Maria Paras won the 2002 T-Shirt Design Contest. She grew up in Batesville, a small town in Indiana, and has lived in Chicago for the last 18 years. Maria graduated from The Art Institute of Chicago in 1988 with a B.F.A. in painting and drawing. She works as an Art Restorer (conservator) of fine art picture frames and paintings. She's recently been doing small graphic design projects as a hobby. Maria is a member of the Chicago Cycling Club and has participated in The L.A.T.E. Ride for the past three years and, as she puts it, has "enjoyed every minute of it."

In addition to receiving a great t-shirt, L.A.T.E. Ride participants enjoyed live music by The Chuckleheads from 11:15 p.m. until 1:15 a.m. at Buckingham Fountain. They also had a chance to sample Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream and Home Run Inn pizza. At 12:45 p.m., the crowd voted on the Best Decorated Helmet and Best Lit Bike (winners chosen by audience applause). We had refreshments and snacks at two rest stops, and breakfast back at Buckingham Fountain. The L.A.T.E. Ride provided a rare opportunity for cyclists to ride under the stars and moon - and along the lakefront - Long After Twilight Ends!