The PineappleBike Blog

Cycling attire for rainy days

2012-01-24T21:13:00.003Z

or: Who Gives a Toss?!

Some people take themselves and their views on how things should and should not be waaay too seriously; or in this case, their opinions on what one ought and ought not to wear as a bike-riding humanoid.

(note: Yes, I am talking about one specific person who very narrow mindedly created a manifesto (patented and/or copyrighted I believe) telling people what to think and wear on a bike, in an almost fanatical demeanor; i.e. everyone else who does not think and act like him gets viscously attacked by him and/or his posse. I know at least 3 people, myself included, who had to indure these cyber-attacks, sometimes counting various occasions! I am also aware I'm setting myself up for a beating here, but thankfully I, too, have a right to speak my mind! Anyway, this is not about him, back to the post)

This morning I encountered one such being and I just couldn't stop myself from giggling hysterically from behind my foggy, rained-on Granny-sunnies! It was around 9am and it had been raining for hours - there was just no reason the hipster-on-his-fixie could have found himself surprised by and unprepared for the downpour!

Thanks to master sketch-artist kaputniq for his almost live-like
re-creation of this morning's hipster-on-his-fixie!

Now you may say, quite rightly, that I'm indulging in exactly the same behaviour that I only just condemned, and you are right; well almost. Hear me out please:

Hypocritical it may sound but I think it's utterly silly of some people to choose fashion over practicality/convenience when it comes to cycling in the rain! (note: I am referring to cycling to/from work in London! Nothing else, nowhere else!) Have a look at my outfit this morning, it's simply the height of cycle-rain-fashion! Ha ha...

"Look at that plonkene! Why's she so happy?!"

No, seriously though, I know I looked like a right plonker, or rather, plonkene. But I can live with that, very comfortably actually! I had a lovely 6mile ride to work this morning and after a nice hot shower was able to hang up my stuff to dry and go about my working day in my normal, dry clothes! As I turned our office into Anna's little bike clothes shop I thought about our little hipster and really hoped he had spare clothes with him; but then, being prepared is not very hip, I bet!

A fashion crime scene! Or: drying my wet clothes at work because I can!

Close-up of my boss' cycling shoes:

Hmmm - who wants a sniff?

Anyway,
I'm ending this post the way I started it: WHO GIVES A TOSS about what anyone wears or doesn't when he or she is cycling to work/uni/sing-sing. Dear hipster, please forgive me for poking fun at you, I hope you didn't catch pneumonia!

Love, Anna

Winter Cycling 2011/12

2012-01-23T18:30:00.000Z

I'M STILL ALIVE!

Ever since 30daysofbiking stopped I have been struck down with of lazy blogger's syndrome! As I'd mentioned before, when all I do is my daily commute to and from work, I feel pretty empty of ideas for blog-post content. 30days.. spurred me on because there was a purpose and gave me endless inspiration of creating new adventures for Petra, Rhonnie and me. So here's a small collection of photos of Anna's cycle non-adventures for the months of October through December:

A lovely Sunday afternoon spent at the gorgeous (and free!!) Camden Arts Centre.

Normal clothing turned into cycle-specific outfit
for cold commutes! Anna's essentials: dirty boots,
with holes in them, ugly jeans skirt,
non-waterproof raincoat, pink fluffy fleece,
leggins ear muffs and hard hat!

Face-fail in Doggypoo Lane, whilst trying for a nice self portrait. Now it's art!

A sunny day in freezing (not really) London.

Most mornings I get absolutely blinded by the gorgeous but very
low winter-sun.Nevertheless, it makes for pretty pictures!

The Bicycle Film Festival 2011, London

2011-10-09T22:43:00.000+01:00

Today my lovely friend K and I met up with our Steel Donkeys to watch "Labour Of Love" at the Barbican. Part of the London Bicycle Film Festival, this 90minute documentary was about Canadian ultra-cyclist Caroline van den Bulk and her journey to complete what is known as the hardest endurance race in the world: RAAM (Race Across America). Caroline is an amateur rider and kindergarten teacher who didn't even own a bike 9 years prior to filming. It was such a captivating and emotional film which had me giggling and open-mouthed in awe throughout. You can see some highlights on the director's Vimeo site HERE. Afterwards I had a nice chat with the lovely Amy of Cyclodelic and then moved on to Look Mom No Hands, where K and I had a veggie pie and salad (YUMMY!!) In the café I had the wonderful opportunity to meet fellow cycle-blogger Jools W aka. Lady Velo.

As I returned home I took a slight detour and went to Parliament Hill and took a few pictures of Petra and the view over London. It was a perfect ending to the perfect Sunday!

Amy (Cyclodelic), Anna (Ana Nichoola/Mule Bar Girl) and Janny Jones (pro Snowboarder) talking about girls 'n' cycling before the screening.

Screenshots from Labour Of Love.

Screenshot 2.

Screenshot 3.

Post movie...

Lovely K and her ride, docked on a CycleHoop.

Petra loves Look Mom No Hands!

The wonderful Jools and I in LMNH.

I later had another pot of tea with Iain...

...before heading to Parliament Hill.

Shortly after I took this pic the constabulary drove by with floodlights making sure no one was making out in the bushes. This is a very popular spot for cruising...hahaha!

Thanks for reading and have a safe ride!
Yours, pineapple.

#30daysofbiking - day 30 THE FINISH LINE

2011-10-01T23:36:00.000+01:00

The last of the 30 days of September was a FridayFridayFriday and I had planned to meet up with my friend Iain to go and see some late night art at the Royal Academy. It was also Critical Mass day and I was hoping to see the crowds cycle past, as they usually do, which unfortunately didn't happen. (Just to explain, I used to ride CM a few times last year but got annoyed with a lot of the unreasonable aggression on both the cyclists side and the motorists. Well and then that incident at the Brazilian CM happened - I found this hard to watch; not for the faint hearted!)

The art thing we wanted to see wasn't happening until late October so we walked down to the river to have a few cocktails on the rooftops of the Southbank. It was super warm and I didn't even need a coat on my journey home.

Here are my photos from DAY 30: 30.9.11 (15.63miles)

The Royal Academy where we hoped to see the reconstruction of Tatlin's Tower...

...but even though we were a month too early, we enjoyed hanging out in this simply stunning courtyard!

Fortnum&Mason, a crazy posh food store where The Queen shops! A tourist's must, even if you don't have the buck!

Left: on Regents Street leading to Picadilli Circus. Right: on the Waterloo pedestrian bridge overlooking the Thames.

I heart the London Eye, but have never been on it!

WHAT A BEAUTY! Aaaahhh London at night, London when it's warm...

The Southbank was hustling and bustling with people busy enjoying themselves!

Roof terrace shenanigans.

On the way to our next roof top bar...

...we saw a great photographic exhibition about a British army camp in Helmand, Afghanistan.

I love that huge Fox (made from straw and plywood) on top of the Hayward!

Our last stop of the night, Concrete Bar. The cute fairy lights up there are underpants - real ones!

That's all Folks. Thanks for reading! XXX

#30daysofbiking - day 29

2011-09-29T22:51:00.007+01:00

Wow today was hooootttttt! We're officially experiencing an Indian summer, a proper summer! This is what it should've been like during May, June, July, August...anyway, let's not talk about the weather.

