Jason, Camp Crystal Lake, Happy Halloween!

Hope everyone had a great weekend celebrating Halloween!  I ran in to this character and just had to ask them a few questions:

What are you wearing?  A hockey mask that I took this guy Shelly after slashing his throat, a machete, jeans, and converse.  
Where are you going? I'm headed to Camp Crystal Lake
Why ride? Its faster than walking, and easier to sneak up onto unsuspecting teens mid-coitus 
Favorite ride?   I'm more concerned with the final destination.
While riding you …? Clean the blood off my machete 
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? I don't care about Chicago

Nathan, Logan Square Circle, Chicago, IL

Nathan rides a custom built 1984 Trek 720

You might recognize Nathan from one of your favorite watering holes or as your friendly mechanic at Boulevard Bikes.  His bike is for sale, so call Boulevard Bikes if you are interested!

Where are you going?  I'm on my way to work at Boulevard Bikes
Tell me about your bike, and where you got it?  This is my second bike, a burgundy custom built 1984 trek 720 that I purchased years ago at working bikes and built up at the bike shop I work at.  I'm actually trying to sell it.

What are you wearing?  I am wearing Red Wing iron rangers, Levi's 501 jeans, Woolrich vest, Pointer Hickory striped jacket and a Hillside chambray scarf.

Why ride?  Why drive? I like to keep my carbon imprint low.
Favorite ride?  My favorite rides ever were touring through Tuscany, or the ride up the inland sea coast of Japan. However, I think the everyday bike rides even to and from work can be enjoyable.  

While riding you …?  While riding I sometimes whistle or sing. I sometimes also play my iPhone in my front pocket. No headphones though! Too risky. 

How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly?  Chicago can make it safer to bike by more pronounced or protected bike lanes, stricter testing for drivers, letting new drivers know that bikes are supposed to be on the road. Bikers should be more cautious as well.

 

Terry, N Milwaukee Ave & W North Ave, Chicago, IL

Terry rides a Centurion frame built-up to a custom single speed road bike

****  I randomly stopped Terry on the street and it turns out he produces the Chicago Bicycle Film Festival.  Its happening next weekend Friday November 4-6th.  There are lots of cool movies and events so check it out!

Where are you going? I am headed home(logan square) from the loop where I

am finishing my masters at DePaul.

What bike are you riding and where did they get it?  Its a Centurion

touring frame built-up to a  custom single speed road bike, basically.  My bike was built-up by the guys over at Nearly New on Broadway ... upkeep

and modifications by myself and the guys at Boulevard Bikes in Logan

Square.

Favorite ride? That is tough...as crazy as it my sound-- anywhere in the

loop or downtown.  I didn't grow up in a city so flying through tons of

traffic, and huge buildings is still pretty surreal for me-- LOVE IT!

While riding you …?  Sometimes listen to music, sometimes I film rides-

when I'm in no rush.

How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike

friendly?

I think one MAJOR problem is the CTA's rule about no bikes during rush

hours. This is very dangerous since sometimes people get stuck in crazy

weather and are forced to ride in it due to the policy.  Over 90% of bike

accident happen in rain.

Other than that--I think a few HARSH examples need to be made of people

who "door" bikers.  There are so many people that don’t understand how

dangerous it is to not pay attention while parking and will not pay

attention until there is something being threatened.

So tell me more about the Bicycle Film Festival.

I am the producer of Bicycle Film Festival Chicago.  BFF is an

international film festival that is EVERYTHING BIKES!  November 4-6 th, 2011, and

here are a few events that will be taking place over that weekend:

A few AWESOME local Chicago orgs who help us w/ BFF {Active transportation

alliance, the chainlink, west town bikes, working bikes, and Bicycling

Magazine of course)

Perez, Wicker Park, Chicago, IL

Perez rides a Schwinn Corvette cruiser in cherry red.

I ran into Perez hanging out the the Chicago Cruisers.  A pretty cool group of guys with some really nice Vintage schwinns.  Check out the detailing below.

