28 June 2008
Pure Style-- She's on a Mixte
Pure Style-- She's not on a Fixie
Pure Style-- Custom Bike & Asym Bangs
Her bangs cut asym..short for asymetrical. Then her orange bike, custom built. She was it's 3rd owner. She is in the Bart System and just happened to be standing exactly where I snapped this pic. She is part of the
Embracing all bike tribes—Pure Style
Starting with a new series here---I am offering a look into various bicycle rider's personal fashion & style…both in the bicycle they ride and the clothes they wear. I hope to showcase pure style in each and every one of all the various bike tribes. In this case STYLE wins…STYLE trumps over everything else (meaning zero bike snobbery/judgments!)
I started with this premise; “You have a look and a bicycle that makes people take a second look. Words to describe you; chic, fashionable, individualistic, sharp….. AND a bicycle you prize and it’s a ‘looker’ as well.”
Why? Usually I focus on Slow Rides and my preferred bicycle tribe: ‘Sit-Up & Beg.’ However, not so in this series. It’s because I really do love fashion. When ever I find it.
I embrace Pure Style! And ALL the Bike Tribes! Whatever gets you on your Bike! Ride!
25 June 2008
23 June 2008
Sit Up & Beg – Most Ergonomic?--- Good Answer
‘How you sit has a big influence not only on your comfort and capacity to move, but on your mind. Just as laughing and smiling, even forcibly, can help lift a foul mood, sitting utterly upright, head high with your shoulders thrust back to “open your heart” exerts a powerful influence on your mind. It is serene, restorative, dignified. Mix well with endorphins and you’re getting there. I love watching people set off on Dutch bikes for the first time, seeing the initial wobbles of the unweighted handlebars relax a block later into a yogic smile and regal poise.’
I was directed to this *article by readers (Donna and Anon) in response to ‘Sit Up & Beg – Most Ergonomic?’ They love their LBS… Clever Cycles. You’ll also so find a lively discussion/comments section with pros cons and lots of bike tech speak.
* warning: there’s a photo of naked guys on bikes in the article from Clever Cycles.
22 June 2008
Summer Afternoon in the Park --De Young Museum
19 June 2008
Sit Up & Beg – Most Ergonomic?
When you choose say, to ‘ride pretty’, being relaxed and comfortable is very a desirable thing… right along with being stylish and fashionable.
So I’m going to play dumb here, like a total novice (actually not so far from the truth.) I’m trying to find out what is the most ergonomic, comfortable riding position in which to ride a bicycle for leisure rides? (The link for the following quoted material is at the bottom of this post.) Anyway I excerpted the following selected bits of info.
‘… a new study says the pain is probably caused by their riding position.’
Referencing then to handle bar position on the bicycle …
‘With riding, the neck is extended and the back flexed for prolonged periods. Riding in drop handlebars for long periods increases the load on the arms and shoulders as well as hyperextension of the neck, leading to muscle fatigue and pain.’
Then reading a little further along....
‘the upright head and wrist positions alleviate the usual discomfort of a traditional bike. The riding position also promotes proper alignment which improves breathing.’
So does this mean the ‘sit up and beg’ riding position (therefore the euro-style bicycle--and heaven forbid I call it a dutch bike!) is the most ergonomic, comfortable stylishly for leisure bicycle riding? Really, does the ‘sit-up-and-beg’ position promote a perfect posture and give you an ergonomic ride?
Read the entire article I quoted from here. Then weigh in with your opinions!!!
Attention: I know lots of you cycle, aficionados guys check in here…so besides just looking at the ‘pretty girls on bicycles’ pics, add some of your expert opinions!
17 June 2008
Well-dressed riders on the streets of Melbourne
Nicole Reed finds well-dressed riders on the streets of
Velo chic two shows that
Bring Your Bicycle Onboard—Amtrak
Amtrak has a one month US National rail pass for $469.00-off peak or $599.00-on peak and that’s still a deal. Here’s the scoop on bringing your bicycle. Oh, imagine the places you can go...
‘Many Options for Bike-Riding Passengers
We offer several options for transporting your bicycle with you on your Amtrak journey.
· Bicycles stored onboard in bike racks.
· Bicycles as checked baggage in a box or other secure container.
· Bicycles as checked baggage secured by tie-down equipment, not in a box.
· Folding bicycles brought onboard as carry-on baggage. Availability varies.
Note: Onboard bike space is limited and is not available on all trains. Not all stations or trains have checked baggage service.
On some Amtrak trains you can roll your bike up to the train and secure it in a bike rack, unboxed.’
16 June 2008
What bike tribe do you identify with? -- Wheel life: A guide to Britain’s new bike tribes
I so related to this:
The Tribe: Sit-up-and-beg Brigade
The Rider:
The Bike: Bobbin Playbike
‘Riding traditional uprights is all about sitting up and cruising around town serenely – not tearing around with your head down. It's not aerodynamic but we're not interested in speed so much as comfort and style.