During today's lunch break I went (walked) to the park (Kensington Gardens) and just laid down in the grass and fried in the sun, like a chicken on a grill - it was a lovely escape from the office where I was doing tedious work... I took my camera and just shot everything bike-related which I encountered; here's what:

In the evening after working later than usual, I felt strangely restless and decided to ride a huge detour into town to get some nice shots with Petra and some of my favourite London sights. Unfortunately my camera was out of battery and I could only get a few shots, but they turned out great. I heart London sights!!!!!!

Our first stop was BUCKINGHAM PALACE. I think the Queen was already in bed...

Second stop was BIG BEN - how amazing is this shot?!!? You got the red bus, the phone box AND beautiful BB!! And not to mention happy-as-a-clam Petra!

Then I rode to TRAFALGAR SQUARE where they put this gianourmous countdown clock up, letting everyone know how much time left till the Olympics start. Whoever designed this should get _ _ _ _! The building behind is the NATIONAL GALLERY. The funny spots that look like snow is water from the fountain behind me. After this pic my camera went stumm.

PS: I rode 15.78 miles today:

#30daysofbiking - day 28

2011-09-28T21:24:00.001+01:00

Today I reminisced about some stuff. I faintly remember my mom teaching me to ride a bike when I was around four or five years young. I should ask her about the details, but in my mind I only needed the stabilizers for a short time before I was able to go it alone. As I got older and living in Berlin I went through tonnes of cheap mountain bikes; I think in a time span of 4 four years, five bikes got stolen - Berlin thugs are THAT annoying! Then I had a gorgeous white Dutch bike where only one foot pedal worked. I'd ride it for miles and miles. When I moved house I just chucked it into a skip - AAAHHHHH!!!!!

What people often don't realize is that generally in cities like Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Berlin etc, people aren't attached emotionally to their "steel donkeys" (of course there are exceptions!). Many people feel that a bike is a bike, it takes you places faster and cheaper - that's it. In Copenhagen people even "borrow" each other's bikes sometimes: after a drunken night out you might not remember where you parked your bike, so you may take any other one that's unlocked, presuming you have left yours unlocked for someone else! And if you'd rather not participate in this ludicrously amusing game, then lock up your bike.

I miss cycling Berlin/Copenhagen and every time I visit the first thing I do is rent a bike and enjoy the freedom of cycling in a city without helmet! I enjoy the big cycle paths that one finds almost everywhere for miles and miles; I love that there are separate traffic lights of cyclists and that motorists indicate when turning!

All those people who oppose helmets have no idea... they only know the cycle-utopia of mainland European cities, but since I moved here 10 years ago I have become emotionally attached to my bikes and my head - in London and NYC I wear a helmet! (unless I'm in Hyde Park :-)

Sorry this was a bit all over the place! hehehehe!

Here are my photos from DAY 28: 28.9.11 (13miles)

After work I went to the post-office to pick up a parcel from Wiggle, an online bike supply shop...

..this is how my new Knog rear light arrived!

I also had a little race with some dude on a hybrid, hence the crazy sweaty face! I was faster on the flat parts but he totally kicked my ass up that one long stupid hill! I was steaming mad and thought that Petra would've soo kicked HIS ass! But poor ole Rhonnie gave her best... I was in pain afterwards!

#30daysofbiking - day 26

2011-09-27T22:22:00.001+01:00

Wow, 30daysofbiking is coming to an end; I've really enjoyed taking part in it. It's given me back my enthusiasm to blog. I really like looking back on my posts and bring back to mind what I've encountered the past week, where I've ridden to, and what I've experienced. I can honestly say that right now in my life the only time I am truly carefree and happy is on my bike(s). I have no idea why that is; I guess it's some form of escapism. Whilst riding my mind is fixated on being in the moment, being alert. My eyes are moving from side to side, up and down the road ahead of me, observing peds, motorists, dogs and other cyclists - all could at any moment turn left, hop onto the road, let loose or run a red light, and I am always prepared! My mind is also observant of my surroundings because I love taking in the beautiful buildings and sights. I love being out in the fresh air (unless stuck behind a big red double-decker bus!!!) and my daily 6miles commute to work (each way) really brings me joy - I only wish that I had any parks to ride through; I guess you can't have it all!

Here are my photos from DAY 27: 27.9.11 (12miles)

On my way to work, waiting at a red light at Notting Hill Gate.

I love this little one-way street, it's so idyllic! (I don't know why I look so peed off!?)

On my way home, stopped quickly at a supermarket and parked amongst what seemed like Cinderella's bike's ugly sisters! Heading back home, I was struck at how my high-viz vest-wearers I saw. BikeSnobNYC had mentioned on a past trip to London how many he saw, and since then I've noticed it too - baffling!

Again, I look very mad - I really wasn't!!

#30daysofbiking - day 26

2011-09-26T22:10:00.001+01:00

Wow, today was an amazing day; I got up at 4am to get ready to go on a fantastic shoot at London's Battersea Power Station for the launch of the 'Why Pink Floyd…?' 2011 remasters and collectors edition campaign. It's been 35 years since the famous flying piggie was launched at the same exact spot to be shot for the cover of "Animals":

The original cover for "Animals" from 1977.

I met my colleagues and a few other photographers and film crew just after 5am and starting documenting the inflation of the piggie soon after. It was still pitch black outside, but thankfully I managed to get some kick-ass shots anyway!

The piggie was still sleeping at this point!

A little fun during the shoot.

The piggie in all its glory!

Shot across the river Thames.

Soon after I returned to work, got all the shots ready for press (most of my shots landed on Facebook where they have been v popular - wehee!) Thankfully I was allowed to go home early to get some much needed rest! This is where the #30daysofbiking comes in!

I love that road sign!!!

The traditional narcissistic bike self portrait!

#30daysofbiking - day 23

2011-09-23T12:02:00.000+01:00

It's Friday Friday Friday today and on this occasion I got my old autumn/spring cycling boots out. They're full of bike-muck marks but I love'em; my feet are getting too cold in the little ballet pumps now. It's still sunny but getting increasingly chilly, especially in the mornings.

Here are my photos from DAY 23: 23.9.11 (6miles)

Today I will only have ridden to work, hence the 6miles; after work I will endure public transport to go to a gig I'm shooting.

My excuse:

1) my camera bag is way too big and heavy

2) I want to drink a few pints

3) there's absolutely no where safe to park my bike near the venue (Camden Town!)

4) Rhonnie will be safe at work

#30daysofbiking - day 22

2011-09-22T17:17:00.000+01:00

Stayed in bed until the last minute this morning; was knackered after yesterdays mileage. I know, how wimpey!! But even though I was running late (15mins) I still had time to shoot my bike photo of the day.

That girl behind me looks well peed off! *wink wink*

PCCD - Perfect Colour Coordination Day

#30daysofbiking - day 21

2011-09-22T00:41:00.000+01:00

Today I rode a hellofa lot. First I had to cycle to South London (I live North) to attend a safety briefing for a job I'm doing on Monday morning, then I cycled to work, after work I went to see the "Rock Of Ages" musical (IT ROCKED!!!!!!) and then I rode home.

Check this out:

It was a good day and I really enjoyed cycling more than just the usual 12 miles to and from work. I decided to use Rhonnie as weapon of choice because that forced me to go slower and gave me the chance to take in more of my surroundings.

