"Boston Wants It"

The Boston Bikes party this morning was a happening scene, and I was overwhelmed by all the people, all the bikes, all the stalls of bike goodness. It was more bike love than I could take in at one moment. Thank you all!

This beautiful cyclist is one of the most frequent contributors and commenters on this blog. I was thrilled to finally meet her in person. I don't know if you can tell, but she's sporting fishnets. I was drooling on her basket, it was terribly embarrassing. And yes, I think the banner is right - Boston wants it.

Nicole Freedman was also out taking bike photos. She spotted this beautiful bike before I did - add excellent photographer to the long list of things that she does well.

Here's my best-dressed gentleman. He's wearing the hat that all the young men are sporting now. In his case I think the hat is as old as these young men who are co-opting the look. Anyway, I think he looks great and I'm glad he's out on a bike.

These two gentlemen are working on a petition to plow the Franklin Park bike path in the winter. I love the incongruity of those clipless shoes with a suit!

What a great morning! Happy Bike Week!

A real "Sport Utility Vehicle"

Whoever coined the phrase "sport utility vehicle" touched on some intrinsic part of the American psyche. Evoking adventure and practicality, the phrase is very much in tune with how Americans like to think of themselves. Sure, there are those of us who love all things European; haute couture, design, ballet, opera, etc. but I think we all at some level understand the American appeal of the Jeep Cherokee and a Brooks Brothers sack suit.

I've been watching bike trends for just a short time really, and love the resurrection of the old three-speeds, but it's my prediction that the rigid mountain bike of the early nineties will be the next style to be pulled out of basements and retro-fitted for commuting. Indeed in conversations with local framebuilder Matt Budd I mentioned that his design (at right) reminded me of this idea, and he was very enthusiastic, as that was exactly his inspiration.

There are many beautiful Dutch/Danish bikes available, and there are gorgeous custom bespoke bikes which defy categorization, but it's my opinion that the converted rigid mountain bike, like this one I photographed yesterday, may be the true American 'sport utility vehicle' (with bonus points, as it's a lot more sporty and a lot more utilitarian than the Ford Explorer!).

However, my husband says "Don't even think about touching my Yo Eddy!"

Question for my readers

Dear Readers,

Let's pretend that you heard that your bike community was planning a "Bike Fashion Show". What sort of things would you want to go see? What would get you excited?

I'm purposely being vague here, I'm hoping for some brainstorming. If y'all want more direction I'll be more concrete. But just throw things out there - what would you like to see?

Thanks!
-Charlotte

Bike Week Festivities

Bike Week is a day old and the energy has been great! I'm seeing lots of cyclists out, and even more I'm seeing lots of cyclists talking to each other. I think it is great for new cyclists to see that bike riders are a friendly, generous group and we should all make an effort to be extra friendly this week.

I had a brief chat with the father shown in the photo with his son on the trail-a-bike - they ride every day and were surprised to discover that they could get their tires pumped up by a cheerful MassBike volunteer, and get a free Clif Bar.


I have to thank Broadway Bicycle School for throwing their annual pancake breakfast again this year. The pancakes have real blueberries in them, the coffee is surprisingly good, and the social scene is the best. I saw over half of my Boston bike friends in the space of a half hour. I wish we all got together more often.

Thank you Broadway Bike!


The only negative news is that there have been Cambridge police officers waiting around both sides of 77 Mass Ave to pull cyclists over. I'm sure they'll tell you they're doing it for your own safety, but just be careful out there. It kinda seems like they're looking to make some ticket money off the brand new cyclists who don't know the traffic laws yet.

Happy Bay State Bike Week!

It's Bike Week across the country. Who's excited? I'm excited!

There are lots of fun activities in MA, certainly something for everyone. I am having a hard time choosing which I'll attend but my general list is as follows: I know the pancake breakfast at Broadway Bikes is not to be missed - see you there tomorrow. Tomorrow night (while I have class) there will be a film screening that I wish I could attend.

Thursday has the Back Bay breakfast I'll surely stop in for, and then later in the day will be the Cambridge Bicycle Shop open house. A little birdie told me they're going to have Toscanini's so I think I'd better stop in there. I wonder if I can enter my bike for their “Best Commuter Bike Contest”? I finally got a silver rack for the rear (very excited!!!) but it's en route I don't think I'll have a matching set in time. Oh well. There are lots of other things going on there, it looks worth checking out.
UPDATE: the event at Cambridge Bicycle has been postponed due to nasty weather. The rain date will be next Thursday, same time, 6pm-9:30pm. Please help spread the word!


The Swiss Consulate invites you to breakfast on Friday. I already have plans with our local government (Mayor Menino's Bike Week Festival) but if I were coming from anywhere near the Consulate in Cambridge I'd stop by to see the Swiss too.

How about you? What are you doing for bike week?

Behind the Brown Jacket

I've been blogging for a while, and start to see old friends again. She's always looking so pretty! I was slow to get their shot so it's hard to see her sheer brown stockings, tall brown suede boots, and well-cut jacket. I'm also unclear whether or not she has a hand in raising that next generation of chic cyclist on the next bike over - whether daily or just in passing she is certainly setting a good example!

Rack Basket

I've never seen a basket mounted the way this gentleman has done. The rack supports it nicely.

I may modify and use this idea. Send in photos if you do too!

New Bike Racks

Hmm, they have new bike racks over near Cambridge Brewing Company. Must have been installed in the last week.

I think I like them. Nice look. They seem protective but it could be tough to get in there if there are lots of bikes. Of course that's true of the old designs too. Not sure how space-efficient they are. What do you think?

Bicycles and Taxis

I saw the cab turn right on red without even looking for this handsome gentleman. In this photo you can see that they're now "having words".

Our cyclist then went on his handsome way, his green bag matching the green frame of his green transportation.

Beautiful Bike Flowers

Happy May Day!


Xue was the first to respond to the free Friday bike flowers, and here they are on her bike. I think they look better on hers than mine! Helps that her bike is so cute.

It adds a nice touch of springtime, and when she's ready to move on the flowers come right off.

This photo of the bikes in the grass may be my favorite, just because it reminds me of lounging on a warm summer day. Happy bikes, happy day.