2009 March » Let's Go Ride a Bike - life on two wheels: simple. stylish. fun.

Charting New Territory

Posted by Trisha at 08:01 commute diary, our bikes, random rides, style No Responses »

Mar 312009

I was also going to use the term “adventure” in the name of today’s post — I guess Dottie and I think alike! Whatever you want to call it, yesterday’s ride took me off my beaten path and allowed me to face a new challenge: Green Hills. Any Nashvillian knows that the traffic on Hillsboro Rd. anywhere south of Wedgewood is pretty heinous. It’s so bad that I take back roads when I drive. But there was no reason I couldn’t bike those same back roads — or at least that’s what I told myself when setting off after a happy hour near my work to attend an (excellent) reading at Davis-Kidd by author Mary Pat Kelly.

This is my, "why yes, I'm having my picture taken for no good reason as dozens of people trot by" face.

Every Commute An Adventure

Posted by Dottie at 19:17 commute diary, Oma 7 Responses »

Mar 302009

Today’s commute was a hodgepodge of scenery. As always, the gorgeous sunrise over Lake Michigan was the one constant. Will I ever tire of taking pictures of my bike and the sun? Probably not.

Sunrise over Lake Michigan

But this sun is deceiving. Let’s go back in time half a day and see what Sunday morning brought …

First-Time City Cyclist + Rain, Wind, Cold = FUN

Posted by Dottie at 19:31 Oma, our bikes, random rides, style 11 Responses »

Mar 282009

What is the absolute worst way to introduce a friend to cycling in the city? Perhaps by taking her through heavily trafficked streets in the freezing rain. What is evidence of the lure of cycling? When the friend still has fun.

Innocent and Unknowing of What Lies Ahead

My best friend Melissa is in the city from the suburbs this weekend, and we wanted to check out some thrift stores in Wicker Park. Melissa agreed to travel by bike on Smurfette. I was a little worried about the route because it requires us to go over a big bridge and through two huge intersections, but Melissa was up for it.

You Know You're a Bike Commuter When . . .

Posted by Trisha at 10:48 basics, commute diary, humor 30 Responses »

Mar 262009

You start driving your bike commute route instead of your car commute route (luckily I realized what I was doing before I got to the crosswalk portion of my route).
You try to open your car door with your U-Lock key.
After a few days of not driving, you can’t remember where your car is parked.
The chief criteria for a new hairstyle is that it be helmet-proof.

I’m sure you all have more to add…

03.27.09
ETA a few of my faves from the comments so far:

When you bend when driving around a curve (although my driving teacher told me that I should try to avoid that years ago ) —anna
When you need to drive to work one day for whatever reason, leave the office at the end of that day and freak-out because your bicycle isn’t at the bike rack. —dadabean [T's note: I have totally done this.]
When people come in your office and say “Where’s your bike?” if it’s not there. —Courtney
You ‘hesitate’ at red lights and then realize you are in a car and MUST stop. —Elisa M.

And any bike/motorcycle riders will probably appreciate Tinker’s comment…maybe everyone should just go and read them all.

Headwindy City

Posted by Dottie at 06:31 commute diary 12 Responses »

Mar 252009

Crashing waves. Howling winds. Seagulls. Had I gone to sleep in Chicago and woken up in North Carolina on the eve of a hurricane? Nope. Just another morning commute in the windy city.

Untitled from Dottie White on Vimeo.

Chicago could be many things – the laid back city, the deep dish pizza city, the pothole city, the small live music venue city, the Obama city – but the windy city is as accurate a nickname as any.

Cargo Bike!

Posted by Trisha at 20:34 commute diary No Responses »

Mar 242009

I might have to cede that “cycling with style” title (though we all know it’s Ms. D who brings the class to this here blog) after today. With just a few hot pink cable ties from the Dollar Tree and an old crate from my hall closet, Le Peug was transformed into a cargo bike. And I think he might stay that way for a while, because I’m loving the new functionality.

Le Peug as pack mule

I don’t think Dottie will mind though because beneath my lunch, the office Kindle and my purse lurks the real reason I needed the crate: a package destined for Chicago. Brought to you partially by bike.

Lazy Sunday

Posted by Dottie at 21:22 random rides 8 Responses »

Mar 232009

Cupcake Rack

Bargain Hunting in the Blood

Posted by Trisha at 09:02 random rides No Responses »

Mar 222009

One of my favorite things to do on the weekends these days is make the rounds of the neighborhood shops on my bike. It’s never a long ride — 4 miles roundtrip, max — but it’s relaxing, and going on Le Peug keeps me from buying too much. I especially like visiting the thrift and antique stores in the area since I’m always looking for a bargain.

Yesterday my mom left a comment that proves this runs in the family:

Cocktail Party Ride

Posted by Dottie at 01:09 Oma, our bikes, random rides, style 27 Responses »

Mar 222009

My fanciest ride was this weekend, to a fundraising gala for a domestic violence organization I volunteer with. Deciding to ride my bike was natural, as I have no car and taking a cab would have been lame when I live only two miles from the location. I was a bit worried about hurting my silk, lace and beaded Badgley Mischka cocktail dress and silk Anne Klein heels – my one and only black tie outfit. Turns out I had no reason to worry: the ride was effortless in every way!

3-21-dress-bike2

Say Hello to the Future - Rivendell's Betty Foy!

Posted by Dottie at 21:29 Betty Foy, news, our bikes No Responses »

Mar 192009

Along with the gorgeous mast that Trisha designed, we’ll soon have a new addition to Let’s Go Ride a Bike. My decision is made, finally! Long-time listeners may remember my first steps to finding a bike to replace my stolen Jamis. I oggled bikes the I could not afford, such as ANTs and MAPs. I encountered annoying bike shop guys. I toured Chicago’s bike shops. At one point I thought I had something on the horizon, but that did not work out. After (almost too) much thought, I’ve decided that I will purchase the Rivendell Betty Foy. This was one of my original loves that’s pretty much perfect and reasonably in my bike budget (which, by the way, comes completely from selling my car and renting out my garage parking spot).