Friday, January 21, 2011

Gin at Palmer and Kedzie, Chicago, IL

Gin carts her son Miguel around with her Bianchi Volpe.  Check out bikewinter.org to see how she does it!
I used to save my Bianchi Volpe for touring and other long, fun rides. Now it is my every day bike, as most of my "touring" involves hauling over 50 pounds of Miguel and trailer around town. The bike is souped up with red fenders, and front and rear racks. I do sometimes have "4 pannier plus trailer" days. We have opted not to have a cargo bike, though, as my husband and I take turns with transporting Miguel. All too soon he will be getting around more on his own (ack!!). And, when I am cargo and trailer free,  I get to reconnect with the Volpe's quiet speed.


Year round commuting tips:
1) Embrace the learning curve. You will figure out what works for you, but it will take some trial and error. One thing that works for me:  rain pants on the messiest and coldest days. While they may not win me major style points, they help neutralize the wind and protect my "Bike Fancy" clothes within. See www.bikewinter.org.
2) Schedule spa days for your bike. I take mine back to Boulevard Bikes at least twice a year for some TLC. Stop by in Feb and March when the shops are slower and spring is just around the corner.
Posted by martha of bike fancy
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5 comments:

  1. GinJanuary 21, 2011 at 9:16 AM

    Thanks, Martha! It seems appropriate to have this posted on our coldest day of the year so far. Also--to those interested in trailers--Miguel's trailer has a flap that comes down to protect him from the elements. He prefers to have it open whenever possible, but when it is super cold, the "window" gets shut. He never complains about being too cold--he is more likely to complain about being too warm.

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  2. martha of bike fancyJanuary 21, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    I know! It's a cold one. I'm sitting here deciding if today is a ski goggles day. Does anyone out there wear goggles on really cold days?

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  3. GinJanuary 21, 2011 at 9:44 AM

    I wear ski goggles on a day like today and when it is snowing. Helps a lot with tearing up.

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  4. AshJanuary 22, 2011 at 1:31 PM

    Hey, I know that lovely lady, clad with her best accessory.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yoga Teacher TrainingJuly 30, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    hey, thanks for the tips. have to give my bike a regular 'spa'. wearing googles is a great idea! love the trailer!

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