Monday, April 30, 2012

Bike Fancy in Momentum




Pretty psyched to have some photos in the May/June issue of Momentum Magazine.  Check out the article "The New Face of Cycling."  Thanks to Genaro and Adolofo for meeting me on a cold Sunday.  
Happy Monday
~martha



Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Jacqueline, W Randolph St & N Green St, Chicago, IL

Jacqueline is riding her new specialized globe


My other car is also a bike.  In January I rode 375 miles in three days around the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. Vueltapr.com

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Vivian, N Western Ave & W Hirsch St, Chicago, IL

Vivian rides a kilo TT pro stripper edition fixie from bikesdirect.com


What are you wearing?  My shirt purse, shoes and skirt were all purchased from thrift or discount stores. The scarf I have in my hair was from the Alameda flea market in california, and my jacket is from the Gap. 
Tell me about your bike, and where you got it? My bike is a kilo TT pro stripper edition fixie of course haha. I got it from bikesdirect.com
Where are you going? taking a ride just to clear my head and take a break from studying
Why ride? I ride because it gives me a very tangible feeling of freedom and when so much of life feels out of ones control, biking can be a huge release.
Favorite ride? My favorite ride is on the way to the beach with my friends in the summer we all feel so incredibly powerful biking in a gang together
While riding you …? When I'm riding I tend to focus in on what's happening around me and it pushes all other thoughts away.
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure and be more friendly? I think it would be incredible if the city would replace street parking with car width bike lanes to encourage more commuting by bike. 

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Lisa, W Lake St & N State St, Chicago, IL

Lisa rides an Army green Raleigh from the late 60's/early 70's

What are you wearing? 
I am wearing my favoritecoat and my trusty helmet!
Tell me about your bike, and where you got it? 
My bike is an old army green Raleigh from the late 60's/early 70's
Where are you going? 
I am headed to
to Harold Washington College to pick up my transcript
Why ride? 
I ride to get in some exercise, enjoy my commute, and save the planet!
Favorite ride? 
My favorite ride
has got to be Critical Mass! So much fun!
While riding you …? 
While riding I like to consider the complexities of life, the Universe, and everything. ;)
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly?
And other cool, funny tips or stories? 
We bikers need more bike lanes, better maintenance of pot holes, and would enjoy a cyclists cafe!

*** So funny that you mention a cyclist cafe.  I just spent half of a day photographing at the Heritage Bicycle General Store .  They make bikes and coffee!

Friday, March 30, 2012

Morgan, N Milwaukee Ave & N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL

A prior tennant left the GT Outpost mountain bike that Morgan rides. 

What are you wearing?  A tan wool sweater with bow collar from American Apparel's vintage selection, jeans, and my secondhand store boots I got for 8 dollars (!!)
Tell me about your bike, and where you got it?  My bike is a green GT Outpost that I was lucky enough to inherit from the last girl who lived in my apartment, since my last bike got stolen in DC
Where are you going?  I am heading back home from the grocery store.
Why ride?  Especially when I have things to carry, I would much rather bike somewhere than walk.  And it's a great way to see more of the city on my own terms.
Favorite ride?   I haven't been out much because I've only been in Chicago for a month. But so far, my favorite ride is just exploring my new neighborhood and getting to know it as much as I can.
While riding you …?  ... like to be safe!  City biking makes me a little nervous, especially when the curbs are almost as high as my knees like some places in Chicago I've seen.  Next thing on my wish list is a good (and cute?) helmet.
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly?  I lived in Munich last summer and the BEST thing for bikers there were the bike lanes. They had them on roads or to one side of sidewalks, and people followed them!  They were also pretty strict about bikers following the same rules as cars, like stopping for red lights and staying in lanes - and cars had to do the same and watch out for bikers as well.
And other cool, funny tips or stories?  When you lock your bike, leave it in a semi-public place.  Most regular locks are pretty easy to break with a hammer, and if nobody is there to see it, it's even easier!  I know because my bike got stolen from a basement parking garage while locked up, and I had to break my current bike's lock because the last owner couldn't remember the code.  That's enough breaking of locks for my lifetime, thank you very much. On to those crazy U-locks for me!

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Martha, S State St & W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL

Photo: Nicole Radja 

Chicago in the spring can be challenging (though it has been unseasonably warm).  This season brings the weather man's credibility to the level of the psychics and tea-leaf readers.  Case in point: I was planning to post this today because it was supposed to be rainy, but now it says clear skies the whole the day (not that I am complaining).

My ABSOLUTE least favorite weather condition is rain, specifically cold rain, and I have been looking for ways to cheer myself up while riding in it other than my normal use of positive self deception (i.e. the rain make my skin look fresh and dewy, or rain water does wonders for my hair).  
My quest has been to find the the perfect rain trench because hopping on my bike, wearing a bright rain coat, is a perfect antidote to rainy day doldrums. I was thrilled when I found this Happy Rainy Days trench  on the site Cycle Style. (thanks Mary for the Christmas gift!).  I also love my Saltwater sandals which are built to withstand any amount of water. I just found out that the Happy Rainy Day brand has United States distribution on the site Hip in the Rain, so check it out.  
I pretty much want everything on the Cycle style site (bike wine rack, why not!)

 ~ Happy riding everyone!

Friday, March 23, 2012

Tracy, N Ashland Ave & W Division St, Chicago, IL



Tracy rides a brown 1989 Schwinn Surburban





What are you wearing?
My bright yellow Nutcase helmet, I got from Amazon.com last December for about $19. My tops I got from Mjrsales.com last February. The skirt, I picked up at local Good Will store some years ago, is particularly comfortable and great for riding. And my smeakers (lol) I got a couple of years ago from Walmart for about $5 (was on sale).  They so comfortable and great for the ride.  
Tell me about your bike, and where you got it?
My lovely bike is a Schwinn Surburban, 1989 model. I drove more than 30 minutes outside the city to get this bike. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw the picture and the price was awesome, just a $100 bucks. But the bike has more than proven it was built well. I have been riding it for about 1 year, and have had no major issues with it. I rode this bike all through last winter and I can definitely say it is a great road bike.  Excluding the wheels(rims and wheels) the bike still has its original parts. I have covered more than 10,000(average 40 miles a week) miles with this bike since I purchased it, and it still runs WELL.
Where are you going?
On my way back from school.  
Why ride?
Riding is a great way to get A MUCH needed exercise, loosen my muscles,  and de-stress. It is also a good way to clean out my lungs if the weather permits. Best of all, it is a great way to get around the city, in good time, and never needing to worry much about parking or the crazy Chicago traffic.
Favorite ride?
I truly enjoy riding every where I can, whether I am running errands, hanging out, or riding to school and church. Just having that me time on my bike is a great way for me  to relax, and declutter my mind.
While riding you …? I enjoy the Chicago breeze on my face, as I listen to my fm radio which I have clipped to the front of my bike, while I ride.  
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly?
Chicago could do a better job of fixing the roads. I love to ride my bike, especially with the great weather we have been having , but the bumps, and potholes on the roads are hard to deal with. It is just not cool riding over those bumps, potholes and cracks in the road. It makes riding a bit painful, especially if you do not see the crack, or have no option but to ride over them.
And other cool, funny tips or stories?
Riding through winter weather is not as hard as it may seem. Hues brand sweater leggings are really warm, and a great way to stay warm and stylish on the seriously cold winter days when you ride. I would wear two pairs, along with two pair of gloves to keep me warm on those really cold days.