Happy Holidays

Bike Fancy is on Winter Holiday!  Please browse the archives, and look out
for lots of new photos in the New Year.

Leavitt Ave. and North Ave, Chicago ,IL

I ran into this lady while walking my pup.  I didn't have a chance to get her 

name, but when I asked her how the ride was, she said it's not 

that cold, just snowy.

Heather, Chicago Ave. and Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL

Heather Rides a Surly Cross-Check Road Bike.

Cycling Tip from Heather: Don't be afraid of the cold.  

Throw on lots of wool and get riding.

Martha of Bike Fancy, West Town, Chicago, IL

With snow on the ground, cycling has become a much messier endeavor.  I'm preaching the gospel of thick wool socks to anyone that will listen.  I've got some new cold weather running tights that are a nice back up for my wool long johns and a little sleeker.  (I've got some "wet" leggings layered over).  I'm hoping for some real winter boots for christmas, in the meantime, I'll keep ruining my vintage boots from ebay.  

*** I'm running low on my reserve of photos, so tell all of your cycling friends I want to take their picture!  Email me at: mafaw1@gmail.com.  

I will also be stalking the bike lanes, so look fancy ; )

Samantha, North Ave. and Oakley St., Chicago, IL

Samantha rides a WorkCycles Oma from The Dutch Bike Co. on Armitage

Cycling Tip from Samantha: Wear windproof/waterproof gloves or mittens for winter riding, and always carry a bungee cord. Always. They're more useful to carry around than possibly even an allen wrench. 

** check out Samantha's cycling blog  Ding Ding Let's Ride

Julie D., Jackson St. at 90/94, Chicago, IL

Julie rides a 2007 Raleigh Rush Hour road bike.

Julie's Cycling Tip:  Get some snow tires, fenders and proper clothing to stay warm:  

ride all winter long.  The roads aren't as bad as you might think. 

** Another tip from Julie:  Check out this amazing local charitable organization

www.worldbicyclerelief.org/

 

Lauren V., N Leavitt St., Chicago, IL

Lauren rides a vintage Schwinn cruiser, but sorely misses her stolen vintage black ladies' Dunelt.

Cycling Tip from Lauren:  Especially if you have decent tires, winter biking isn't nearly as scary as it sounds. Just budget some extra time and bundle up with lots of layers.

Jasmine, W Iowa St, Chicago, IL

Jasmine rides an aluminum frame Trek with, carbon fork and aluminum handlebars from Working Bikes Coop

Cycling Tip from Jasmine: If you are cold, bike harder.

Taryn, N. Fairfield Ave., Chicago, IL

Taryn rides a Vintage Gazelle Populair Dutch Style Step-through.

Cycling Tip from Taryn: Not everyone has a fast bike or wants to ride like Lance Armstrong, so have some patience for those of us on the commuter bikes or cruisers who might just be enjoying the ride.

Shay, Sacramento and Diversey, Chicago, IL

Shay rides a Single speed early 70's Peugeot road bike she calls Claudette.

Cycling Tip from Shay: Get to know the folks at your local bike shop.  It's especially nice if the shop offers a ladies' night like West Town Bikes.  It's so great to be able to go in and work on my bike with a bunch of awesome women to help and give advice.