The photos show my journey from work to the Shaftesbury Theatre in Central London.

Here are my photos from DAY 21: 21.9.11 (23.61miles)

Geese attempting to cross the cycle path - SO SWEET!!!

I love the cycle paths in Hyde Park. When I go riding here during my lunch breaks I don't even wear a helmet.

The traditional panda shot.

Rhonnie found a nice parking spot in front of the Theatre. Later I rocked my new reflective bow
(as inspired by Bitchcakes!!)

I heart CycleHoop!

The musical was SOOOOO MUCH FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This post is dedicated to my lovely friend Stuart Saint

who's a true hero; he's just finished 4 rounds of chemo and never once stopped seeing the positive in it all! I was so happy he accompanied me to the show tonight!

LOVE YOU STU! XXX

#30daysofbiking - day 20

2011-09-20T17:46:00.001+01:00

This morning I did some filming and cut it quickly together, put a Nero tune in it and voilà, my second attempt to ride'n'film. I have high hopes that I will get better at this the more I do it. I would really love to do a proper cycling short film. Maybe I'll become the Stephanie Cycleberg! (Geddit?!)

VIDEO HERE!

#30daysofbiking day 19

2011-09-19T20:52:00.003+01:00

I did quite a lot of riding 'n' filming today though cannot share the material with you yet. Ideally I'd like to film and edit over a longer period of time and make a short film for next year's Bike film Festival. I think I need to get a better camera for this and maybe even invest in a helmet camera.

Here are my photos from DAY 19: 16.9.11 (17miles)

Autumn is upon us...

...but I don't mind the dark; the lights from buildings make everything look so pretty!

#30daysofbiking day 17

2011-09-19T14:37:00.002+01:00

I was supposed to publish this yesterday...whoopsie!

Today was a very lazy day, much like yesterday; I didn't get out of the comfort of my PJ's nor did I leave the couch/bed for anything more than the bathroom, the kitchen and once on Sunday, for some nourishment aka the supermarket.

Here are my photos from DAY 17: 16.9.11 (4miles)

Took my winter helmet out for a spin. It still sits quite tight and I need to wear it in.

Played around with some Photoshop filters..

Lovely mural behind the Supermarket.

Back at my building. I'm very proud to live in one of London's 'Most eye-catching eco-houses'!

#30daysofbiking day 16, part 2

2011-09-17T01:45:00.001+01:00

After work I went to see Brian Wilson which I enjoyed tremendously, as I am a huge Beach Boys fan. The concert was in the Royal Festival Hall, on London's Southbank which has many famous London landmarks nearby such as The London Eye and Big Ben.

Here are my photos from DAY 16, part TWO: 16.9.11 (11miles)

I'm on my way I'm on ma way...

I was so happy I found a CycleHoop parking spot for Rhonnie...

...because all the other bike parking spaces were taken!

I quickly changed...

...and then got treated to 2.5 hrs of Brian Wilson heaven!!!

After going for a nightcap with my mates I headed home around midnight...

....over Westminster Bridge heading north.

At this point I was close to home, having just climbed a ridiculous hill. Petra has no problem with that climb, but poor ole Rhonnie is a lot heavier and struggled quite a bit. But I made it and used this beautiful spot in Hampstead to shoot some self-portraits.

Bye bye, until next time! Cycle safe :-)

Click here for more info on the amazing CYCLEHOOP thingy!!!

#30daysofbiking day 16, part 1

2011-09-16T18:06:00.000+01:00

This morning I overslept...badly - D'oh!!!!! That doesn't mean that I had a stressy ride to work. Don't hold it against me but I didn't even try and hurry on the bike; i thought if I get all stressed out an panicky now I'll just have an accident. So I cycled at my normal speed (slightly slower on the Raleigh) and got to work alive and well! (Sorry boss!!!!)

Here are my photos from DAY 16, part ONE: 16.9.11 (6miles)

Doggy Poo lane is my favourite part of my journey!

Getting really good at those. And don't worry, I only shoot and ride where it's traffic-quiet

#30daysofbiking day 15

2011-09-15T21:46:00.000+01:00

Today during my lunch break I returned to the Serpentine Gallery's pavilion but this time in company of my good cycle- and work-friend Tash. She got a Boris bike and together we gossiped and cycled a couple of sunny miles through Kensington Gardens.

It is so much fun to cycle leisurely whilst having a little chat side by side, unfortunately that's rarely possible here in the city...

Here are my photos from Day 15: 15.9.2011 (18 miles)

I almost crashed into Tash trying to take this photo!!

Lovely lovely cycle path!!!

Tash on her Boris bike - look what a cool basket thing it's got! (Nevermind the ridiculous branding...)

Hello!

#30daysofbiking: day fourteen

2011-09-14T22:15:00.002+01:00

Ok so technically I haven't been cycling everyday and therefore should be disqualified from #30daysofbiking, but since this isn't a competition I've decided to keep myself in the game and keep posting.
I have missed a few days due to illness and this past weekend I was at a music festival with absolutely no access to bikes - well, now I'm lying again; in fact there were stationary bikes one could pedal to charge up one's cell phones... my phone didn't need charging so... anywho, back to day 14;
Today I rode to work; then during lunch I rode to the Serpentine Gallery to catch the Michelangelo Pistoletto exhibit which was just marvelous. Afterwards I sat in the tranquil pavilion (by Peter Zumtor) and ate my sandwich and read a cheap magazine - it was sunny yet a bit chilly hence the pashmina; all in all a perfect hour away from the office!

Here are my photos from DAY 14: 14.9.11 (15miles)

The Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park, London & easy lunchtime reading.

I loved this year's pavilion, in fact every year they build an amazing temporary pavilion on this site. But this one is jsut something special. From the outside it looks like some horrible prison, but go inside and you will find an inviting, tranquil atrium style space with tables and chairs and wild flowers. If weather permits I will visit this place as often as it's still possible!

Bestival

2011-09-12T20:05:00.002+01:00

I've been away over the weekend at a music festival called Bestival on the Isle of Wight, therefore have created quite a big gap in my quest for uninterrupted #30daysofbiking. I usually miss my bikes terribly when I'm away and rent a bike (or take Jack with me), but this time that wasn't possible/feasible/practical. It did give me the chance to do something that I haven't done a lots ever since I started biking everywhere: walking! And I walked a lot - from the tent to this and that stage, then over to this meadow then that bar then back to the tent then over to this and that club, to the food stalls etc. And not to mention the amounts of dancing, jumping, laughing, drinking, singing, screaming and applauding!!! I had THE best festival experience and am not even sad to have missed out on a few days pedaling!

Behind me, Brian Wilson on stage!

The Wishing Tree - a discotheque in disguise!!!

Naughty Pineapple!!!

If you successfully jumped the rope a few times you got a free cocktail :-)

At this point in the afternoon I was too tired to dance;

I came back at midnight and boogied until 4am instead!

This was my favourite band I saw, they're from Norway and called Katzenjammer.

Check them out HERE!

...and finally for something bike-related :-)

Hope you had a good one y'all!

#30daysofbiking: day seven

2011-09-07T20:24:00.002+01:00

Today I took to London's Bike Hire Scheme and jumped on a "Boris Bike" to ride form the station to work (w/out helmet!). I didn't feel quite strong enough yet to cycle the whole 6 miles. In the end my usual 35min cycle commute turned into a TWO HOUR public transport journey from hell, and the journey back wasn't much faster...grrrr!

