Megan, Damen Ave at the Blue Line, Chicago, IL

Megan's bike is a Bianchi Volpe, in "Gang Green,"that she bought secondhand off Craigslist, and added a rack, Brooks saddle, and Chicago flag sticker.

Megan Says: The best thing about cycling is the autonomy it offers, and learning to do basic maintenance makes that even better. Visit www.thercyclery.org or www.westtownbikes.org to find classes and open shop nights so you can fix problems for yourself.

Kara, Humboldt Park Blvd. and Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL

Kara rides a Windsor Clockwork road bike with flop+chop bullhorns.

Cycling Tip: It's hard to feel feminine in cycling gear during winter. It's all in the details! A fun scarf or a nice pair of mittens make all the difference on those bundled days.

Martha, Pierce Ave and Damen Ave, Chicago IL

Martha rides an WorkCycles Oma, first experienced in Amsterdam, purchased at Dutch Bike Chicago

 Martha Says: "Recently, I found a picture of myself from around 1982, joyfully riding my new silver Schwinn 10-speed (and wearing really, really embarrassing multicolored suspenders).  Part of my spine is fused now, so there is no way I would fit on that Schwinn, but when I am out with Oma, I get to be that girl again.  Without the suspenders."

Thanks for sharing your photo Martha.  I thinks some Chicago hipsters would like to borrow your outfit!

Amy, Honore St and Wicker Park Ave, Chicago, IL

 

Amy rides a Gary Fisher Simple City 3 step-through in aqua.

 Amy started biking when her and her boyfriend (now husband) would go on bike dates together. It is still their favorite way to go out.

Check out Amy's blog Two Pitties in the city 

Ash, 1300 block of Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL

Ashley was photographed in front of a mural painted by Drew Griffith and Dustin Ruegger
curated by the Johalla Project

This Batavus is my  footloose and fancy-free bike. Though it maxes out at about 12MPH it is a speed machine next to my kid hauler extraordinaire, my Madsen KG271. Most of my commutes involve demands to use the potty, flailing limbs and sticky three year old fingers so getting out to ride solo on the open bike lane on my Dutch bike is a truly transcendental experience. All of life's problems melt away on two wheels."

Ash shared this photo of her with her other bike below.

Angee, 1500 Block of N. Damen Chicago, IL

I spotted Angee (hope I am spelling that right) as she rode by after our "Ladies that Bike Brunch,"
which you can read about on Dottie's blog   Lets go Ride a bike.  I love that she makes
biking winter look so effortless. 

Nina, Elston and California, Chicago, IL

Nina Rides a Schwinn Traveler circa 1986, nicknamed The Little Mint Monster

I had to include this image because it reminds me of an old Atget store front photo.

Cycling Tip from Nina: Keep a close eye on your tire pressure when the temperatures are this low. It's much easier to lose air when temperatures are below freezing. And low tire pressure = flats! 

Amelia, Wellington and Lincoln, Chicago, IL

Amelia rides a Schwinn LeTour that she painted purple,  and changed out  parts on.

Cycling Tip from Amelia: don't be discouraged by the cold or snow. Get a cheap 

mountain bike and some good protection for your limbs and you're good to go! 

It can actually be more peaceful than biking in the summer if you're well prepared 

with warm clothing. 

Christy, Jackson and Clinton, Chicago, IL

Christy rides a KHS aluminum frame 8-speed for upright riding with maximum versatility and minimum weight

I ran into (okay stalked is a better term) Christy on her way to a meeting in the Sears

Tower.  Don't let the sun deceive you, it was a nippy 29˚.  I'm so glad I did, because

she is such an inspiration.  Read her story below: 

After I herniated two cervical discs in summer 2010 my physical therapist basically said

'Get a bike that puts your body upright, or never bike again.' Suffice it to say, I bought a

new bike. It was a tough transition, because I go a whole lot slower now than on my old

Bianchi hybrid, but I've come to appreciate the slow ride and the improvement in my

symptoms. For that I have to thank my KHS Cidi 8-speed, plus the guys at Boulevard 

Bikes who helped me to find exactly the right model for my riding style and recent

physical challenges.

Thanks for sharing Christy!

Brittany, Lincoln and Southport, Chicago, IL

Brittany rides an ice blue Motobecane Mirage Road Bike.

Cycling Tip from Brittany:  Wear leggings - more pairs in winter, 

less in summer– they make riding more enjoyable!