Happy March! 03/01/12
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!)
read moreAnother Windy City Commute 02/29/12
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. ...
read moreHappy Friday! 02/17/12
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...
read morePants on Bikes 02/09/12
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...
read moreSprinkles 02/02/12
As the mild weather continues, I've been dressing for spring and removing my light jacket during rides. This weather really feels like April. The warm weather also makes it a good time to ride with friends and take the long way home, instead of the usual winter feeling of "Get me home as soon as possible, Ms. Bike!" After work on Tuesday, I met up with my friend Sara downtown and we meandered home up the Lakefront Trail, riding side-by-side and chatting. But not before fueling up on cupcakes at Sprinkles. ...
read moreA Downtown Chicago Adventure on New Year’s Eve! 01/11/12
On the morning of New Year's Eve, I was sipping coffee in my pajamas when I got a text from my friend Elizabeth, encouraging me to join her for a bike ride downtown. I was sorta prepared to spend the entire day in my PJs with books, but after some peer pressure, I said yes (don't we all need a lil' push sometimes?). I'm so glad I did because it was a lovely way to end the year! The weather was chilly but mild for Chicago winter. I broke out my new hot pink Kate Spade tights to go with my suede boots and red...
read moreT-Shirts and Holiday Lights 01/10/12
I continue to ride with my Christmas lights on Betty Foy. Apparently, I'm all confused about what time of year it is. Adding to the seasonal confusion, the weather was so warm when I left work, I shoved my light jacket in my basket because my cashmere sweater (another $6 thrift store purchase) was more than enough to keep me warm. A few miles from home, I began overheating and pulled off my sweater to ride the rest of the way in my t-shirt. Imagine that: a t-shirt in mid-January in Chicago! So if you ...
read moreIs it really January? 01/07/12
Sunny blue skies, clear roads, mild temperatures - is it April already? I'm used to the occasional brief warm up during winter, but this year winter hasn't yet arrived at all. If the forecast is right, this will continue for at least the next five days. Yesterday was so warm (relatively) that I simply threw a long cashmere cardigan over my dress before heading out the door. By my evening commute, the temps had increased to 50 degrees F and I didn't even use my cardigan. And I'm thrilled to continue rid...
read moreBright Colors and Winter Sunshine 12/30/11
The mild winter weather continues to make me so happy! Sure, it's cold, but not freezing cold. Sun shining on my shoulders and clear roads are all I need to stay in high spirits. My bright red coat, instead of being my one source of winter color, is merely one of many bright colors on my commute. Look - not only is there a Carolina blue sky, there's also green grass! In case any driver fails to notice my bright red coat, I've taken to wearing a neon yellow slap bracelet around my ankle. This...
read moreA Happy Bike Ride to University of Chicago 12/27/11
Hello, there! Since today is dark and rainy and I have to go back to work (sad face), I'm starting the morning with something bright and happy. I just stumbled upon these photos and realized that I never posted about this ride. On the last Sunday of October, a day of perfect weather, I biked to Hyde Park to enjoy brunch at my friend's house. Hyde Park is a neighborhood on the southside where the University of Chicago is located, about 15 miles from where I live. After brunch, I took the opportunity to expl...
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