HotelChatter

The Strida bicycles are light, which makes it easy to pack them up and lug them around when you want to check out the sights up close. When you get tired from all that pedaling, stop for a picnic lunch at North Avenue Beach. As part of the package, the hotel throws in a boxed lunch from its in-house restaurant, Mercat a la Planxa, whose specialty is Catalan tapas. You get a sammie choice of grilled vegetables, basil aioli, and Idiazábal cheese on bread; smoked paprika chicken salad on grilled focaccia; or Serrano ham, manchego, peppers and basil aioli on a baguette. All options come with fresh fruit, housemade chips and bottled water to keep you energized. And afterward, you can people-watch amid all of the beach bunnies or serve up a game of volleyball at one of North Avenue Beach's many sand courts.

The Bike Chicago package, which costs $199 to $269, includes overnight accommodations for two. Lance Armstrong types can book the deal online Thursday to Sunday through the end of October.