Bakfietsing: Dottie 02/21/09
Test Ride! Bakfietsing Dottie from Dottie White on Vimeo.
read moreHershberger Baker's Basket 02/19/09
I've been looking for a suitable basket for Oma's front rack since I adopted her in October. I was looking at a couple of Basil and Wald baskets and had decided that a simple, big wire basket would be the most utilitarian choice for all weather and hauling conditions. But then I saw this beauty on Velo Orange: the Hershberger Baker's Basket with Lid. Add to the good looks that it was made by an Amish family in Minnesota, and I was sold. The basket arrived in the mail yesterday. It is smaller than I imagined and ...
read moreSigns of Spring 02/19/09
Earlier this week I rode past this budding tree and its beribboned nest. We have been alternating between days that feel like spring and days that feel like winter here in Nashville, and I'm hoping this is a sign that we'll be sticking with spring very soon. Anyone else seeing signs of a change in the weather?
read moreHeart-warming Story of the Day 02/18/09
I swear I've had this exact fantasy many times about my stolen bike. Here's the brief story: Chicago girl's bike was stolen, she posted about it on The Chainlink, someone saw a Craigslist ad and said is this it?, girl says yes!, girl takes her bike back, theif gets visit from police. Read the full thread here. The Highlight: Everyone! I got my bike back!!! I was trying to keep chill in case he was a biker and somehow read this thread. I've been on his heels since first seeing the ad on criags...
read moreBicycling Music 02/17/09
This week for the first time I've been listening to music while riding to and from work. Yes, with earbuds and an ipod. I would not do this on busy streets, but I've decided that it's perfectly fine on the deserted lakefront trail and quiet side streets. I keep the volume low and, conveniently, only one of my earbuds works, so I hear all around me. I LOVE music, although I have no special talent for it myself. Music makes everything better! So this morning was The Dresden Dolls and this evening was Arc...
read moreMénage à Trois 02/16/09
I have a confession to make: I'm not sure one bike, even one as lovely as the Batavus, is enough for me. I used to think bikes were like men -- you find the one for you, and that's it (or so they say). Now I know that they are more like shoes, or maybe coats: there's the right choice for every occasion. One day you're feeling sporty; the next, you might want to haul groceries home. And what if someone comes to visit and needs to borrow a bike? It doesn't help that they're all so beautiful in different ways. This is ...
read moreSomething in the Works 02/16/09
Yesterday I rode down to Hyde Park on the south side to TATI Cycles. The meeting was awesome and I have something in the works with him now, one way or another. Still waiting on more details, but I'm very excited. Much closer to my new bike than I was a day ago! Riding down the south side of the Lakefront Trail was a treat. Deserted and very "back to nature" compared to the north side, with its tacky tiki bars and beach volleyball in the summer. I was on the lookout for the Obamas (or, really, the Secret Service) ...
read moreWe Are Not Alone 02/16/09
As you have no doubt heard, a very famous person joined me, Dottie, Sally, Pete and everyone at someonestolemybike.com among the ranks of those who have lost a bike to theft: Lance Armstrong himself. Despite what several fake craigslist postings and eBay auctions would have you believe, it hasn't surfaced yet -- but such a distinctive bike must be nearly impossible to pawn off. Let's hope it turns up soon. UPDATE: Lance's bicycle found!
read moreChicago Bike Shop Mini-Tour 02/15/09
Yesterday I set out to visit various bike shops. I visited four total, just the tip of the iceberg in these parts. Two were a pleasure, two were highly annoying, and none led to a bike discovery. On the positive side, I enjoyed spending a few hours cycling around the city. This pic was taken in my "backyard." Yes, I do live that close to the el tracks, but the noise is not an issue. I prefer to be close to public transit, although I rarely take it nowadays. Good thing I spent all day riding around, because...
read moreKiss My Mixte Ass 02/13/09
"Well, no one wears hoop skirts anymore, so you don't really see any mixtes around." Those were the words of wisdom delivered to me by a bike shop guy in answer to my question of whether they had any steel mixtes. Look, pal, you're talking mixte crap to the wrong girl. What's the deal with that attitude? Such disdain for a perceived woman's bike. I am now determined to buy a mixte frame. Anyone else feeling the mixte love? I was at the shop to test ride the Surly Long Haul Trucker. Very attractive bike, but I dec...
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