Davey, N Lincoln Ave & N Leavitt St, Chicago, IL

Davey rides a Raleigh Technium converted it into a fixed gear

Tell me more about your bike and where you got it.  I ride a Raleigh Technium. I converted it into a fixed gear a few years ago after I an ex boyfriend of mine gave it to me. It was his father's bike and he was worried it was to flimsy to hold up to in Cleveland's harsh winters and tire hungry potholes. In exchange I built him a chunky tired franken-bike, which was quickly stolen from his porch when he forgot to lock it up. 

What are you wearing?  I am wearing a pair of Levis 511's, a button down from American Apparel, a pair of FLY London shoes, and leather suspenders by Wrath Arcane. My pal Dana used to design clothing for them, and she and her husband gave them to me as a gift when I officiated their wedding in September. 

Where are you going?  I am on my way home from a photo shoot for the bar I work at. I thought I should have my look together for the occasion.  

Why ride?  I ride for a lot of reasons,
1. It's basically the only exercise I really get most of the time.
2. I don't own a car, and I kind of hate taking public transit if i don't have to. It's mostly the waiting and herding parts that I don't like.
3. Riding can be kind of meditative, especially late at night. 

Favorite ride?  In the city, I like my daily commute a lot, which is just a 20 minute ride down Damen to Montrose. It's got well defined bike lanes, the traffic's not too bad most of the time.  

While riding you...?  While riding I am just working out ideas for things in my head, making lists. Lots of thinking. And dodging obstacles of course.

How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly?  I think Chicago is pretty bike friendly, but like many people, I think the biggest issue is the lack of education within both the driving community and the biking community. I think that if everyone knew the rules, and followed them at least as well as they do other laws there would be a lot less hostility bouncing around, I mean shit still happens and people will still break laws but hopefully the level of respect given to riders would be a lot higher. Maybe. 

Check out Davey's really cool artwork here: www.Davey-k.com 

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

Vincent rides a 12-year-old Trek hybrid from the Village Cycle Center

Tell me about your bike and where you got it?  My bike is a 12-year-old Trek hybrid, bought at Village Cycle Center on Wells Street in Chicago. 

What are you wearing?  Black 501 Levi's,brown tweed sport coat, denim button down shirt, olive green crew neck, and brown casual Allen Edmonds oxfords.

Why ride?  It's cheap, it's fun, and (in downtown Chicago, which is where I live) it gets me from here to there very quickly.

Favorite ride?  For an enjoyable (and very strenuous, if I choose to push the pace) ride, I like to head south to Chicago's Hyde Park and back, along the Lake Michigan shoreline's bike path.

While riding . . . I just let my mind float -- sort of like a meditative journey on two wheels.

How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly?  Use European cities such as Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and Stockholm as models, and physically separate bike lanes from motor vehicle traffic -- not just paint lines on street surfaces.

Any other ways we can promote biking?  I think all sizable US cities should host "criterium" bike races on their downtown streets every year.  These races -- some of whose competitors are world class professional bike racers -- are very exciting, and they add variety to a city's enjoyable downtown attractions. 

Guys Week at Bike Fancy

Its that time again, when Bike Fancy turns her camera towards the men of Chicago.  So guys– pick up that suit from the dry cleaners, and shave this week.  Or better yet don't, we like a little scruff.

Daehee & Matthew, E Jackson & S State St, Chicago, IL 

Daehee (left), and Matthew (right)

Daehee

Where are you going? I and headed back to school after lunch.
What bike are you riding and where did they get it?
I am riding a Tommaso D&D fixie.  I bought this online last summer and loving it!
What are you wearing? something cheap? haha i don't know i just wear whatever... i'm a super big fan of Adidas classic
Why ride? for commuting and for fun! riding in the city...is just much better than paying $2.25.
Favorite ride? Bianchi Pista
While riding you …? I'm a painter and graphic designer, so I see the perspectives of this and that... and use them as my resources/references for my works
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? NEED A BETTER ROAD!

