Spring is such a beautiful time of year for riding a bike! Oma enjoyed very much spotting so many of her homeland's flowers during the ride home this evening.
I put her flowered basket back on for now. I could feel a substantial weight difference with the front rack and basket today, versus strapping my bag to the rear rack, but the basket set-up is worth it for the convenience and aesthetics.
The back street route I traveled was car-free for much of the time. Such a rarity in Chicago, which i...
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This morning, I met up with my friend Elizabeth at Heritage Bikes for a quick breakfast before continuing on to work. Bikes and coffee and friends is a lovely way to start the day!
While there, I met Sarah, one of Elizabeth's high school friends visiting from Berkeley. She showed us her clever creation, a restrictive pencil skirt that she made bike-able by replacing the side seams with zippers and sewing in extra fabric.
The surprise pop of color is so fun!
At the office, you're ...
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In a recent comment, LC of Naturally Cycling: Manchester made a great point, saying:
I have made a conscious decision of buying less but buying good quality and ethically made. So I would be happy to pay more for an item of clothing if I know (and it's certified) that it's made ethically, for example the workers are paid a fair living wage, the materials are of certified origins (i.e. organic cotton, fair trade etc).
If the price tag is high just because it's 'fashion', then no, I am not willing to shell out so m...
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On Sunday, the Chicago Women-Who-Bike gathered for our April brunch. Although we had to cancel a planned picnic at the last minute due to the weather (never trust a Chicago forecast), a great group of both regulars and first-timers gathered at the back-up location.
Beth (on the left below), a first-timer, is preparing for a charity century ride in June and learning how to use clipless pedals. My hat is off to her! Those are two bikey things that I have never tried before. I love how her Fuji manages to be ...
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The other day, I wore a full pleated skirt to work, one I had worn while bicycling many times in the past with no problem. I must have been riding Betty Foy and not Oma those previous times (like here), because this time the skirt kept ballooning up with wind and blowing back. While the slightly leaned-forward positioning of Betty Foy causes the wind to push skirts down more securely against my thighs, Oma's laid-back positioning can have the opposite effect.
For a while, I biked one-handed while using the...
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Chicago's annual Bike Winter Fashion Show will take place this Friday, as part of the closing party of the Bike Winter Art Show.
I will be participating in the fashion show for vintage shop Lucite Box, owned by bicycling-and-brunching lady Holly. Last week, the group got together for a dress rehearsal, complete with hair and makeup magic by Christopher Conner. Then we had a photoshoot by bicycle style photographer Martha Williams of Bike Fancy fame. She is the best!
I'm in love with the Pashley Prince...
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Stuff your coat in your bike basket and go ride through some puddles of melted ice! :)
With any luck, we'll all be seeing some flowers outside in a few weeks.
(And I hope everyone enjoyed Leap Day!)
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The shining sun this morning lured me out to the Lakefront Trail, away from my usual route to work. Once I got onto the trail, I realized that there was an extremely strong headwind, the kind that slows me down by half.
I started to feel grumpy (this was pre-coffee, people!) but I stopped myself and decided to focus on all the good. My path was clear, the sky had a subtle pink tint, and the spindly trees looked cool. I could turn my face up to the sun and feel the slight warmth on my skin.
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My week has been filled with lovely bike commutes, mild weather (50 degrees today!), and only a couple of ridiculously stupid drivers.
As I write this quick post while sipping a homemade cocktail (1 part vodka, 1 part St. Germain, splash of champagne), I'm officially beginning my three-day weekend, thanks to presidents. I have a stack of to-be-read books and an overflowing Netflix queue, but I may slip out for a ride or two to prevent moss from growing on me in a sloth-like manner.
{via}
I wish the sam...
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I dislike bicycling in pants. I was reminded of all the reasons why a couple of days ago. Pants rub uncomfortably against my thighs, bunch up around my saddle, and drop low on my waist when I lean forward even slightly. Plus, they force me to wear goofy ankle straps on both legs. (Chain cases don't help; the problematic part is the crank arm, which has ripped more than one cuff.) Not a good look and annoying to fiddle with!
The only pants I'm comfortable cycling in are jeggings, but since I can't wea...
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