In Chicago, nothing seems to flow smoothly, except the Chicago River.
Dan Schreiner has to work downtown today, but it’s going to be a chore to get there from Roscoe Village.
“There is no traffic on the river today,” he said.
He could easily take the Kennedy Expressway, but he prefers a kayak and a route that is “much more scenic.” His commute is the kind that CBS News Chicago wanted to investigate.
Schreiner usually makes the trip alone a few mornings a month. It started with a New Year’s resolution and “to give back to Mother Earth and zero emissions and try to inspire some people to live healthy.”
He admitted he thought it was a “crazy idea,” but his wife encouraged him.
It wouldn’t be the first time Schreiner has attempted such an athletic feat. In 2017, he cycled more than 1,000 miles in two weeks to win a winter bike race.
“It’s basically like riding your bike to Milwaukee every night after work,” he said.
Back at the Chicago River, he said his average commute time, depending on how warm it is, is about three hours.
Even a fisherman can be impressed by that patience.
“Get away!” said Antonio Jackson, who was fishing along the river. “Three hours? He must be crazy!”
Some people like an adventurous route and the Chicago River is always full of surprises.
“Oh, you have a capsized boat!” said Schreiner. “That’s cool!”
He would report the boat to the proper authorities.
The next unexpected find in the water was a real message in a bottle. He was going to keep it for himself.
While a smooth ride should not be confused with easy, there is no rush hour on the river. There was only a little traffic on the water at Wacker Drive.
All Schriener had to do before going to work was stuff his boat into a backpack.
He also got that message from the bottle.
It said, in part: “Do what you want to do in life. What would you do if you couldn’t fail? Do that [expletive]. Then call me and tell me.”
Just wait until they hear about these kayakers’ commutes.