Matthew
Where are you going?  I am going back to work from lunch break.  I work
for NYSE as a developer.
What bike are you riding and where did they get it?  I ride a  Bianchi Pista.  I got it used 3 years ago.  I primarily use it for commuting but recently got a road bike for my first triathlon this year!  
What are you wearing? I’m wearing a Patagonia windshield jacket, Chrome loop pro
knicker, alife everybody low canvas shoes, new era white sox cap!
Why ride?  it's usually faster than cabbing in the city, plus it's
free.  I own a SUV so I feel obligated to ride whenever I can.  =)
Favorite ride?  my serotta tri-colorado!
While riding you …?  I constantly check my surroundings for cars.  I've
had a few accidents with cars, and once my bike got totalled. Since
then I assume everybody's the worst driver when I'm riding.
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike
friendly?  Fix those nasty potholes!!!
Anything else you want to share?  I run asnowboarding group in chicago called Windy City Boarders with around 400 members.  We're planning on group riding session in the off season. 

Rachel, N Oakley & W Le Moyne, Chicago, IL

I ran into Rachel walking into a BBQ, and I just had to grab her for a quick photo.  Love the dress and shoes.  Perfect for the last warm days of fall (unlike today which is FREEZING!)

Maria, S State St & E Madison St, Chicago, IL

What are you wearing? Club Monaco top, striped skirt I got at Anthropologie and my fancy Stuart Weitzman high heels, on a mountain bike. :) Love it!
Make/model color of your bike, and where you got it? Kestrel carbon fiber Mountain Bike. Made in USA, purchased in Leadville, CO
Where are you going? Running errands during lunch break
Why ride? Makes me happy and free, my bike takes me to places
Favorite ride? I love riding no the lake shore bike path and any ride in Utah
While riding you …? Sing, talk to myself or watch traffic (especially cars parked on the side) carefully at rush hour.
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? More driver and pedestrian bike awareness. Teach children in school biking etiquette.

Trés Awesome Hearts Bike Fancy

I've officially made it into the Fashion Blogger world.  Check out this mention on the Trés Awesome Fashion blog:

http://www.tresawesome.com/2011/10/blogger-spotlight-martha-williams-of.html

 

Addendum:  A reader pointed out that I have not answered the questions that I ask everyone else on the site, so here goes:

Tell me about your bike, and where you got it?  My bike is a 1987 Pink Schwinn Prelude that I got from an old roommate because it was too big for her (we traded bikes).  I've had it for almost 10 years now; parts have been modified, replaced, and stolen, but all the folks a Boulevard Bikes keep it going. 
Where are you going?  After this photo shoot I am going home to walk and hang out with my dog.

What are you wearing?  Purple tank layered with a grey tank from Penelope's,  orange circle skirt from American Apparel , Pink brand wedge pumps from the clearance rack at Akira shoe store.

Why ride?  I ride a bike because it keeps my head screwed onto my body when my mind wanders, makes me happy, conscious of the world, healthy, and has the power to make me feel like a kid, again and again. And its green!
Favorite Ride?  I love night rides when I can speed down a deserted street with no speed bumps.  Also, I love to ride bikes wherever I travel.
While riding you...? While riding I listen to music and whistle along, trying to match the key.  Embarrassingly, when no one is around, I air drum on my handlebars.  
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly?  I think Chicago has a good start, but could do a lot more to be bike friendly. I would love to see even more divided bike lanes, and some bike-only street programs like Summer Streets in New York city.  I see that a lot more people are riding bikes, but there also seems to be increased tension between drivers and cyclists.  Just because I ride a bike, doesn't mean I think I am better than someone that is driving, but I see other cyclists that clearly think they are.  Conversely, I think drivers need to understand that driving is a privilege, not a right, and that they are operating a 4,000 pound vehicle that could kill someone. 

Stacey, N Damen Ave & W Potomac Ave, Chicago, IL

 

What are you wearing? A tunic I got from a fashion swap and Sam Edelman sandals
Tell me more about your bike, and where you got it? My bike is a Biria EB Top 3. I got it from a street sale in Wicker Park a few months agol
Where are you going? I'm headed to the grocery store.
Why ride? Its faster than walking, but more active than hopping on the bus.
Favorite ride? I love riding aimlessly when my goal is only to see new interesting parts of my neighborhood and really take in old parts!
While riding you …? Frequently find myself mouthing please don't kill me to drivers :)
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? Offering consistent bike lanes throughout the city and more places to lock up your bike.