Here are my photos from DAY 7: 7.9.11 (3miles)

Here's me on the Boris Bike...

...and here's Arnie and our Mayor Boris ... too funny!

#30daysofbiking: day six

2011-09-07T00:10:00.001+01:00

It's day 6 and you might have noticed that there were no days 4 nor 5; I've been feeling quite under the weather and was off ill at home, drowning in snot and self pity. Quite embarrassingly I think my getting sick might have had something to do with day 3 and what I drunkenly did that night... I decided not to erase that post cause in a way it's quite funny. The next morning upon checking this blog I did decide to delete one of the posted photos because it had nothing to do with bikes and secondly showed me in a light that I'd rather not share with you (drunk and half naked!)
Today I ventured out to get some groceries; having been motionless in bed the past 3 days, this short ride made me rather breathless and sweaty, hence me looking weirdly dorky in the last picture.

Here are my photos from DAY 6: 6.9.11 (4miles)

Just moments before it had been raining non stop but I was lucky not to get soaked!

New cute bike bell from Bobbin!

As I was riding down this path a white van honked at me and as he passed I saw the guy in the passenger seat make a very profane hand gesture at me - a hint: it starts with a w and ends with anking! GROSS but funny!

Swollen eyes, pasty face...how pretty!

#30daysofbiking: day thRee

2011-09-04T01:42:00.002+01:00

OMG (translation for old people: oh My God) ((sorry I am old too! HAHAHHHAAAA) anyway, OMG i was at this party tonight and it has NOOOTHING to do with cycling and being healthy or anything but here a picture of me HALF NARKERS at the end end it (THE 2ND ONE!) ...WHY AM I POSTIN THIS?!?!??!?!?! Well actually i met a bunch of people who were ..ARE in to cycliNg and they invited me to an easy 30miles ride tomorrow... thing is, i know that 30miles is pretty easy...LAST YEAR! I was SOOO in shape! Now i gained back like a millian pounds and...I'm getting off topic- Those 30miles just seem too much to me now. I HATE MYSELF FOR THAT THOUGHT! Last year I cycled 100miles a day every weekend (*totally lying) but could've! I was hot and now I am not (or jot)!!

So how did this post start??! I don't believe in reading stuff back... so just lemme tell you this: I will most probably not go on that 30 miles baby-ride with those sober-people from the party-i-met-tonight tomorrow; i will go to the "pathetic" Skyride where i will be alone and lonesome... Oh dear...pity!

Photos from today. CRINGE!!!!!!!! I AM AWESOME! (Barney said that!)

Befooooore I had that 4th G&T: me and my 3 baby bikes in the storage room.

I WAS IN A JACUZZI!!!!!!!!! (meaning i couldn't do my hair properly! SORRY!!!!!!!!!!!)

PS: noticeable event of the day: I WAS IN A JACUZZI!!!!! HOLLLLLLLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I ♥ Katy Perry

2011-09-03T04:32:00.002+01:00

It's 4:26am so excuse me whilst I post something with this title. BUT, I mean just have a look at what I found on her Twitter:

Only the f*ckin tiniest, cutest ever PINEAPPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#30daysofbiking: day two

2011-09-02T21:44:00.002+01:00

Today is Friday Friday Friday which means it was time to put those heels and blouse on and give Rhonnie the Raleigh a little spin. She is my more lady-like bike, slower and with basket at the front. Today we only rode to and from work, which makes 12miles. For a little video of the day, please click HERE!

Here are my photos from DAY 2: 2.9.11 (12miles)

Ready to cycle to work! That behind me is my building's bicycle storage room.

That must be THE BEST self-portrait-whilst-riding I have ever taken!!!

The bicycle racks at my work; I bet all the bikes have orgies whilst we're in the office!

On the way home through Notting Hill...

...where they also filmed the movie!

Chandler: "Could Rhonnie's basket BEE any more full of shit?!"

Brand spanking new tarmac - seriously like riding on angel's saliva!

Close-up of my new blouse; and my favourite children's graffiti wall.

PS: noticeable event of the day: all I'm gonna say is that if a lady biker may find herself considering to 'let one rip' whilst in full motion, she better check behind her first!

#30daysofbiking: day one

2011-09-01T23:00:00.000+01:00

What is #30daysofbiking? An international movement that encourages you to ride somewhere every day, whether to the store, around the block, or 112.5 miles to your next town. You have to tweet about your adventures with #30daysofbiking, update your Facebook status, post a Tumblr tumble, or map your ride on Daily Mile—there are billions of ways to participate and celebrate bicycling.

Here are my pictures from DAY1: 1.9.2011 (18.43miles)

Hello from the Royal Albert Hall in Hyde Park!

Hello from Islington!

Brand new saddle cover from 'BikeCap' and bell from Bobbin

WOOOHOOOOO day1 of #30daysofbiking: DONE!

PS: noticeable event of the day: rang my nice new bell as a polite warning for a pedestrian who was walking onto the road without looking ; his reply: DON'T YOU FUCKING RING YOUR BELL AT ME!!!

Iain ♥'s Boris Bikes!

2011-08-23T00:23:00.001+01:00

A couple of weekends ago something great happened: my friend Iain got over his apprehensiveness towards riding a bike in London and hired a Boris Bike for an hour to go cycling with me around Regents Park! We had a wonderful time and I noticed the biggest smile on his face!

You might remember him from our little adventure last year in Cambridge where he borrowed my folding bike Jack; he confided in me that he wasn’t a very confident cycler and just cannot imagine riding on the streets of London. I completely agree with this sentiment, as I have felt exactly the same at the beginning, and to be honest - oh shock oh horror – the fear will never completely dissipate; you as a cyclist will just get more and more assured and the fear will feel duller and duller!

The trick of successful cycling in London is to stay streetsmart and aware of what’s going on around you, to always wear a helmet, have lights and to never ever get complacent in traffic! I have complete trust that Iain will rock #CyclingLondon! Just take it one Boris Bike at a time!

Love, Anna.

A brief history of Petra the Peugeot

2011-08-22T23:44:00.000+01:00

I adopted Petra in the year 2005 from a bike shop in Cambridge, UK. It was absolute love at first sight; her Old School style with the white handlebars and seat, black frame and 80’s Peugeot logo made her stand out from all the other abandoned second hand bikes in the store, like an 80’s Madonna amongst a room full of grey suits. I’d never before ridden drop-down handlebars, so at first it felt like Petra had to help me quite a lot in going around corners to avoid coming off the saddle!

To be completely honest, I was a little nervous about cycling in London, so in the first couple of years I took only very short trips, mainly to and from work, about 2 miles away – lame, I know! Don’t get me wrong, I knew I was a relatively good cyclist having cycled in Berlin where I grew up ever since I was 4; but as crazy as it sounds, I just never had to think about safety before. German cities are more accustomed to cyclists and has integrated this form of transport into its infrastructure; Germany may be an extreme example here, but over there pedestrians, motorists and cyclists r.e.s.p.e.c.t eachother (most of the time), stop at red, look left and right – I mean, cyclists even have their own traffic lights!!

