The ride, organized by the National Veterans Art Museum, will focus on public art and historic sites. View Full Caption Facebook/John Arena

PORTAGE PARK — Bikers can put the pedal to the metal and tour some of the Far Northwest Side's public art installations and historic sites during a bike tour hosted by the National Veterans Art Museum and Arts Alive Chicago Aug. 9.

Pedalers can choose to ride a six- or- 12-mile loop, starting at 1 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Park, 4822 N. Long Ave., to noteworthy places in and around Jefferson Park, Portage Park and Old Irving Park.

The tour, led by the Chicago Bicycle Coalition, is expected to include the Ed Paschke Art Center, Beaubien School, Copernicus Center, Frank J. Wilson Park, Plank Road, public murals, Our Lady of Victory church and school, Dickinson Park, the Six Corners Shopping District, the National Veterans Art Museum, the Portage Theater, Patio Theater, the Irish-American Heritage Center and the Henry V. Peters House.

Refreshments will be provided at a rest station, and raffle prizes will be awarded to a few lucky riders, who must make it to the end of the ride to win.

Riders should make sure their bikes are reliable and in good working order. People will be on hand to assist riders with minor repairs. Ride marshals will help stop and control traffic, but riders should be prepared to ride on streets with traffic.

The ride will take place rain or shine and will only be canceled in the event of lightning.

The ride is free, but registration is required. For more information, call 312-326-0270 or email info@nvam.org.

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