Thursday, February 16, 2012

Wendy, W Randolph St & N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL

Wendy rides a that she got at the REI in Oakbrook.

What are you wearing?  My favorite jeans skirt that I bought many years ago and always wear when I am in the mood for a comfy day (normally Friday's). My boots are my favorite boots for biking during winter; comfortable and warm. My aunt bought me these boots when I visited The Netherlands last Christmas the are called Nature Breeze and only cost $20.  My coat is a Michael Kors and bought it last year (was amazingly cheap :) ). It is warm and long enough to ride a bike with during Chicago winters.
Tell me about your bike, and where you got it? I bought my bike at REI in Oakbrook. I am riding a GT 3 speed chocolate color, although to me it still looks more like blue. 3 speed was my max when I decided what kind of bike to buy. My dad warned me that the more speed on your bike the more maintenance I would have to do myself. Since I am not a handy girl, I thought this would be the best option for me.  I call my bike my little best friend in the city. He never lets me down and is always there and waiting for me when I need him.
Where are you going? I am going home.  I got off early from work today since I will be travelling to South America tomorrow and still needed to pack a lot of stuff.
Why ride? It gives me a wake up call in the morning and relaxes me
when I ride home after a day at the office.
Favorite ride?  On the Lakefront path during summer. So great to see people running, having fun and the beautiful view over Lake Michigan always makes my day.
While riding you …? I am thinking about everything that pops into my mind. From to-do list to things that happened at work that day to what to eat that night.
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago
more bike friendly?
More bike lanes would make Chicago much more bike friendly. I am from Amsterdam, and over there cars, pedestrians and bikes are used to each other as users of the same road and therefore accidents rarely happen.  Unfortunately, I can't count the times that I have been almost hit by a car (cab) on one hand anymore.

And other cool, funny tips or stories?
When I am riding my bike with high heels and a dress during summer I get so many questions (especially from guys) but as all the Lady's on this website know: riding your bike in high heels is not hard. Just get on that bike and pedal:).

Monday, February 13, 2012

Michele, N Milwaukee Ave & W Augusta Blvd, Chicago, IL

Get recycled bike parts jewelry like Michele's necklace here:  http://www.recycledacc.com


What are you wearing?
My red winter coat. I'm an identical twin, and when we were little, my mother, an
artist, used to dress me in red and my sister in blue because I looked better in red
and my sister in blue. But, for years I wore purple. Then, when I was buying this
coat, I tried on a purple coat and then this red one. And, y'know, I looked better in
the red. Mom was right!

Tell me about your bike, and where you got it?  This is my errand bike. I’ve had it a long time, and I'm not sure what it is or where I got it, but I love the baskets. I lock my lock to the baskets through my bag handles.

Where are you going?  I love this secret path over the expressway. It's a shortcut between Milwaukee Avenue and Elston available only to bicycles and pedestrians – one of the many
benefits of cycling in Chicago instead of driving!

Why ride?
  Freedom! Relaxation. Sanity!  No parking tickets or hassles.

Favorite ride?  I enjoy pace line group rides. For pace lines or distance rides, I ride my other bike.  When the group is working together as a group, the synergy is magical.

While riding you …?  I collect smiles. I smile at the people I pass and try to get them to smile back at me.

How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly?  Bikes on Metra trains and CTA buses are a great innovation. They've saved me from
my stubbornness a number of times!

And other cool, funny tips or stories?  A Frenchman asked me out on a date. The best way for me to get to the restaurant was by bike, so I biked for the first time in heels. When we were leaving the restaurant and he realized I had biked there, he asked, surprised, "You biked in heels?" And, then, added approvingly, "Very French!" Since then, I've found that both men and women are impressed, but I'll let you in on a secret: it's not difficult to bike in heels. Just put on your heels, get on the bike, and pedal!

Friday, February 3, 2012

Sarah, N Ashland Ave & W Thomas St, Chicago, IL


Sarah rides a Blue, Schwinn Collegiate 3 Speed from Working Bikes.

What are you wearing?  A bunch of stuff my mom gave me and my favorite plain wool coat that I've had for years and the zipper is broken but I never want to stop wearing it.  Also, a backpack instead of a purse because I do a lot of grocery shopping.  It holds a lot more than you'd think it does. 
Tell me about your bike, and where you got it? I ride a blue, Schwinn Collegiate 3 Speed.  I got it at Working Bikes!  I used to have a super fast road bike but the wheels were stolen TWICE and I finally just sold the frame and bought this bad boy.  I have so much more fun riding it.  The seat is huge, it's like biking around on a La-Z-Boy.
Where are you going? I'm going to the grocery store and then home to make a huge breakfast.  I believe you should always start the day with 2 eggs.  Unless you're vegan.
Why ride? Because I hate waiting for the bus and I make a lot of stops.
Favorite ride? Ooh, I don't know.  I just love riding around when the sun is setting.
While riding you …? Think up jokes.
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly?  I guess, is there a way to get car drivers and bike riders to not feel like enemies?  A little bit of empathy on both parts would be nice.
And other cool, funny tips or stories? Oh gosh, I don't know.  Be careful out there on the snow.  I slip and fall on my bike a lot and it really never stops being embarrassing.