Chicago's monthly Critical Lass ride continues on, even in the dark cold!
Usually I avoid winter group rides because biking for a long time at slow speeds in freezing temps is a great way to freeze my extremities off.
The ladies behind Critical Lass understand these problems and have adjusted the winter rides accordingly. For the next few months, the ride will be short (3-4 miles) and end at neighborhood bars that are close to home for as many of the lasses as possible.
This plan worked perfectly for ...
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Bright red seems like the best color for city cycling, getting drivers' attention while still looking stylish off the bike. Chic, classic, and bold.
For this reason, I've been searching for the perfect red coat for two years, especially since seeing this post on Copenhagen Cycle Chic. Yesterday, the miraculous happened: I finally found "my" red coat. I was walking through Anthropologie during my lunch break, which I often do to torture myself because I usually can't afford their beautiful clothes, when I spott...
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On Sunday, Chicago's lovely bike ladies got together for the final brunch of 2011. The weather in Chicago is unseasonably mild and I was able to get by without a coat, wearing a sweater dress ($2 from Salvation Army!) and glittery Cynthia Rowley tights (a gift from Trisha last Christmas).
About 15 of us met at The Southern in Bucktown and boy was it good!
I had to get the fried chicken, biscuits and gravy (hey, I'm from North Carolina!). There was enough left over for yummy dinners on Sunday and Monda...
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The past two days have been rainy and super windy, so I've taken public transportation. The L train is no fun compared to my bikes, but I'm grateful for its convenience when needed. The combination of bicycling and access to great public transportation is what allows me to live without a car
Happily, today is sunny and dry, although 39 degrees - brrr.
I'll not complain about fall weather too much, because I know what's coming.
Gotta remember to appreciate the present. Happy Friday!
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The delightful, crisp fall weather has turned into lots of rain and somber grey skies. The past five days have been pretty crappy, weather-wise. I took the L because of the rain on Monday and that experience reminded me that riding a bike is always more enjoyable, even if in the rain.
An upside of fall, regardless of the exact weather conditions, continues to be seasonal clothing. I've been enjoying all my tweed and wool and - yes - velvet. Very librarian chic. LC of Naturally Cycling: Manchester recently talk...
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Today is the first day of fall - my favorite season for bicycling.
Fall cycling is lovely and requires little-to-no preparation. Jumping on your bike in slacks or tights and a sweater will work most days. Nevertheless, I notice a steep decline in bicyclists once the dreadfully hot days of summer are over, so obviously some people need convincing to continue riding their bikes. In light of this, we put together a How To Dress for Fall Cycling guide a couple of years ago and a quick Refresher Course last year.
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Yesterday I wore tights for the first time since May (according to the archives), as the temps dipped to the high 50's and low 60's. Trisha has mentioned the best thing about the summer/fall temperature change is the introduction of tights into the wardrobe and I totally agree.
I appreciate carefree summer dressing, but something about pulling on tights and a light jacket or sweater excites me. Fall has always been my favorite season, with its crisp air, blue skies and orange leaves. Definitely the best time f...
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Mark your calendar! Together with Sara of This Little Bike of Mine, I will be leading a cupcake ride this Saturday, June 25, at 1:00 p.m.
The ride will be a leisurely 6-7 miles, starting at the Polish Triangle and ending at Oz Park.
We plan on visiting 3 bakeries - Alliance, Bleeding Heart, and Sweet Mandy B's. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to eat 3 cupcakes (although Sara and I are up for the challenge!). You can always share with a friend. We'll be stopping in a couple of parks to enjoy our tr...
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Sun, women, bikes, brunch, sangria, fresh mown grass = a perfect Sunday morning. This month's women-who-bike brunch was a picnic on the lakefront, with everyone bringing a dish to share - and boy were there some delicious baked goods! Although Chicago has scores of great brunch restaurants, the picnic was so much better than being cooped up indoors. After about 8 months of cold, Chicagoans know how to enjoy the summer!
I'll let the photos speak for themselves now.
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Earlier this week, Greg and I celebrated our 7 year wedding anniversary in a typical way for us: eating, drinking and bicycling. I ended up working late and took the fastest and most direct route from downtown to Lincoln Square. By the time I got to the restaurant (Mrs. Murphy and Sons Irish Bistro) I was sweaty and amped from all the traffic, but after freshening up quickly in the ladies' room, I felt great. Although for the life of me, I could not find my comb (don't you hate it when that happens?). Having a da...
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