Early Spring Elegance

The heels are lovely but the grey sweater with the yellow gloves on a golden bike with a straw basket really tickled my early spring fancies.
So pretty!

Reflections: Preparing for Darkness

Here is a test photo of my nighttime reflectiveness, as imperfectly demonstrated by a camera flash (rather than a car's headlights). It's easy to see that the wide strips of 3M Scotchlite on my Carradice bag and coat are much more effective than the smaller reflections created by my gloves and the sidewalls of my tires (though those certainly help in correctly identifying my bicycle as such). When riding long distance I add reflective ankle bands, but I usually forget when riding a couple of blocks in town.

Far more effective than reflectiveness is my own light source and you can clearly see that with my unbelievably bright Planet Bike Superflash. They say it can light up a small town. Seriously, this tail light is so bright my husband doesn't like to ride directly behind me. There are two other tail lights in this photo but you're unlikely to notice them. I have the main light and the helmet light blinking (when I'm riding in town) and leave the light on my fender on steadily, just for a change (and because it uses batteries less quickly than the brighter lights).

The clocks fall back this weekend, let's all be ready for the darkness!

Better Chevrons for Transportation

Chevron's slogan may be "Human Energy", but this jacket displays the sort of chevrons I like seeing on my streets.

High Heels and Coffee

It was early Saturday morning, she was riding slowly enough to not pose a hazard with her one-handed cycling. Love how those jeans fit with her classic black heels.

Red Bikes of Italy

I could not possibly have photographed all of them if I tried, so instead I'll just tell you that there was a definite preference for red bicycles all over Italy. It was a lot of fun to play "spot the red bicycle".

In appreciation of that, and all the beautiful things that are made in Italy, when it came time to choose a souvenir, I got the most delicious, delicate, racy and wonderful new pair of cycling gloves. Watch me signal my turns now Boston!!!

Sunglasses and Gloves

Welcome to springtime in New England!
Happy Bike Week everyone!

Pink Headscarf, Head Tube

It's as if she looked to her bike for fashion inspiration this morning!

Scarf - Gloves - Boots

She's looking cute on that bike, even in this cold. I'm guessing that we're seeing a pair of tights peeking between her trousers and her boots. That's a great trick for staying warm in New England, on and off a bike.

Man in Black

While all in black, I like his gentlemanly choice of white gloves. Must be good when he signals. Isn't that a handsome bike?

Cambridge, MA or Paris, FR?

It's hard to tell!

Warm Hands

Today is 16F, winds 15mph (-10C, winds 40 km/h). It's COLD.
This lady with the cute boots seems warmer with those cheerful gloves.

A Gentleman and his Raleigh

How very civilized he looks with his classic bicycle, displaying true masculine cycle chic.

We discussed what a shame it is that the mayor did not use the opportunity of his ceremonial bike ride to show that a bike can be ridden in whatever he had one before the ceremony. However, we're lucky to have a pro-bike mayor, no one is complaining!

My Winter Uniform 2008

I never claimed to be super chic, but I was warm and comfortable (mostly) and commuted all winter by bike.

The coat is nice because the light color stands out again the asphalt and city colors. My helmet fits a light beanie hat underneath. I wore leather gloves lined with cashmere, the leather kept the wind out and the cashmere kept the warmth in. The cuff is practical for keeping my trousers out of the chain, but it's also a little fun in the winter and an opening for conversations. A lot of people have mentioned it at stop lights.

Product Review: Rivendell summer gloves

Most commutes don't last long enough to need gloves in the summertime (your mileage may vary). Cycling-sport clothes don't really fit this blog's charter.

Yet all these concerns melted away admiring the Rivendell summer gloves. They're just so classic, cheerful, and just plain pretty. It is pouring rain out at the moment but they make me think of hot summer rides and the very desirable crochet-glove tan lines. All these happy thoughts for $15? I'm ordering them now!

UPDATE: These gloves arrived and they're sized for monsters. I don't know if any woman could fit in these. I wear a size 8 glove (extra-large for women) and these gloves were extremely uncomfortably huge. They were on their way back to Rivendell in less than an hour. So bummed.

Another Update: Rivendell was super cool about taking them back and refunding my money. Thanks!