Pure Style-- She's on a Mixte

Her colors are so outstanding. She really stood out in a crowd. There are little skull and cross bones print on her shorts... thought you might appreciate this little detail about her outfit. This is Critical Mass San Francisco.

Pure Style-- She's not on a Fixie

Critical Mass San Francisco. She pulled off to the side to chat with friends. She was one of the very few not riding a fixie. What's her bike tribe? Her bicycle is a step through and she is quite fit.

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 San Francisco fixie tribe. Or as the Brits might say...The Tribe: Fixed Wheel Nut."

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!

Ladies in the LES...

6/26/08

One thing I love about New York is the great people watching. Like, you could just be sitting at, say, Spitzer's, an always packed "gastropub" in the Lower East Side and randomly take pictures of stylish passersby. This was the case when my girlfriend Robyn and I met up for drinks and a long overdue catch-up session on Thursday evening...


This girl passed by once and I missed her. Fortunately she passed by again so I shouted out to her, "Excuse me! Can I please take your picture!" How cool is she in her Pucci-esque ensemble?! And check out those shoes. This ain't an easy look to pull off, and she's rockin' it!


These ladies prove that you just can't go wrong with black and white...



This is Jodi Lin. I met her at Patrick McDonald's "Cocktails & Cufflinks" party earlier this season (see coverage below). She just happened to pass by and I just happened to shout out at her not knowing it was her at first. That's what I love about NYC. You always run into people you haven't seen in while....Loving the wraparound wedges, btw.

Vogue Girl Korea

photo credit/source: Vogue Girl Korea/popseoul!

'Riding Pretty' Bicycle Girl in Seoul Korea

Bicycles -- In Service for You

The Bikes They Like -- Haight Street

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Shopping - Bicycle Rolls Along

I snapped this in the flower aisle. She brought her bicycle with her, just rolled it in to do some ‘super quick shopping.’ I just loved her pink bicycle set amongst the flowers.

Dolores Park -- Bicycle HotSpot

Lots of people bicycle to Dolores Park and lounge on the grass.

Nearly every afternoon and into evening people ride in and out.

It’s a hub of socializing… bike culture style.

Sit Up & Beg – Most Ergonomic?--- Good Answer

photocredit/source: Tod/CleverCycles

Great stick figure representation of the various riding positions.

‘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.

Summer Afternoon in the Park --De Young Museum

Nice red Schwinn. Out to see the exhibit at the Museum.

Out by the Baseball Field.

Two pretty pink cruiser parked by the Museum.

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!

Well-dressed riders on the streets of Melbourne

photo credit/source: Nicole Reed/thevine.com

Nicole Reed finds well-dressed riders on the streets of Melbourne.

Velo chic two shows that Melbourne riders are not all obsessed with fixies. There's a solid mix of cruisers, BMXes and old dutch sit-up-and-beg bikes to be had…

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.’

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: Sian Emmison
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 Britain’s new bike tribes”.

‘There are more bicyles on Britain's roads than ever before – and in more shapes, sizes and styles. But who's who in the nation's new bike tribes? Simon Usborne hits our city streets and country lanes to find out.’

Really, check out the whole article. I definitely got a giggle out of it.

Manhattan Magazine Preview Party @ Salon de Ning, The Peninsula Hotel, NYC

6/12/08

What better way to spend a Wednesday evening than hangin' high atop 5th Avenue at Salon de Ning, the new Shanghai-chic rooftop bar and lounge at the posh Peninsula Hotel, to preview the also new Manhattan Magazine? All in perfect 84 degree weather no less.

While I'll admit that I didn't even get a chance to look at the magazine (I'm sure it's wonderful), I did enjoy all the pretty dresses, designer handbags and breathtaking views of midtown (the open bar with exotic vodka cocktails and delicious Peking duck rolls didn't suck either).

Thank you to my always fabulous date Glenn Belverio for having me.








This girl had the most beautiful vintage Dior clutch! I had to get a shot of it with her cute dragonfly brooch.


I'm a sucker for spectacular city views--especially during sunset...

...But to give a more clear idea of the rooftop atmosphere, I took the liberty of stealing some photos of Salon de Ning from NYmag.com.



Knockin' on heaven's door: Glenn, post-party, in front of a church we walked passed on the way home. Great door, right?

At this point, I should have really been in that cab passing by behind me instead of standing on 5th Ave. taking pictures...

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.'

Beautiful Silver

San Francisco Bicycle Music Festival

photo credit/source: 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 San Francisco

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

Bicycle Film Festival SF

San Francisco July 23-26

More info coming soon.

Contact: San Francisco Producer: Grace Kumetat
grace@bicyclefilmfestival.com

Organic Produce Fresh from the Farm --Plus a Bicycle Ride in the Country Side

Tour d’Organics

Bicycle ride featuring local, organic farms.

Sebastopol / Sonoma County / Northern California

August 17^th

The ‘Slow Ride’ is 35 mi. (round trip)

For price and details: www.tourdorganics.com

12 Bicycles for Girls

photo credit/source: Sara – ‘my pretty lil Pake’

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)’

Bicycles on Valenica St.-- Mission Style

Check out the back rack. Oooh... how about the flower wreath in front.






One of the most common bicycle rides in the Mission. Parked in front of Bugaloo's... a fine eatry.

The only cruiser I saw all afternoon.

When you ride a this kind of bicycle, this is a nice touch....a small basket.

Oak-Town

Cool blue .... a world reflected in her aviators.

Abundance of flowers ... wearing shades of red and pink along with the sunny yellow blooms.

Great NYC ...the Satorialist

photo credit/ source: The Satorialist

Suits in Santa Cruz

She was waiting for some one. I doubt that was her bicycle. I wanted to ask...
instead I took her picture.

He was a music man with his instrument.
Lot's of good music in Santa Cruz.

Cruising in The 'Cruz'

The Hula Cruiser -- Santa Cruz... loves Cruisers

Beach Party Supplies