Moving on from this rant, initially I felt a bit apprehensive going longer distances and joining the crazy traffic (they drive on the LEFT for crying out loud!) on London’s horribly maintained tarmac. But it all changed when I bought my first ever helmet; all of the sudden I felt safer and started to go further, cycle longer routes, actually going places other than work or the park!

I think the break-through came when I realised that 1) I was getting way too chunky and 2) I now lived only 4 miles from work, it would be foolish not to consider cycling to work. So I did; first 3 days a week, then 4 days, then every work day. After a year there was hardly a day I didn’t cycle, even if it was just to the grocery store. Petra was always there for me and lemme tell you, she was fast! When my workplace moved buildings and I moved house, my commute extended to about 5miles each way; I started racing to work, I timed myself and I became obsessed with speed (as in NOT the drug!). I think for a while there I turned a bit into a cyclopath, but Petra always had my back and, touch wood, apart from one wet leaf incident, we have never had an accident in these 6 years! Thank you my girl!

So last year I decided to take part in a 300mile ride and had Petra done-up, ‘pimp my ride’ style! I designed the new look in my head and the wonderful bike shop boys from Lunar Cycles completed my vision – new-look, kick ass, pigeon blue Petra was born and rocked even more than ever before. She was so so happy with her new look (what girl doesn’t like a make-over?!) and got me safely, without ANY trouble from London to Paris in July 2010 – it was the trip of a lifetime!

By now I had also calmed my cycle-rage and become a very aware and confident cycle commuter; I don’t care about how fast I am anymore, because I know that if I wanted to, Petra could kick your ass! Petra has recently had new brakes installed, her mudguards changed and got a Brooks saddle because the Fizik one really hurt my … !! So now it’S business as usual, since I moved house again, Petra has gained a wonderful hang out in my buidling’s bike storage room where she can chat and gossip with all the other (much uglier) bikes; I still cycle to work every day (6 miles each way by now) and just cannot imagine to ever NOT commute by bike ever again!

Lots of love

Anna & Petra.

What I'm working on...

2011-08-12T19:52:00.002+01:00

a post about Amy and Cyclodelic *

a post about a ride I did last year with London Architecture society *

a surprise b-day post about a very special bike blogger lady *
a post where I take a closer look and introduce each of my bikes aka babies *

Cycling NYC ♥ 3

2011-08-04T17:30:00.004+01:00

In May this year I went on my second NYC holiday to visit my friends Quin and Tom in Manhatten, and like the last time, I brought my baby Jack along. Jack of course is not human, but my Dawes folding bike, in case you were wondering. Equipped with my NYC cycle map I couldn’t wait to go out and explore all the areas that I hadn’t manage to last September, but the weather Gods were in a real mood and I was faced with a rather nasty and rainy holiday-week; nevertheless I took every chance I got to get Jack and Quin out on the streets, to experience the wonderful cycle-lust of the Big Apple.

I find it more pleasurable to ride in NYC mainly due to the fact that I have all the time in the world and at the end of my journey does not await work! But there are also a whole lots more bike paths on and off the roads, the tarmac is better maintained and there aren’t a lot of hills. I heart cycling NYC, as I've already blogged about here.

One sunny day Quin and I took the chance to get out and ventured to Harlem’s Apollo to purchase tickets for their famous Amateur Night later on that day. We took the lovely Hudson River Greenway all the way up to 125^th and after getting our tickets cycled back through Central Park. It was such a blast riding with my Quinnie, I was so happy that her hubby had gotten a bike since I visited them the last time. Every since they told me they now both have bikes I have bombarding them with cool tips about bike events in NYC and that they should take part in this and that... sometimes I forget that I do not live in NY and that I oughtta stop being so overbearing and let them live their own cycle-lives - sorry guys :-)

Our last stop that day was the MET Museum; it turned out to be the most beautiful day and all this riding had made us very sweaty and thirsty. On the rooftop we had a rest, ate our packed lunch and drank our NY tab water and soon after headed back to Midtown. On the way to 9^th ave I got bumped by a car that was coming out of a parking spot and I fell off my bike. Thankfully I wasn’t hurt and Jack was fine as well. I think Quin got a bigger shock than I did, having seen it all happen from behind. I picked myself up, jumped back on the bike and cycled off; I had nothing more than a scratch on my knee, but felt very angry at the guy who hadn’t checked if the road was clear, as he told me.

Nevertheless, this didn’t dampen my mood and we had a fantastic time at Amateur Night later on, of course without the bikes! That is one of the downsides of being a cyclist in NY, it is very unsafe for a bike t be locked up anywhere for a longer period. Apart from that, it’s all thumbs up from me!

Spring Cycling

2011-05-09T13:07:00.000+01:00

OMG I LOVE THIS WEATHER! I love it so much, it deserves a second OMG! Yesterday I ver spontaneously cycled to Cambridge - I hadn't done it since last year, so went into it thinking "I'll cycle as far as I can and if it's too much, I'll just turn back and cycle home again. But no, I was like the Energizer bunny, i just kept on going and going and going! I even broke my last year's record by 15mins!!! That's crazy, in a good way!

I still cycle everyday, everywhere, I guess it's become so normal and such an everyday activity, I'm finding it hard to create any interesting blog posts.

I would like to write about a couple of wonderful emails I received regarding my blog, but that will have to wait till next time; I want to dedicate some time to those posts, not just write them quickly whilst the boss is at lunch ;-)

Till next time, your favourtie Pineapple!

xxxa.

Bike Polite

2011-02-18T16:30:00.000Z

Postcard from NYC:

January/February Cycling Fun

2011-02-16T20:42:00.003Z

Having moved back to London I am finally back on the bike, commuting to work and loving the new journey – on my journey: 2 parks, one Thames crossing and very posh Chelsea! Ronnie is my trusted companions for now, since Petra is still under wraps, hibernating in Cambridge. I miss her SO MUCH! (I have a very bad conscience for not riding her, but I live at a friend’s at the moment and just cannot have all 3 bikes there – Jack is already sleeping in her cellar!)

So what does this cycling-life hold in store for me this year? I wanna join a few cycling clubs, do more medium to long distance tours on the weekends, would love to do a cycling holiday through the UK. If anyone ever wants to join me, you are very welcome!

Life is good on a bike!

Battersea Power Station, January.

On the train from Victoria to Streatham Common, January.

I ♥ cycle lanes, February.

I ♥ nice bike shop assistants in Camberwell!

Shadowboxing in Tooting Common, February.

December Cycling Fun

2010-12-22T17:12:00.000Z

Well…in all honest truth, there hasn’t been that much cycling this month due to snow and ice and crazy temperatures! I know, I know – I always pretend to be a true cyclist and then I pull this fair weather cyclist shit! Let me explain though: I did start off ignoring the temperatures and state of the roads, still happily doing my daily commute from Cambridge to london… I also ignored that I was freezing to death, especially the hands and feet and then BAAAM: flu!!! I was in bed for a week and even now, 2 weeks later can still feel the germs lingering in my system. So, daily cycling is on hold at the moment ..boooooooooohhh!!!!! :-( I feel MISERABLE on public transport… the tubes and trains are notoriously unreliable here in London with strikes being a regularity, and snow and ice also hindering a smooth running of the trains.

