Moviestars and Bicycles

I'm a big fan of old, classic movies. Particularly during the holidays, I just can't seem to get enough of the singing and dancing that used to be a staple of american film.

But bicycles? Who knew?

Road Rage

Baltimore isn't exactly your most "bike friendly" city. There are virtually no bike lanes. There is this sad excuse for a lane that the city likes to install once and awhile, called a "sharrow." It's really just a stencil of a bike on the road in the middle of a car lane...ya know...just to remind people "HEY! We're riding here, too!" Of course, that's after they drive you off the road and into a snowbank.

Therefore, when I see pictures like this (above), it makes me dream of living in a city that lets me bike freely, without the constant fear of bike theft, non-existent lanes and selfish drivers. Won't you join in on this dream with me? If you live in Baltimore, or any city where cyclists aren't exactly seen as equals to cars, email your local Bicycle and Pedestrian Planner. Here is Baltimore's one-man show:

Nate Evans
Baltimore Bicycle & Pedestrian Planner

nate.evans@baltimorecity.gov

I don't expect to see the likes of a European city any time soon, but maybe a few extra lanes (not sharrows) would be nice.

{image via the sartorialist}

Cocktail Party, Cyclists Only

How clever is this idea? A group of friends dress up in their snazziest suits and dress ensembles, then hop onto their bicycles to ride to their own cocktail party?





Top hats in place of helmets, and pumps instead of clip shoes. I love it. (I'm obviously ignoring the blatant disregard for safety here, but it's just so cute!)

{all images via LetsGoRideABike}

missing bike

I thought this was hilarious- had to share!

{via here}

bikes and legs

I love my bikes...right under my boyfriend, family, dog and friends, my bicycles are my greatest loves. They have endured more than some people have within their lifetime, and they are probably the only material possessions I have that I would go crazy without. When times are better, I look forward to investing in a little basket for the front of my "beater" bike (that's what the hipsters call it around here, apparently), so I can ride it around like this:

{via here}

I love this picture, by the way. This woman is not afraid to have killer, solid legs while riding around in her oh-so-stylish outfit...sexy and strong at the same time.

"When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world." - John Muir

{via here}

This quote was in the Huffington Post today, and as beautiful as it seems, it is also tragic to read. The environmental damage that we as only one nation on this entire earth have caused is horrendous. As we witness the drastic and painful decline of the Gulf Coast and its waters, we must recognize our ever-increasing role as global citizens and do our best as individuals united to create change now and for our future generations.

Here is one very useful tip to shut down operations like BP and others whose offshore drilling only further endangers our fragile home...

RIDE A BIKE! I know it can be scary sometimes to hop onto a bike after not touching it since you were 10 years old, but once you do, oh! it is so liberating! You can pass traffic (I beat the shuttle into work today), you can climb mountains, improve your health and gain some killer leg muscles :) I recently bought a used Schwinn Traveler for Salman and it's in excellent condition! You can easily find an inexpensive used bicycle at places like Craigslist or your local bike shop. You don't need a fancy schmancy thing to have it serve it's purpose!

Happy Riding!

Bikeride to Work

{via here}

Today was my first day riding my bike to work! I've always been a bit apprehensive about riding into work on my own. I love the city, but Baltimore can sometimes be a bit intimidating. However, my friend Nicole from the 4K team last summer is working on the same campus as me since she's graduated, and she posed the idea that we bike in to work together. What a beautiful morning it was, too :) The heat and humidity is gone for now, and the cool breeze felt wonderful as we coasted down Guilford Ave.

It also gives you the feeling that you're doing something to relieve the planet of those ever-bothersome carbon emissions! I take a shuttle to work everyday, usually, which is ok. However, maybe me giving up my seat on the shuttle a couple days a week will allow someone else to take it, rather than driving their car into work....who knows :)

CSA sidenote: Apparently, we aren't supposed to pick up our CSA share until this coming weekend, but we did come across some delicious two-toned asparagus that were oh-so-delicious last night sauteed with olive oil, salt and peppa! Pictures to come.