Bri, W Division St & N Wood St, Chicago, IL

 

 

I snapped a picture of Bri a few days ago (when its was still shorts weather!).  I loved her teal bike, comfy but cute bike outfit, and the graphic scarf as a helmet liner.  Very cute and a nice detail.  This also makes me think I need to do a little more with my eye make up.

Kate, 1500 Block of Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL

Kate rides a vintage Sears step through with coaster breaks.

Love the old school sparkle banana seat

Tell me more about your bike, and where you got it? It's a loaner while my sister has my hot pink Savoy cruiser from the 70's. My girlfriend won this bike in a lottery on Craigslist. She saw it was listed as "free", contacted the guy, and he put her name in a hat with all the other people who wanted it, and she won! 

Where are you going? Just cruising around Wicker Park, shopping for summer clothes. I'm going to roadtrip to Central America for the winter so I need more dresses. 

What are you wearing? A strapless striped purple sundress and light blue open toe flats. 

Why ride? It feels good! I like to feel free to take my own path to anywhere I want to go. It's clean and it's a relaxing way to sneak in some exercise. When you're rolling by at your own pace you notice so much about that city that you would miss in a car.

Favorite ride? I love a moonlight ride from Wicker to Pilsen. I take Hubbard to Morgan and roll through the UIC campus all the way to 18th street.  

While riding you …? think a lot about life and what I want to do, where I've been and where I'm going. Sometimes I talk to myself, just thinking out loud to keep myself company. 

How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? Chicago is a great city for biking, but I would love more bike-only trails to criss-cross the city. It would be great too, if there were more regular events to encourage biking, something like Critical Mass, but sponsored and promoted by the city of Chicago. 

 

Giavanna, N Kedzie Ave & N Linden Pl, Chicago, IL

Giavanna rides a copper Schwinn step-through I got from working bikes.

Where are you going?   I am headed home from the Logan Square farmers market where I picked up these Zinnias .
Why ride?  I ride my bike because it makes me feel happy and free. 
Favorite ride?  I like night rides the most.
While riding you …?   While riding I typically talk to myself. 
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly?  I feel like the bike lanes need to  be made clearer and more consistent. Oh, and the city could fill the pot holes in the bike lanes a little more regularly.

Samantha, Fullerton & Sacramento, Chicago, IL

Lindsay and Taco, 2100 Block of W North Ave, Chicago, IL

Lindsay rides a vintage All Pro 3-speed (when her other bike has a flat)

Where are you headed?  Me and my dog Taco are headed to pick up an I GO car because I just purchased a dining set at The Ark and needed to bring it home.
Tell me more about your bike and where you got it?  My bike is a tan/brown/orange All Pro that I don't know much about because it was found abandoned in the basement of the Pilsen bar I work at.

What are you wearing?  Vintage polo and Levis cutoffs 
Why Ride? I  bike so I don't have to run on a treadmill in a sweaty gym elbow-to-elbow with tan guido types. AND because it's FUN!
Favorite Ride?  My favorite ride is to work. Its about 5 miles, and it is usually done during rush hour and I love wizzing past all the cars stuck in traffic.
While riding you....?  clear my head. 
 How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly?

I find that the car doors and pedestrians are the biggest threat to us. I guess I would like to see more biker awareness... maybe more naked bike rides??

Kallie, N State St & E Illinois St, Chicago, IL

Where are you going?  On a work errand to Trader Joe's.
Tell me more about your bike, and where you got it? My bike is a Gulfstream 4130.  I just bought it from my cute little landlord Julio (his son moved out, and as Julio is only about 5', he had no use for it) b/c my dad's hand-me-down mountain bike just wasn't cutting it anymore.
What are you wearing?  Work garb!  A belt I found at a vintage store in Siena, Italy, a skirt from a thift store in Soho, working girl footwear, and lots of black, my usual.
Why ride?  It builds character and makes life a lot more interesting - people are stopping me on the street to take my picture!  Also, I'm living on a volunteer stipend and trying to save money to go to Ecuador.
Favorite ride?  After the lakefront, Lincoln from Albany Park to the Loop!
While riding you …?  I decompress from the day and gawk at Chicago architecture.
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly?  I tried to take it on the L the other day - not pleasant.  So, making it easier to fit bikes on public transit for when you just can't bike it (but hope to a little later in the day).