The Wright Ride
Who was Frank Lloyd Wright?
The ride is named for one of Oak Park's most famous citizens, Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright was an architect, designer, and pioneer of the Prairie Style school of architecture. He lived and worked in Oak Park from 1889-1909, building numerous homes that still stand in the community including his own.
Oak Park boasts many examples of the very first Prairie Style houses, as well as Wright's world-renowned Unity Temple, which was built between 1905-1908. Richard Bock, William Eugene Drummond, Marion Mahony Griffin, and Walter Burley Griffin are a few of the many well-known architects and artists who contributed to designs that came out of Wright's Oak Park Studio. Innumerable buildings in Oak Park were built by other Prairie School architects such as Tallmadge and Watson, George W. Maher, Robert C. Spencer, John Van Bergen, and E.E. Roberts.
The Wright Ride provides the opportunity to see a dozen Frank Lloyd Wright homes in Oak Park and neighboring communities as well as various architectural styles of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
What is the Wright Ride?
The annual Wright Ride is not a race but a leisurely jaunt through the western suburbs. Net proceeds from the Wright Ride go towards supporting local non-profits. In 2018, a total of $10,000 was donated to the following organizations:
· Active Transportation Alliance
· Amling's Cycle Annual Holiday Toy Ride
· Bike Illinois
· Bikes N' Roses
· Oak Park Regional Housing Center
· Frank Lloyd Wright Trust
· West Town Bikes
The Wright Ride is thankful for many generous sponsors.