LGBT outdoor sports

Ladies pedaling up and down the lakefront path or sliding into second, fellas spiking the ball at Hollywood Beach or sprinting shirtless at dizzying speeds. It’s the season to hit the great urban outdoors and roll three of our favorite activities—staying fit, socializing and summer in Chicago—into one. It’s not too late to get in on the action for the following sports:

CMSA Soccer
Getting kicked in the shin has never looked so tempting. Chicago’s coed queer soccer team divides itself into both recreational and competitive levels and—bad pun alert—kicks off June 2 at the fields at Montrose and Lake Shore Drive, where play begins each Saturday at 9:30am. It’s an early start for sure, but, as team member Kyle likes to say, that leaves ample time to reboot for Saturday night. Adds Kyle, “We are a group small enough to know the people you are playing with, but big enough to always be meeting someone for the first time.” Registration costs $77 by Sunday 20 and $87 thereafter.
We say The approaching deadline is June 1, but late registration is available by e-mailing soccer@chicagomsa.org.

CRU
“Crew, or rowing, may be the ultimate physical workout, combining cardiovascular endurance, strength, balance and coordination,” says team member Craig. We’re sold. CRU (chicagorowingunion.org) is seeking men and women both experienced and novice for its 2012 season. Beginners practice every Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm at the Dammrich Rowing Center (3220 W Oakton St, Skokie) starting June 5 and must complete a Learn to Row session first. Annual membership is $50 and monthly dues are $65–$95.
We say Do we really have to go to the ’burbs? Yep, but the team provides carpools to and from various ’hoods.

Frontrunner/Frontwalkers
Those hotties lacing up their Nikes by the totem pole? Those would be the men and women of this run/walk group, who hit the lakefront path twice weekly (frfwchicago.org). Membership is $20 annually and the team brunches afterward at local hotspots. “It’s a great way to explore new places and meet other runners,” says team member Julie. Adds runner Gary, “Plus, who doesn’t enjoy being out on the lakefront and enjoying shirtless guys?!”
We say Just do it! We’ve trained with some of these roadrunners before, and they’ll kick your booty into high gear. Plus, it’s a great way to gear up for June’s Proud to Run (proudtorun.org).

Windy City Cycling Club
This year-round LGBT group of cycling enthusiasts celebrates its 20th year in 2012. They offer a smorgasbord of activities aimed at a diverse group of folk and take weekend rides all over the Midwest (windycitycyclingclub.com). “We come together well as a group because of our shared passions for recreational cycling, LGBT issues, sense of community and competitive spirit,” says team member Jefferson. Membership is $25 annually.
We say Heads up, ladies! In addition to WCCC’s monthly “brunch and ride” group Dykes Pedaling Bikes, the new Velo Vixens offer faster, longer courses for more competitive women.

Wait, it gets even gayer
More the benchwarming, boozehound type? You can still hang with the teams at Uptown’s Crew Bar and Grill (4804 N Broadway, worldsgreatestbar.com) including Mondays with the AAC Beach Volleyball League, Fridays with the CMSA Beach Volleyball League, Saturdays with CMSA Flag Football and Sundays with the CMSA Men’s and Women’s Softball League.

For more information on summer sports including softball, beach volleyball and dodgeball leagues, visit chicagomsa.org.