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!

Vogue Girl 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.

History of Mountain Bike

Riding bicycles off-road goes back to the beginning of cycling itself. Road racing cyclists have long used cyclo-cross as a means of keeping fit during the winter, eventually becoming a sport in its own right with the first world championship in 1950. The French Velo Cross Club Parisien (VCCP) comprised about twenty-one young cyclists from the outskirts of Paris, who between 1951 and 1956 developed a sport that was remarkably akin to present-day mountain biking. The Roughstuff Fellowship was established in 1955 by off-road cyclists in the UK.
However the mountain bike has its origins in the modified heavy cruiser bicycles used for freewheeling down mountain trails in Marin County, California, U.S.A. in the mid-late 1970s. At the time, there was no such thing as a mountain bike. The earliest ancestors of modern mountain bikes were based around frames from cruiser bicycles such as those made by Schwinn. The Schwinn Excelsior was the frame of choice due to its geometry. Riders used balloon tired cruisers and later modified them with gears and motocross style handlebars. They were called Klunkers. The term would also be used as a verb since the term "mountain biking" was not yet in use. Riders would race down mountain fireroads, causing the hub brake to burn the grease inside, requiring the riders to repack the bearings. These were called "Repack Races" and triggered the first innovations in mountain bike technology as well as the initial interest of the public. The sport originated in the U.S. state of California, on Marin county's famous mountain, Mount Tamalpais.It was not until the late 1970s and early 1980s that road bicycle companies started to manufacture mountain bicycles using high-tech lightweight materials. Joe Breeze is normally credited with introducing the first purpose-built mountain bike in 1978. Tom Ritchey then went on to make frames for a company called MountainBikes which was a partnership between Gary Fisher, Charlie Kelley and Tom Ritchey. Tom Ritchey, with his skills in frame building, also built the original bikes. The company's 3 partners ran into rough times and finally fell apart at the 1983 trade show. The designs were basically road bicycle frames (with heavier tubing and different geometry) with a wider frame and fork to allow for a wider tire. The handlebars were also different in that they were a straight, transverse-mounted handlebar, rather than the dropped, curved handlebars that are typically installed on road racing bicycles. Also, some of the parts on early production mountain bicycles were taken from the BMX bicycle. The first mass-produced mountain bikes were produced by Specialized in 1983 and were copies of Tom Ritchey's frames, but they were not fillet-brazed, and were made in Japan. They were configured with 15 gears.

Mountain Bike

A mountain bike or mountain bicycle (abbreviated MTB or ATB (all terrain bicycle)) is a bicycle designed for mountain biking, either on dirt trails or other unpaved environments. In contrast, road bicycles are not designed for such rugged terrain.

Mountain bikes have wide, knobby tires for extra traction and shock absorption. In recent years, front wheel suspension has become the norm and full front and rear suspension is becoming increasingly common. Some mountain bikes are also fitted with bar ends on the handlebars, but with the increase in popularity of riser handlebars (as opposed to a flat straight handlebar) fewer riders use bar end extensions. The bikes normally have 26 in (559 mm) wheels, but since 2002 some models have been available with 29 in (622 mm) wheels, which is the same diameter most commonly used for road bikes (also known as 700c). Some dirt jumping bikes also have 24in wheels.

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.

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

Bicycles --The 'Cruz"

In front of O'Neil's Surf Shop.

Schwinn with a nice wicker basket

No place to lock up on the street, so the nice people at Urban Outfitters let this one get
parked inside by the door.

Santa Cruz -- Yes!

Riding down Pacific Street

One rides a Trek. The other rides a 'citybike', nothing special, she said.

Girlfriends on Cruisers

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.