A free bike rodeo, a series of bike-related workshops and a potluck luncheon will take place Saturday in an effort to promote what is being billed as Chicago's next great park, officials said.



The mix of events will take place in Bucktown and is the first in a series of events that aim to draw attention to Bloomingdale Trail, which has been renamed the "606."



The 606 is Chicago's hip, more practical answer to New York's celebrated High Line. The trail is 2.7 miles of unused elevated freight line that cuts through Wicker Park, Bucktown, Humboldt Park and Logan Square.



The path is already used by joggers. But now it is being revamped to have a formal bike lane, walking path and landscaping. There will also be art installations and an observatory. The project will connect five refurbished parks.



Construction has already begun on the project and it's expected to be finished later this year.



For years, officials debated what a new Bloomingdale Trail should look like. The project has been on Chicago's wish list since 2004 and was pushed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel. But last year, the $91 million plan was put in place.



The name "606" refers to the first three digits of Chicago's ZIP code.



The bike rodeo and other events take place on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the McCormick Tribune YMCA, 1834 N. Lawndale Ave.



lbowean@tribune.com