Honestly, I cannot wait for spring (and cycling)! Who’s with me? PUT YOUR HANDS UP FOR SPING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

November Cycle Fun

2010-11-23T22:46:00.000Z

Winter cycling really doesn't haven't to be about being cold; in fact, cycling is THE most effective way to NOT be cold when it's cold outside! Ok, I could not live without my earmuffs, but generally i generate enough energy to feel a bit like a cycling oven. I tend to sweat easily as well (a good sign I'm told) so I'm still always prepared and have a change of clothes with me most times. What would I do without my rucksack?! Talking of what would I do without: After almost 5 months and over 1000miles ridden, little Jack finally got ill and presented me with a slow puncture. I put my scrubby gear on and fixed his behind. He wouldn't have it and was flat the following day. Unable to ride to work now I panicked briefly only to realise that I have 2 more bikes (but am not allowed to take them on teh train during rush hour!!). I took Ronnie to Cambridge station, locked her up, hopped on the train and arriving in Kings Cross wanted to get a Boris Bike to work. But there was none available, so i had to succumb to taking the tube. It wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be - no smelly armpits in my face!! Today I was back on the bike and my goodness it was heaven! Here's some impressions of November cycling:

I wonder what's in there?! Pressie for me???!!! :-)

Lots of love, Anna.

Commuting, not so Fun anymore!

2010-11-06T21:47:00.001Z

“So how is your cycling going?” one friend asked me last week at a dinner party. “Oh I don’t do any real cycling at the moment, only commuting.” I replied in a rather harsh tone; it was as if he’d found a sore spot which I didn’t realise existed.

The penny only dropped earlier today: I was cycling along Tavistock Place, where during weekday cycle rush hours there are dozens and dozens of cyclists rushing along the two-way cycle paths, almost pushing and pulling, trying to overtake one another, freely demonstrating signs of cycle rage.

Photo from G-Maps, one morning I will get off my bike and take some photos myself to show you the craziness!

Just like everyone else trying to get to work, they (we) are in a commuter-world of our own, and it is a stressful one! I have turned into one of those cycle commuter road rage types and have lost all joy of cycling! (Noooooo!!!!!!)

This brings me back to earlier today, as I cycled down the (cycle-) empty streets of London in a calm and blissful manner, so very joyfully. The question is now: is it me or them?
The rational answer is:

it is I who controls my moods and therefore the way in which my cycle commute will be executed, i.e. speed-ravenous, enraged and like a daredevil cyclopath (– sorry I meant psychopath!) Or in a calm and blissful and not to forget, civilised manner!

The other answer is: it certainly is all the other people’s fault because they:

1) are riding free-handed in the middle of the road

2) don’t indicate

3) don’t wear helmets

4) have a mountain bike

5) are cycle stalking me

6) are waaay to slow

7) overtake me (how dare they)

8) ride fixies w/out brakes

9) go through red

10) bike in the wrong direction/side

The problem with this is that I too do all of the above at one point or another (I am no Angel but I would NEVER do a number Eight!!!). So the conclusion I’ve come to is this

“Hello, my name is Anna and I am a Cyclopath!”

PS: Still working on the solution :-) Have a nice ride, y'all!

Tube Strike or: Anarchy on the Streets of London

2010-11-03T10:11:00.001Z

Photo: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images, taken from the Guardian Bike Blog

Transport for London (Tfl) is at it again, peeing everyone off (for the umpteenth time) with another strike during the busiest of commuting times. The unions are protesting at plans to axe 800 mainly ticket office jobs, although they claim the number is set to rise to almost 2,000. (The Guardian 3.11.01) Boris (most probably on his Boris Bike) calls the strike pointless and patronizingly adds that “his” Londoners don’t care, that they are clever bunnies and instead resort to hopping on their (and his) bikes, use their legs or take the trains, busses and boats that are all still operating normally.

***

This morning it was MENTAL on the streets of London! I haven’t seen such a big crowd of people take to the streets, as in walking, jogging or cycling to work, since 7/7! I’m quite the impatient cyclist and found it hard at times to keep my cool, whilst having to queue up for all the traffic lights – yes, queuing up to the traffic lights!!! On cycle paths it got so crowded that one had to fear getting stuck in the middle of a crossing because the long snaky line of cyclist were moving so slow… and don’t get me started on zebra crossings and how slowly the pedestrians (peds) stroll across it.

It would have been a perfect photo opp this morning, but unfortunately I’d left my phone and camera at home… Well done! So just imagine me in my pink fleece jacket and red helmet speeding faster than light across town, with a big smile on my face nevertheless, because it was a gorgeously sunny morning, the leaves had turned even more yellow than the day before and by the time I had reached Hyde Park I’d gotten rid of my bike stalker (yes, he’s real and it’s creepy!!) and the overwhelming crowds had decreased.

Good times! I hope the strike has inspired more and more people to take to their bikes and legs for their future commute! What better way to start the day than by doing light exercise?!

The Bike Porn Show 2010 - aka Cycle Show @ Earls Court

2010-10-10T21:17:00.002+01:00

Introducing: the porno saddle in porn-pink!

The Cycle Show at Earls Court this weekend should’ve been called the Bike Porn Show. Imagine liking something a lot, then walking into a huge arena filled with a lot of such thing and everything related to it; all displayed and propped up in the most handsomest of ways, shiny and glistening in expensive abundance waiting for your hands to touch and caress the display models… now aren’t you get excited just by thinking about it? What if none of your friends would share this slightly exaggerated passion (what is it for you, shoes? handbags? kittens? wine?) and you’d go on your own, would that make you a. sad, b. dedicated or c. what are we talking about again? Oh yes, the Bike Porn Show in Earls Court:

If I were a rich girl...!

I took half day off work on Friday (see a. sad!) to get my fix of everything the bike world has to offer at the moment. Since I’m not interested in any of the technological mambo-jambo, my motive for attending the £10.50 event was to test-cycle some bikes for fun, touch and lifting a very light £10.000 bike, finding out about cycling holidays, to see some BMX boys fly through the air, get some arm warmers, meet Amy from Cyclodelic and most important of all, get lots of goodie bags. Turns out the Bike Porn people are quite stingy so I went there and all I got was this lousy bag!

On the bright side, I got my hands on some great arm warmers (from Torm), "Where to ride", a brand new book with loads of great rides around London, wrist reflectors from Amy's Cyclodelic fashion, two more magnet reflectors from Cyclehoop, I finally became a member of CTC and got free Knog lights.

Booooring I hear you say. I know I know, you wanna know about that expensive bike; well I couldn’t find it but I did find a bike made entirely out of wood in the Bicycle Museum which is based in Wales!! Amazing! I wanna go!!! I also tried out a silly triangular folding bike (I couldn’t dismount it so had to let myself fall off it!),

had a go on a Boris bike (heavy!!!), met the lovely Amy and fell in love with these cool new helmets which are yours for only £110! Well and the BMX guys had me in complete awe; we’ve all seen those kinds of tricks on MTV or Eurosport, but to sit 5ft away from when they start up, fly up the ramp into the air, swing their legs around the handlebars just in time to put their feet back on the paddles to land onto the other side of the ramp, is just something else.

After some of them had crash-landed a few times my nerves couldn’t take it anymore and I headed back home. I regretted not having tested out the Mountain bike racecourse, but I thought heeled boots and knee length skirt was the wrong outfit to tread those new waters, and I didn’t want to repeat the triangular folding bike incident! All in all it was four hours well spent (FOUR HOURS!!) though it would’ve been even nicer if I’d have had some company. (more photos here on Flickr)

Lots of bike-love, a.

