I kind of slacked off with the Dahon D7HG Vitesse reporting thing toward the end of last week. It’s been an interesting ride. For what it’s worth, here’s my overall assessment. But first, little bit of context here that probably won’t surprise most people: I don’t know a ton about bicycle mechanics. It is entirely possible that I am not giving enough weight to the marvel of engineering that is a folding bike, or the quality of the gear hub, or some other mechanical component…
Jan 262009
Jan 252009
Yesterday I went over to check out the new bike shop in my neighborhood, Halcyon Bike Shop. Pinkie’s chain had started sounding like a flock of birds, so I stopped by thinking I’d pick up some chain grease, and ended up bringing her back over for a quick overhaul (I had been running errands in the car and didn’t have my bike the first time around).
OK, there weren't actually this many people outside...
Poor Pinkie felt a bit out of place as we squeaked our way through the crowd of hipsters on well-maintained, customized bikes out front…but I told her not to worry, they were friendly.
Even though the shop has only been open about six weeks, it seems like it’s already part of the community. Between the guys riding outside and the customers inside, there must have been about 15 people there during the course of my visit, in addition to the resident dog and cat (love stores that have pets!). Since I normally would go a week without seeing 15 people on bikes, it was a welcome change to see so many people interested in cycling.
While I waited, I looked around front of the shop. They had about 20 reconditioned bikes for sale. Most of the ones in stock were medium-frame men’s road bikes, with distinctive vintage looks, priced between $350 and $600 dollars. They sell new and used parts (I may go back for some fenders) and some handmade and vintage bicycle accessories, including some very cute hats.
We left the shop about 15 minutes later, having spent $15 on a tuneup that made the ride home a lot easier — perhaps a commuter bike should get some attention more than once a year? I realized during my awkward conversation with the very nice mechanic that I know more about working on my Mustang than I do my Schwinn. He said they’re going to get some community classes on bike maintenance going soon, and I will definitely be signing up.
ETA: I came across this series of video tutorials on BicycleTutor.com that looks like a great intro to maintaining your bike—can anyone suggest other resources?
Jan 242009
Obama without the "ba" is Oma 
I saw this on EcoVelo and had to make one of my own. Fun procrastination when I’m supposed to be working! You can make your own here, thanks to the ever-cool Paste Magazine.
Jan 242009
"Bike Commuter Kit"
I recently saw this Bike Commuter Kit at Fleet Feet. Contents: reflective ankle strap, reflective vest, reflective stickers, blinky lights, body wipes. Okay, there’s nothing wrong with this kit if that’s what you’re into. Certainly, wearing a reflective vest does no harm. I never wear them because I do not see value in them in the well-lit city. I’m sure others would disagree and that’s fine. But wearing this stuff does not mean you will be safe. Neon yellow is not a magic safety bubble. Twice in one day this week I saw cyclists almost get creamed by entering intersections when their lights were red. Both of these men were covered with neon.
Jan 242009
Lakefront Trail Plowed
In response to my question whether decisions not to ride were supported by reasons or excuses, the Village Scribe said that the answer lies in what you do the next day and the day after that and so on. I like that! This week I biked to work all 5 days, plus a 6th day to the theatre. So missing a week of riding due to extreme cold and traveling out of town for work does not make me any less of a “cyclist,” whatever that means. Cylicing is always my first choice when circumstances permit. That’s enough for me.
The Late Great Janis the Jamis
Three weeks ago a great tragedy befell my household – two bikes were stolen from my garage, my sister’s Specialized Globe and my Jamis Commuter. One might think that keeping bikes in a locked garage would be safe and that locking the bike with a cable in the garage would be super safe. If in Chicago, one would be wrong. The theives broke in through the back door of my neighbor’s attached garage, through which they could access my garage. Those two bikes, my car bike carrier, and my floor pump were stolen. As my luck would have it, my neighbor’s unlocked bike (that she never, ever rode) standing next to mine was untouched.
Jan 222009
If you’re in Nashville, I hope you did, too.
Jan 212009
This morning was one of those mornings. I woke up late, and it got worse from there. I could go on about my United customer service call woes, or my lost credit card, or the fact that I spent 30 minutes looking for the gloves that I wore home yesterday night, but I’ll spare you. All you need to know is that I left the house almost an hour after I’d planned to wearing socks on my hands. At least I didn’t have to wait for my car to warm up.
At least they matched?
Jan 202009
Today was my first day of riding the Dahon Vitesse D7HG, reputed to be one of the best folding bikes out there. I picked it up from my friend P on Friday and had all weekend to practice folding it. Luckily, it wasn’t that difficult! I was impressed by how well the parts fit together and most of all, that it fit in the trunk of my Mustang convertible.
Junk in the trunk: Please ignore my grocery bags.
HAPPY OBAMA DAY!
So much good stuff in one day! First, of course, is Obama as our new president!! I’m still pinching myself, it seems almost too wonderful. (Hey, shocker, we at Let’s Go Ride a Bike are liberals!) On November 4, 2008, I had a ticket to Grant Park and it was a magical night. After Obama’s speech, my bike and I joined an impromptu parade down Michigan Avenue, a street I never ride on due to the high speeds and heavy traffic. Tonight on my way home I stopped to take a picture of the pretty city lights over the park and only then realized the “OBAMA” lights. Perfect.
Cold Weather Cycling Outfit
Second, today was Chicago’s Winter Bike to Work Day, organized by the Active Transportation Alliance (formerly the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation). I wore my work clothes on my bike (except I later changed from the snow boots to knee-high black suede flat boots) – a red turtleneck, black and white checked knee-length skirt, argyle knee-socks, wool leggings, and wool overcoat. A photographer from the Tribune took my picture and wrote down my name and age, so maybe I’ll make it into the paper again. That would be fun.
The turnout was much smaller than I expected, with no more than 15 people while I was there (including the volunteers). The summer Bike to Work day rally had hundreds of participants, with a speech by Mayor Daley. This confirmed what I’ve been noticing the past 2 months – the amount of commuters drops drastically once the cold rolls in.
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