Cycling in Heels

It can be done, even on a mountain bike!

Cambridge Bicycle License

That is seriously old school! I've seen lots of bike license plates for sale, but never one for the actual city I happened to be in. I'm impressed! (the bike was beautiful too, as was the black one parked with it)

Rainy days are better together

Don't you just love this blue Schwinn tandem? Spotted in East Cambridge, I was delighted on a rainy day to discover they'd decorated the bike with blue and pink butterflies.

I've amused myself on my commutes since, trying to work out who might own a bike like this. It's just too darling!

Gentleman Cyclist

There is no doubt but that when this gentleman steps off his bike he no longer appears to be a cyclist. So here's proof! One can bicycle with no special clothes.
I love his cap.

Here he did some stretching while waiting for his light:

Add a scarf

This lady knows - take a simple classic bike, add a simple classic outfit (LOVE those ballerina flats!) and then add a scarf. That's what I noticed first.

She's turned her head to say something to the cabbie, it seemed like a friendly chat.

Bicycle Inspired Décor

OK, the weather is still just awful. Let's go shopping, shall we? I recently walked past M. Flynn Accessories and was impressed by the jewelry, but I was even more excited to see their wallpaper. How cute is that? She said it was shockingly expensive, and I believe her!

Summer Cruiser

The rain here just won't quit, and I have no new photos.
I'm digging into the archive here to show you a girl I spotted in the South End, looking oh-so-summery.
It's summertime now, won't the rain please stop?

Red bag and ballet flats

This lady had been enjoying Newbury St. and then hopped on her bike to head south. No big deal, no special clothes (though I do love her red bag).

Follow that bike

I noticed her bike first, skirt guard and helmet second, shopping last.

This blurry photo was taken as I tried to keep up with her, take a photo, and not fall in a pothole. You can see that we've been having grey, cold weather. Her gold lamé bag was my only bright spot all day.

His and Hers Peugeots

I was lucky enough to be conversing with a French eBay seller last week and he sent me this photo of a pair of Peugeot bikes from 1925, completely restored to the original, with the white pinstriping done by hand.

Aren't they an incredible pair of bikes? I didn't know that Peugeot had made such gorgeous city bicycles! I'd like a skirt guard and a headlight like hers please!

Red All Over

I just love this lady's color consistency, and her posture. She is quite the chic cyclist! On a grey day like today she provided the perfect counterpoint.

Matching Bag and Bike

Blue, white, and a red accent - bag and bike. Even her Converse match!

Repair Station at MIT

Thanks to a tip from alert reader E, I got to check out the new repair station at the MIT Stata Center yesterday. It's located with the bike parking under a sheltered passageway, so you could work there when it's raining out. It's made by Dero, the same folks who make the racks we use at my office. This is the Fixit, and I wish the website showed how to hook your bike up there because I turned mine every which way and couldn't work out how it would stay up there (perhaps by seat tube they mean seat post?). Otherwise the selection of tools was nice, and I'm very grateful that MIT has provided this. Thank you MIT!

Next week I'll show you their new racks at the student center - they're really doing a great job of upgrading their bicycle infrastructure.

Simply Commuting

I have been noticing more and more KHS green bicycles around. The ladies frame is especially nice - with a few key upgrades I think it could be a good, simple, affordable option. Sure, it lacks the glamour of the trendy city bikes, but that may work out in its favor long-term.

Daisy Bell

This submission comes from a couple engaged to be married, shown here riding their tandem from the Jamaica Plain Arnold Arboretum. I can't help but think of the song we all learned as children, apparently titled "Daisy Bell".

There is a flower within my heart

Daisy, Daisy

Planted one day by a glancing dart

Planted by Daisy Bell

Whether she loves me or loves me not

Sometimes it's hard to tell

But there are those that would share the lot

Of beautiful Daisy Bell

Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer do

I'm half crazy all for the love of you

It won't be a stylish marriage

I can't afford a carriage

But you'll look sweet upon the seat

Of a bicycle built for two

We will go tandem as man and wife

Daisy, Daisy

Wheeling away down the road of life

I and my Daisy Bell

Saturday Night Date

Saturday evening, his hat, shirt, and shoes matching, I imagine this gentleman is off for a date.

It looks scary but that bus was stopping at a red. Phew!

Rain Predicted, Purple Helmet

I love the matte purple helmet with the shiny blue bike. All her colors are very harmonious.


I also like that, like me, she is also checking out the other bikes!

Wooden Beads and Feathers

I knew they were fashionable this summer but I never would have thought to add them to my bike. It looks cool though, and very personal.

Chain-L No. 5

OK, the packaging gimmick got me. But isn't this the cutest chain lube you've ever seen? I could keep this on my desk at work.

I may have to go back to the bike store, get some chain lubricant just because of its marketing.

Tweedy Jacket

I thought this guy was looking stylin' with his tweedy jacket and jeans. Almost professorial with those glasses too.

Sorry about the blur, low light images are tough with a point-and-shoot!

Bicycle Diaries

The vintage Austro Daimler bicycle spotted last week is in good company. Seems that's the ride that David Byrne prefers.

I look forward to looking through his upcoming book. Cycling for just as long as he's been a star is intriguing timing.

UPDATE: This link is coming in from many friends. Thank you all!

E sends us: Interesting thoughts from DB and the book looks good too. This was my favorite part:

"As Mapes points out, when more women begin riding, that will signal a big change in attitude, which will prompt further changes in the direction of safety and elegance. I can ride till my legs are sore and it won’t make riding any cooler, but when attractive women are seen sitting upright going about their city business on bikes day and night, the crowds will surely follow."

I couldn't say it better myself. Thanks for the link E!

Poised, in blue

She does look elegant with her summer trousers and her blue mixte.

Thanks for the submission from Lovely Bicycle!