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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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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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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Yesterday the Chicago Women Who Bike Brunch descended upon Haymarket Brewery in the West Loop.
Haymarket is a great place for big groups and easily accommodated our table of 25.
The food was delicious, especially for a brewery, and I enjoyed some of the best French toast ever.
The mimosas each came with their own mini bottle of champagne!
After a long and luxurious meal, we headed outside to chat and slowly unlock our bikes. The weather was partly sunny and 40 degrees, so there was no bi...
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I consider winter to be more than half-way over around this time, late January/early February. February is usually brutal, but at least I know spring is around the corner. This year, November, December, and now January have passed with only a few super freezing days and two noteworthy snowfalls that melted quickly. I haven't even put studded tires on Oma yet.
By enjoying this extremely mild winter, I feel like I've gotten away with something major, like a jewelry heist. I almost don't want to write this ...
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Have I mentioned that winter's finally come to Chicago? And she is not messing around.
This morning I biked to work in 15 F temps. My alley was an ice rink, but the streets and bike lanes were clear and dry. That's good, because I haven't put studded tires on Oma yet. I was totally comfortable throwing a puffy vest over a wool skirt suit and wool undershirt, plus cotton tights, snow boots, scarf, gloves, and earmuffs. I stuck heating packs in my mittens and boots, otherwise I wouldn't have made it.
By...
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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...
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The first Women-Who-Bike brunch of the new year marked an excellent start to 2012! The lure of beautiful weather and the highly-acclaimed new restaurant Nightwood drew 23 women, including several first-timers.
Because the restaurant was in Pilsen, about 8-10 miles from my house depending on the route, I met up with a group of six to bike together. Sunday morning is the best time to cycle and low traffic allowed us to ride side-by-side and chat most of the way.
After a delicious meal, we all spent a good amount of...
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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...
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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...
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