Sherri, Franklin St and Randolph St, Chicago, IL

I ran into Sherri on her way to get cupcakes. I love how her boots and skirt give such a great pop of color.  They remind me of spring **sigh.

Diana, Huron St and Carpenter St, Chicago, IL

I stopped Diana on her way to a yoga class, and she was kind enough to let me take her picture.

Diana rides a Raleigh frame, single speed bike, built up from random parts, hand painted peruvian violet (by her) with a foam brush.

Diana Says: This bike is my love.   When I moved to Chicago, I had hybrid mountain bike that was about 6 inches too small for me.  I was a bike novice, but I knew I could bike faster than public transit (usually).   I didn't have a car so I trekked many miles on that old mountain bike.  I had no idea riding a bike could be so easy and fun until my friend's uncle built me this road bike.  

Biking winter was a challenge for me at first.  My first winter I had the mountain bike and no endurance.  My goal was a small 25% of the winter.  Last winter, with my new bike, and a lot more endurance, (and still a U-pass) my goal was 60%.  This winter my goal is 90%!   I love riding, but I don't ride when it's too dangerous.  My favorite thing is cruising past all the cars stuck in traffic!

**  Diana teaches yoga classes at Vessel Yoga, www.vesselyogachicago.com, and Corepower yoga in Bucktown www.corepoweryoga.com.  Check it out!

Wicker Park Ave and Damen, Chicago, IL

Kate rides a Princess Sovereign Pashley Step-through in Regency Green.

Saya, 2100 Block of Roscoe St, Chicago, IL

Saya rides a Locomotief Populair Linea that was a gift from her boyfriend after a trip to Amsterdam.

My mother was a non-conformist in many ways, especially when it came to material items - no microwave, answering machine, tupperware, vacuum cleaner, toaster, TV, couch, car - this last item meant I came to be known in Evanston as "the girl in the buggy," as my mother rode her bike everywhere, with a black buggy attached to the back, in which I sat, very recognizable with my uncombed biracial-afro hair and mismatched handmade clothes.  I've definitely followed in her independent, bohemian, entrepreneurial ways... she hasn't had a 9-5 job in 30+ years; an example of her unusual jobs, she used to ride us up the North Shore bicycle path to collect wildflowers which she'd then dry, press, put in frames and sell at craft fairs; I'm continuing the tradition of finding ways to make a living doing what one loves, with my Mac 'n Cheese Minglers and Fear Experiment - helping others make connections via unique and fun ways!

Rachel, Wacker and State, Chicago, IL

Rachel Rides a 2008 Surly Steamroller Fixed Gear with all the fixings! Almost everything has been replaced on it, including the front wheel 4 times. It's her love!

Cycling Tip from Rachel: Spend the money on good gloves. It gets ridiculously cold in the winter and cheap gloves just won't cut it (who wants frozen fingers anyways??). Bike stores have great selections of winter gloves, like Gore and Pearl Izumi, that'll keep those hands warm 'n toasty! Try going in the spring or early fall to get discounted gear. Also, full fenders are a life saver. You can find them in different colors as well to add some fun to your bike. They help keep all the nasty road grime off of you and your bike, definitely an essential on sloppy wet days! 

Gin at Palmer and Kedzie, Chicago, IL

Gin carts her son Miguel around with her Bianchi Volpe.  Check out bikewinter.org to see how she does it!

I used to save my Bianchi Volpe for touring and other long, fun rides. Now it is my every day bike, as most of my "touring" involves hauling over 50 pounds of Miguel and trailer around town. The bike is souped up with red fenders, and front and rear racks. I do sometimes have "4 pannier plus trailer" days. We have opted not to have a cargo bike, though, as my husband and I take turns with transporting Miguel. All too soon he will be getting around more on his own (ack!!). And, when I am cargo and trailer free,  I get to reconnect with the Volpe's quiet speed.


Year round commuting tips:
1) Embrace the learning curve. You will figure out what works for you, but it will take some trial and error. One thing that works for me:  rain pants on the messiest and coldest days. While they may not win me major style points, they help neutralize the wind and protect my "Bike Fancy" clothes within. See www.bikewinter.org.
2) Schedule spa days for your bike. I take mine back to Boulevard Bikes at least twice a year for some TLC. Stop by in Feb and March when the shops are slower and spring is just around the corner.

Margot, Division and Ashland, Chicago, IL

Margot rides a late 80's Peugot road bike which she has been riding since 2005. Despite the frankenstein mess of parts and upgrades, and all of the miles, she still rides like a charm.

Cycling Tip from Margot:  I gravitate towards brightly colored details on my ride, like yellow handlebar tape, because I think it makes cars see me better. Also, I'm a layering freak to beat the chill. Two pairs of tights and smartwools seem to do the trick so I can still wear a dress!

**Margot comes by her cute style honest.  Check out her design site: www.pitchdesignunion.com

Anne, N Hermitage Ave, Chicago, IL

Anne rides a Pashley Princess Sovereign with a locally made  Po Campo bag on the back. 

I had to ask Anne about her Adorable Tweed Jacket, seriously check out the pocket detail.  She said: "A friend of mine found the jacket at a thrift store and I got it through a clothing swap! Tweed is so great for riding."

Cycling Tip from Anne: I just found a great solution for keeping my feet warm - they aren't all that stylish, but I just got a pair of Neos over shoes. They fit over top of whatever shoes I'm wearing and keep my toes so warm (even with only 1 pair of Smartwool socks!). I've been really happy with them when I ride 5 miles downtown on really cold days!

 

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.