When I start to look like the Red Barron -
And I have to remove and carry around a bunch of layers and accessories -
Before I look like myself again.
Is everyone else pulling out their hats, ear muffs, gloves, scarves and coats? (Snow is in today's forecast!) Or are you smarter than me, living in a warm climate? 
Here's our advice on dressing for winter biking, if anyone needs it.
The past two days, I have worn skirt and blouse outfits similar to what I wore in my last post, with a helmet, and drivers were pretty nice, but not as totally nice as before. Again, maybe it's in my head, but it's interesting to ponder. For anyone who is "meh" about the Mary Poppins Effect talk because they don't experience it - Mr. Dottie is right there with you and he's perfectly content to ride a faster bike in construction-site work clothes, thankyouverymuch. In an unrelated observation, the sk...
read moreThe 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...
read moreThe Loop is the very center of downtown Chicago, filled with courthouses, office buildings, theaters and shopping. Unfortunately, biking in the Loop anytime between 7:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. is very stressful. Bicyclists have to take the lane and haul ass. The wide, one-way streets are a free-for-all of buses, speeding cabs, personal vehicles of those with enough money to pay for parking, police SUVs, and pedestrians. I dislike biking in the Loop so much, When I have to go to court, I park my bike at my office and ...
read moreToday 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. ...
read moreNow that Labor Day is behind us, the crowds are starting to thin out on the Lakefront Trail. I've avoided the trail most of the summer because dodging hundreds (thousands?) of other trail users is not my idea of fun. I plan to take the trail much more often during the fall, when I can relax and enjoy the crowd-free and car-free goodness. I have missed the beautiful view of Lake Michigan and the fresh air that comes off it. So far early fall has been perfect in Chicago - hopefully we'll have at least two g...
read moreOne of the most popular and vital bike routes from downtown Chicago to neighborhoods on the north side is Lincoln Avenue. I've read that 25-40% of the rush hour traffic on Lincoln is people on bikes. I certainly see lots of bicyclists along the way. One day last week I decided to take this route to work, since I was on a tight schedule and Lincoln Avenue is by far the most direct and quickest route. Perhaps I have been spoiled by my super long and winding but super calm route of side-streets, but I was appall...
read moreThe weather is warm and sunny, the flowers are blossoming, and the traffic is calm on my quiet side street route. Riding my bike is so much nicer than squeezing onto the L train or being trapped in a car.
Even if the rest of my day is not so great, at least I know that I will enjoy my commute to and from work. (Even if I cut my head off with my self-timed photos ) That's why I ride my bike. Most assume it's an environmental or health statement, but those factors are secondary to having a happy co...
The summer heat has (temporarily?) given way to cooler air - 61 degrees this morning! It's the perfect time to enjoy a refreshing ride on Chicago's Lakefront Trail. The fresh air off Lake Michigan, scenic views of the skyline, and escape from city traffic combine to make the trail the most pleasant way to get downtown. As summer winds down, don't forget to stop to smell the roses and take the long way home. If you are lucky enough to have such a beautiful route option, why would you not...
read moreThis is a post about a fan. F-A-N. Other corny title options: #1 Fan, Office Fan-tasy, Fan-cy Pants. So feel lucky you got the title you got. As I've mentioned before, Chicago summers can be brutally hot. At least for a few weeks. Long enough to make me miss winter a little bit. During those hot weeks, I wear gym-type clothes during my commute (not that I ever step foot in a gym, but you know what I mean). I sweat a lot, so wearing proper work clothes is a bad idea. When I get to the office, ...
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