the Journey

Have a favorite Chicago dive we missed? Want to recommend a next stop? Tag us at @DeepDiveAI or drop a comment below.

Until next time, keep pedaling. And keep your rain jacket handy.

#DeepDiveAI #AmtrakAdventures #ChicagoByBike #EbikeExplorers #RootzPizza #EmptyBottleVibes #QueenMaryTavern

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