Commuting is Fun!

2010-10-05T18:01:00.001+01:00

It all started one morning in November of 2007, when I took my 1989 Peugeot Lady Racer called Petra and cycled her 5 miles to and from work. “What an inconvenient time to start cycling!” one colleague remarked. I couldn’t really see his point because the brisk wind, fresh cool air and wintery sun worked its magic and had cured me from my 4 o’clock office-desk fatigue in a matter of days.

In the beginning I would cycle-commute for three, soon four days a week, leaving Petra at home on Fridays so I could go out and get unfit for cycling, so to say. The Fear of cycling in London was more and more dampened by this habit forming activity and slowly but surely cycling turned into a joy, a love I couldn’t imagine ever living without. I love to experience the seasons with all my senses; when it rains I thank the water splashes on my face to remind me that I’m alive, when the sun is shining I take my sunglasses off, close my eyes for a brief moment and imagine I’m on holiday, when it’s windy I’ll pretend I am a sailboat trying to navigate through the sea. And I always think of the poor suckers down under-ground missing out on all the wonderful things I get to see everyday and having to smell Bob’s armpit instead! Apart from cycling having a positive impact on your health and fitness, it saves you from the agony a commuter experiences when faced with a tube strike! I felt really sorry for the people this morning trying to get into Kings Cross tube station, as I whooshed past them.

Whenever I had to take public transport I would feel miserable, tired and cranky for most of the day; everyone in the tube, so it seemed, smelled, was sweaty, stood too close or sneezed into the back of my head, not to mention TFL’s less than reliable timetable during rush hour.

The trick is to be prepared and practical; cycling to work I wear exactly what I would wear in my day to day life: skirt, leggings, heeled boots, T-shirt, except I always have a complete change of clothes in the drawers at work (much to the despair of my boss). I sweat quite quickly (yum) so always carry (bio-degradable) baby wipes with me, which come in very handy if I’m meeting friends after work. Other essentials I always have on me are: change of shirt, deodorant, pac-a-mac and of course lights and lock. I’m lucky to have showers at my place of work but even if this was not the case, like in our previous building, it would never even cross my mind to not cycle to and from work for as long as I can!

XXXa.

PS: more photos here

Cycling NYC - ♥ 2

2010-09-22T13:34:00.001+01:00

...after Mother Weber had returned to the homeland, Jack and I went on several more adventures through the big Apple; we checked out the rest of Manhatten, cycled over the bridges to Williamsburg and Brooklyn and also went on a ride on the Staten Island ferry. It was honestly one of the best holidays I've ever had and bringing my bike along gave me so much freedom, joy and saved me a lot of money and time! (Also I was able to try all the delicious sweets, muffins, pizza and bagels and know that I was doing just enough exercise to balance it out!! Even though I treated myself everyday to at least two "unhealthy" snacks, I didn't gain an ounce. Yipee!)

Bike friendly cafe in St Marks Place (is this Bitchcake's bike?)

Jack at Coney Island.

I love it how protectively Q&T are holding my little baby...errr...I mean my bike!!

got this cool Mermaid Day T-shirt at Coney Island!

Jackie at Battery Park...

...and NY County Supreme Court.

I LOVED going over all the bridges, especially the Brooklyn Bridge cause it is Pedestrian friendly and you can get off to take a nice touristy photo

(T-Shirt from Coney Island's Cyclone!!)

Sadly, all holidays must come to an end, so I packed up Jack into his bed and off we went back to London.

XxX a.

PS: I you wanna take your bike on a plane, do your research first. We went with Virgin Atlantic Air and because they give you a sporting goods allowance, meaning, I took Jack with me, packed up in bubble wrap, in a big huge bike bag, free of charge additionally to my normal luggage allowance! YAY! Also, opposed to all the horror stories one always reads about taking bikes on planes, Jackie arrived absolutely fine on both occasions; just make sure you let the air out of the tyres first! Happy travelling!

The New York City Century Bike Tour!

2010-09-14T07:06:00.000+01:00

I was looking forward to this ride ever since I had signed up to it a few months ago; not only would I get to do my favourite thing in the world all day: biking, but I would also be able to sightsee NYC in a way that is out of the tourist's norm. Luckily I was able to sleep the night before (I couldn't sleep due to anxious anticipation before my London to Paris ride, and rode 103miles after having only slept for TWO AND A HALF hours..but I did it!!) and was feeling positively excited when the alarm woke me at 4am. I rode 7miles (11km) to the starting point in Central Park whilst it was still pitch black outside - what an amazing ride that was already! Seeing NYC's streets almost completely desolate is quite the experience! At one point my water bottle flew out of its holder (very bumpy roads!) in the middle of a crossing, but I didn't even have to fear for my life when I went back to get it :-) haha! Arriving in CP at 6am I picked up my "cue sheet" which would help me navigate throughout the tour; since no roads would be closed for this event and the only other clues were pink arrows on the roads; the chances one would end up riding alone for a part of the journey were quite high. And yet I wasn't worried about loosing my way or even having a bad time cause I didn't know anyone there (I was secretly hoping to find my future husband on that ride! But don't tell anyone! Oh and, I didn't...but who I met instead was much better anyway!). I was really really looking forward to the ride and couldn't wait for the 6:30am start! The whole cycle was to be 75miles (120km) starting in Manhattan, via Brooklyn, Queens, Harlem and back to Manhattan. Here is some photographic proof and for even more CLICK HERE!

6am: Jack watches the 100 milers leave in anticipation!

6:45am: empty streets in Manhatten!

Crossing Brooklyn Bridge and Jack posing with da police!

I met the wonderful, beautiful, amazing, inspirational and very famous Ms Bitchcakes!!! I am soooo lucky, since not even her real friends had the honour of bumping into her on the whole ride! Not only this, but we ended up riding together for the rest of the journey! Thank you Lady B-cakes, the ride would have not nearly been as wonderful without the pleasurable company of you!!! (Check out her blog report of the ride HERE!!!!!!!)

We've cycled 57miles by this point and still looking goooood :-)

I DID IT! in 8.5hours exactly! I immediately treated myself to a velvet cupcake from the Brooklyn Cupcake company and then had the last picture of the day taken of moi: 75miles and still looking gooood...hehehhe!

The ride was extraordinary due to various reasons:

1.) I got to ride my bike for like 8 hours (duuhhh)

2.) I saw neighbourhoods that under normal circumstances even a native NY-er might never see, i.e. I got to see some "authentic" residential areas of Brooklyn and Queens

3.) There was free food all day (bananas, oranges, apples, bread, bagels, peanut butter and marmalade, granola bars, cupcakes, ice-cream etc (you hungry yet?) and I got a nice T-shirt and a water bottle at the end. I LOVE free stuff!!

