So, You Fancy Yourself a Saddle and Cycle Clubber, Eh?
Ever cruised down Lake Shore Drive and glimpsed that fancy-looking building with a whiff of mystery? That, my friend, is the legendary Saddle and Cycle Club, a Chicago institution older than your grandpa's penny-farthing. But the real question burning a hole in your pocket (or maybe your dreams) is: how much does it cost to join this enigmatic enclave?
Buckle Up, Buttercup, It Ain't Pennies for Peanuts
Look, let's be honest, the Saddle and Cycle Club ain't exactly your local YMCA. It's more like a country club that crash-landed on the shores of Lake Michigan. Membership fees are about as secret as the recipe for Coca-Cola, but rumors swirl around the internet like a pack of fixies on a velodrome. We're talking about figures that could make even a Kardashian break a sweat.
However, fret not, intrepid cyclist! Here's what we do know (or at least, what we can glean from whispers and hushed tones):
- Initiation fees? More like initiation tears! Expect a hefty sum to join the club. Enough to buy a decent used Segway, at least.
- Annual dues? Let's just say they could cover a luxurious cycling vacation in Tuscany. Unless your idea of a vacation is ramen noodles and watching the Tour de France on repeat.
But Wait, There's More! (Because Exclusive Places Love Extra Fees)
On top of the initiation fee and annual dues, you might also need to loosen your grip on your wallet for:
- Monthly fees: Think of it as a subscription to a world of exclusivity, with a side of freshly squeezed privilege.
- Food and beverage minimums: Because apparently, fancy people don't just eat, they **minimally eat. Imagine a world where your bar tab comes with a side of guilt.
Essentially, membership at the Saddle and Cycle Club is an investment. An investment in comfort, prestige, and maybe even a killer view of the lakefront.
So, Do You Need to Sell Your Bike to Join the Club?
Maybe not your bike, but it definitely won't be a budget-friendly decision. Unless you're secretly a millionaire who moonlights as a cycling instructor, this might be a dream for another day.
But Hey, There's Always Hope!
Here are some alternatives to consider:
- Befriend a member: Maybe you have a charming personality and can score an invite to a swanky event. Just work on your name-dropping skills and practice that Colgate smile.
- Stalk their website: They might accidentally (or maybe intentionally) let a clue slip about membership fees. Stranger things have happened (like Lance Armstrong admitting to, well, everything).
- Start your own exclusive club: Name it something ironic, like "The Spokesfolk" or "The Penny-Farthing Posse." Who needs exclusivity when you can make your own fun, right?
Ultimately, the decision is yours, my cycling companion. Just remember, with great exclusivity comes great financial responsibility. But hey, if you do manage to snag a membership, be sure to send us a postcard (or at least a carrier pigeon message) from your luxurious lakefront retreat.
