Coveting this.

(Photo via Barneys Co-Op)

OK.  It's not exactly cycling related but I saw this bag at Barneys Co-Op and it has me drooling.  It's by Italian maker Sissi Rossi and it's just gorgeous. It's buttery soft, floppy and expensive.  The feature I really love about it is the long strap that allows you to wear it cross body. It would work so well on a bicycle!  I can't possibly justify spending $800 on a bag (especially if it doesn't say "Chanel" on it) so I won't be buying this bag but I will be looking for something like it that doesn't cost a fortune.  Sigh.

If you have any suggestions please leave them for me in the comments.

Sorry, Lissette!

When my good friend Lissette (the wonderful artist who created my banner) read my last post, she kindly reminded me that actually she was the first friend of mine to get a "bike consult."  Oops! A few months ago I helped her pick out a Fuji Palisade 2.0 from Orange 20 Bikes.

(Photo via Fuji Bikes)

Her bike is Gun Metal Gray, not Cranberry.  It's a fun, zippy 7-speed bike with a pretty upright riding posture, and it's very reasonably priced.  It even comes with a beverage holder.

Sorry, Lissette!  Let's go riding soon!

Welcome, Dave!

Dave and his new Electra Townie 7D

This is my friend Dave.  He asked me to go bike shopping with him to help him pick out a new bike.  It's been many years since he's been on a bike.  It was the first time I've done a true "bike consult" and it was so much fun!  He wanted a bike that was comfortable and easy to use for tooling around town and the beach on the weekends and perhaps riding to work on occasion - work being just a few miles from his home - and he knows himself well enough to know he's not a speed demon.  After considering several options at a few different bike shops he settled on the Townie - which I think is a great choice!  I was seriously considering the same bike when I first started shopping.  He especially loved the orange accents on the black bike.  It really is quite stylish, and it's a great value to boot.  It's definitely a bike to consider if your new to the world of cycling, or you're considering any kind of cruiser or comfort bike.

He also got a helmet, a pump, a lock, a bottle cage and bottle, and a set of lights.  He's all set!

Now I'm going to e-mail him a link to Bicycling Street Smarts so he'll feel safe and well-equipped on the road.

Wisteria Lane.

No bikes in these pictures.  This is just an example of the kind of beauty that's easily missed when you're driving in your car.

Happy Spring, Everyone!

Los Angeles Tweed Ride!

My first Tweed Ride was so much fun.  It was a little hot here in LA for tweed (about 90°) but everyone got kitted out nonetheless for a nice, slow tour of Hollywood.  There were a lot of people there.  Does any reader know how many people attended?  It felt like maybe 100 people.

My dapper dandy.

Taking over a lane on Hollywood Blvd.

Some folks had great vintage bikes.  Check out that light!

One of the stops along the way - The Cole House.

That's no clip on tie!

The final stop - The Cat & Fiddle Pub

The lucky winner of the Fat Tire Ale cruiser bike!!!

Thanks again to the awesome volunteers at C.I.C.L.E. for putting together such a great day.  C.I.C.L.E. (Cyclists Inciting Change thru Live Exchange) is a wonderful bike advocacy group here in L.A. anyone can join.

L.A. Tweed Ride!

The awesome folks over at C.I.C.L.E. have organized another Tweed Ride for L.A.  I was unable to attend the last one so I'm super excited about this one.

Now I just have to figure out what to wear!!!

More info on the ride from the c.i.c.l.e. website:

Meet at Hollywood High at high noon for tea, scones, and an introduction to the ride and contests. This afternoon jaunt will depart at 1pm.

Dress in your finest duds and mingle alongside some of the most dashing characters in this Los Angeles bicycle ride that's sure to become an annual event.

Stops on the ride will include some of the best historic and memorable landmarks in Hollywood such as the Egyptian Theater, Cole House and Good Humor Building, which will all make for some spiffy photos.

Post ride hooch for those who are interested at the Cat and Fiddle Pub, made famous by many things including the film, Casablanca. There will be New Belgium Brewing drink specials and a snazzy cruiser bike raffle, benefiting C.I.C.L.E.

You won’t want to miss this great ride! As with all Urban Expeditions, this ride is less than 10 miles and tailored towards beginner-intermediate rider levels. Bring a snack, water, and a bicycle in good working condition.

Contests for these categories:
· Best Tweed Dress: Male and Female
· Most Likely to be on a Fox Hunt
· Best Dressed Bike
· Best Mustache: Male and Female
· Best Hat
· Best Socks
· Best Hollywood Glamour Style- Male and Female

Meet: On the Hollywood High School lawn on the corner of Sunset and Orange. 
1521 North Highland Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90028-7096

Time: High Noon

RSVP via Facebook: tr.im…

Art, Moving, Organzing, Commuting.

"Take a Cruise" by Lauren Singer

Photo courtesy of www.ilufflife.com

I am the proud new owner of this beautiful bike painting! Ever since I've been smitten with bikes I've been equally smitten with bike-related art.  It's such a simple but beautiful subject.  It's no wonder artists have been painting and photographing bikes forever!

This beautiful painting will get prime real estate in my new living room.  I just moved into a new apartment last month - hence the major lag between posts!  The great news is that I am now just 2.5 miles from work so bike commuting is so much easier!  My former commute was almost 10 miles so riding to work was doable but it was kind of a big production and I could only manage it maybe once a week.

The hard part of the move has been downsizing my life.  I've definitely lost a lot of space.  With the help of a professional organizer, I'm paring my belongings down to the essentials - if it doesn't serve me and I don't love it, it's gotta go!  Cycling is such a wonderful way to simplify your life.  If I'm driving my car to work I lug my huge purse AND my huge "work bag" with me every day.  If I'm riding my bike I really have to decide what is important to bring with me.  It forces me to be more organized!

I'm working towards the goal of riding to work 3 days a week - very reasonable especially now that the weather is so perfect in LA!