4.) I got to chat to lots of nice people along the way. Most conversations came from people's amazement of my choice of bike (or wheel-size for that matter). In my opinion one doesn't need to cycle the most expensive fancy bike, nor wear the tightest brightest full body lycra cycling-condom in order to complete a challenge one has set oneself, no matter how big or small. Let me give you some examples: This is Ruth - she has just recently cycled 1052miles through the UK (one thousand fifty two miles that is!!!) on a Brompton Folding bike for 2 different charities! This is Bianca and Greg, just having graduated from college, they are currently spending their summer holiday cycling from Boston to San Francisco on hand-built bikes (hand built by pro's I must add) to raise money for the Autism Society of America. This is Ms Bitchcakes (1.5 years ago), she continuously challenged herself to go further than she could have ever thought possible in quest of (successfully) creating a healthier, happier life for herself. Along the way she has inspired and motivated more people to take up bike riding (and other types of exercise for that matter) than ever anticipated. But even more so, by sharing her journey on her blog, she has given her thousands of readers a lot of of hope and relief, inspiration and huge smiles and helped them along or kick-start their exciting journeys. (I am one of those people by the way!)

And last but not least 5.) the weather was ok! (apart from the strong sandy winds at some point that almost made me fall off little Jack...oh and the rain came after the rain on the way home...)

PS: here is the link to the Tour's website, in case you feel like taking part next year! Thanks for reading my dearests! XXX

Cycling LDN vs. NYC

2010-09-10T22:55:00.001+01:00

When I started cycling in London about five years ago, it was only for very short distances, a few miles at a time mainly to and from work. Back then I didn't even think that going longer distances was an option. 1: I felt too embarrassed because I would get ridiculously tomato-red and sweaty very easily, which had held me back from commuting by bike my whole entire past; 2: Back then I thought it inconvenient and too time consuming to take the bicycle to run errands or meet friends for a night out; and 3: Even though I got a helmet for London cycling, I still felt too unsure about riding in more traffic heavy streets. I had never seen a bike lane anywhere at that point!

Then, almost 3 years ago, when I finally overcame all this and challenged myself to commute the 6 miles to work, all these fears and false images I had in my mind started to slowly melt away and what was left was pure and simply the fact: riding in London, it's not that bad! (And yes I still get sweaty,but there's nothing that a baby wipe cannot fix or a deodorant can't cover up. As for the redness, that has in fact completely ceased to affect me! WOHOO!)

Ever since then I have integrated cycling more and more into my life, reducing the times I take the tube or bus dramatically. This year alone I have only taken the tube about three or four times; an experience which I grew more and more averse to, instead taking the bus during the icy cold conditions in February this year. When my bike Petra was in bike hospital in March I started jogging to work which has has made me a stronger jogger and prolonged my endurance on the bike, necessary for the 300mile bike ride to Paris I did in July. Cycling had always been a part of my life, but in the past three years I have slowly changed my life towards leading a more healthy happy life: e.g. one of my biggest accomplishments was stopping smoking on 28th February 2008, after 16 years of abuse! Cycling has helped me become a non-smoker and it has helped me find focus to create a healthier body, a process which I am taking my time with, and even though I have already had amazing compliments from lots of you about my weight loss so far (from the bottom of my heart, thank you!), I am not done yet. In fact, I cannot stress enough that this is not about loosing the weight, it is about being happy with myself - for the first time in my life!

Anyway, I've gone a bit off track, back to the subject:

Riding in NYC feels safer and easier than I have ever felt in London! I contemplated the reasons why, because rationally I should feel at least a bit uneasy and at risk because the traffic here is careeeeeyyyyzzzzzziiieeeeeeee!!!!! But as I mentioned in the last blog post: preparation = safety = happy cycle-tourist! There might also be a little escape from the real world-ism involved…

From the first day it was pure joy and ease to navigate through Manhatten, along the Hudson River park, riding all the way downtown on the Greenways. I had the NYC Cycle map strapped to my handlebars to find all the available cycle routes in the city; we came past some famous battle ship, Chelsea Piers, The High Line, Ground Zero and saw that the Freedom Tower is going up quickly, we had a picnic in Battery Park, cycled past Staten and Governor's Island Ferries, to the Seaport, then underneath Brooklyn- and Manhattan Bridge, before crossing the Island westward again to go back to our hotel on the Upper West side.

This is just an example what one can explore in NYC by bike in just a few hours. Since then I have been exploring more and more, also the nearby island of Brooklyn, but in a rather random fashion, yet I could not do it without my trusted NYC Cycle map! Thank you Transport Alternatives for providing them free of charge!

Coming up in 2 days, very exciting: my 75miles bike ride through Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Harlem! But most of all I'm really hoping to meet my hero/guru Ms Bitchcakes. Her blog is where I found this bike ride on when I was researching cycling opportunities for my holiday here in NYC! But in the last few months this blog has inspired me in more ways than just to attend the Bike tour. I really hope I get to say Hi and maybe sneak in a little hug :-)

Central Park is car-free on the weekends!

Mother Weber: probably the coolest 65 year young cyclist NY has seen!

Jack and un-named rental bike posing happily on Broadway.

Brooklyn cyclists.

Arriving and cycling on Manhattan Bridge felt amazing!

Sweaty back/bag patch!

Cycling NYC - ♥ 1

2010-09-10T09:10:00.001+01:00

You all know how much I love cycling and that this year there hasn't been a single day I haven't sat in the saddle and ridden somewhere. The thought of going on a two-weeks holiday sans bike caused sheer panic in me! Renting a bike was not an option, mainly due to price, but I knew I would also miss the familiarity of riding my own bike, even if time permitted only riding it for the 75mile bike ride on the 12th! Thankfully our airline's luggage policy included free transport of sports equipment. Yay! So I folded up little Jack and off we went to the Big Apple.

Preparation = safety = happy tourist!!!

I had ordered my NYC cycling map weeks in advance and read carefully through the biking rules; I was as prepared as can be, packed my lock and helmet, and can happily report: it is quite simply a joy to ride here! Not only because there are wonderful mile long bike-only routes here, great views and scenery and stunning weather everyday; the whole act of discovering a new city in a limited amount of time, a city that is already so famous and constructed in one's mind through movies, television and photographs, is made more interesting and different than your average 'oliday experience by adding another means of transport: biking! Simple, right? And yet many tourist may shy away from renting cycles on va-ca due to various fears regarding accidents etc. Yes it's true, there is a certain risk involved, but with a little common sense and some travel insurance, this bike riding shouldn't be any more dangerous than the one you do at home.

(PS: for some reason I very much dislike the average tourist state of being, so I always try to do something that makes me feel more familiar, comfortable and safe.)

***

The first day of biking, starring Mother Weber on un-named rubbish rental bike, and me on Pineapple Bike Jack:

For anyone who's interested, this was our whole route. We biked from around noon till 4pm with various stops in between.

Weekend adventures!

2010-08-31T17:55:00.001+01:00

As preparation for my 75mile bike ride in NYC in 2 weeks, I wanted to test little Jack's stamina by going on a 48mile roundtrip to Ely the weekend b/f last, and so I set off in the beautiful sunshine, on my own, down the National Cycle Network route 11 and 51. The roads were 90% safe cycle paths along some big great fields, along the river or through picturesque little villages. It took me just under 3hrs to get to Ely from Cambridge, because I stopped a lot along the way to take pictures.

-----------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------

--------------

Last weekend it was time to get some quality family time in, so Mother Weber, Stepdada and I set off to Botisham and were also blessed with sunny sun, gorgeous views and a few calories burned on this 20mile roundtrip:

Thanks for reading! Stay posted for NYC biking (and walking...ewww) fun! xXx