My bike has really wide handlebars which I can hang all my shopping from, and I've got a lovely straw pannier on the back.
You get a weird cross-section of people who go for uprights. There are young retro girls who want a bike to go with the whole vintage look, Europeans who are used to that style of bike, older people who want a bike like the one they used to ride, and trendy kids who want something vintage but edgy, painted in bright colours.
I'm a retro girl. I wear a lot of vintage clothes on my bike and can even cycle in a skirt and a mac.
My bike really sums up my values – it's all about looking old-fashioned but being modern. Pashleys fall into the same category but I think the bikes are a bit square to be honest - people who look like librarians ride them.’
Sain was one of the riders featured in “Wheel life: A guide to
‘There are more bicyles on
Really, check out the whole article. I definitely got a giggle out of it.
11 June 2008
2 Mile Pledge –‘Slow Ride’ (RidingPretty!) Social Bicycle Riding Club for Ladies
With gas prices headed towards $5.00 (and up?!) there has to be a way to cut down on car trips and have a little fun doing it.
I purpose a start by taking the 2 mile pledge. If your destination is within 2 miles or under, simply stated ... bicycle there.
Second part is to form your own ‘Slow Ride’ (or RidingPretty!) Social Riding Clubs. So the next time you want to lunch or shop with your girlfriends, organize a bicycle ride to build a little camaraderie and support into the experience of riding bicycles ... to get to the places you want to go.
This is totally going to be unlike any bicycle riding events/tours you may have done or considered doing in the past. No lycra required, no racer/track bike, mountain bike required. Just you (stylishly dressed as ever), your girlfriends and a bicycle you like.
Of course if you’re going to shop and want to carry all your treasures home plus easily get on and off your bicycle there are some considerations to make. Nothing does it as well…like a good old vintage bicycle for cheap, a euro-style bicycle, or a cruiser to make a girl feel well, charmingly girlish and incredibly chic.
* I’ve previously blogged about Slow Rides and my interest in the Slow Movement.
Discount for Arriving by Bicycle!
Bear Valley Inn –Bed & Breakfast
Yes, if you arrive by bicycle you will receive a 15% discount.
Located 35 miles north of San Fran
1 hour from wine country @ gateway to Pont Reyes National Seashore
'A green business that strives to use local & organic ingredients in home cooked breakfasts.'
10 June 2008
San Francisco Bicycle Music Festival
June 21st
Start location is at a Farmers’ Market and end location is in the Sunset @ a converted auto body shop turned artists’ studio…goes to mid night.
15 mile ride through
Features music produced via bicycle pedal-powered sound systems. Includes stop points on the route with time to street party at these locations along the way.
For a list of performers and more info.
SF Cruisers
Looks like a fun way to get out and be social...
'SF Cruisers ride for pleasure, at a cruising pace, in a non-confrontational style with ample musical accompaniment. We often pick a cultural destination (art opening, Stern Grove concert, dance club) and make a musical journey to get there.’
Bicycle Film Festival SF
San Francisco July 23-26
More info coming soon.
Contact: grace@bicyclefilmfestival.com
Organic Produce Fresh from the Farm --Plus a Bicycle Ride in the Country Side
Bicycle ride featuring local, organic farms.
Sebastopol /
August 17th
The ‘Slow Ride’ is 35 mi. (round trip)
For price and details: www.tourdorganics.com
09 June 2008
12 Bicycles for Girls
Hey, I like the article Sara Huston wrote for her blog and then repurposed for Coolhunting (as she is a contributing writer for Coolhunting.) Both versions are good reading.
And Thanks Sara for the mention!
‘Best of all cycling is social! Get into the Cycle Chic culture! Here’s a list of my favorite places online:’
http://cyclechic.co.uk
http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/search/label/Bicycles
http://ridingpretty.blogspot.com/
http://www.copenhagengirlsonbikes.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/groups/velocouture/pool/
http://www.copenhagenize.com/
http://chiccyclist.blogspot.com/
http://velovogue.blogspot.com/
****My favorite DIY tip from Sara:
‘DIY diva Callie Watts over at Bust magazine did a fantastic story on how to pimp your ride! (Grab the PDF instructions from me by emailing sara@designporvida.com)’
07 June 2008
Bicycles on Valenica St.-- Mission Style
06 June 2008
Suits in Santa Cruz
04 June 2008
03 June 2008
Santa Cruz -- Yes!
Street Performance & Bicyclist
She stopped to watch the dance performance. Here are some quick pics of the DANCE.
Looks like a crowd is rushing into the Book Store?
Several dance groups performed. Nearly everyone on bicycle paused and stopped to watch ....while motorists strained their necks out the window, then had to proceed to go and look for parking.