Chicago Bike Winter Fashion show photos

Last weekend I had a blast working with Holly Rhode of the impeccable vintage clothing site www.lucitebox.com, Hair and Make up artist Christopher Conner, and these fine cycling ladies:  Liz, Dottie, Ash, Lisa, and Kim.  We worked on some photos to publicize the upcoming Bike Winter Fashion Show, and thanks to all of these ladies (and one gentleman),  I think they turned out great!

You might recognize Dottie from her blog Lets Go Ride a Bike, or from one of my photos here.   Both Liz and Kim are involved with West Town Bikes the non-profit community bike shop that focuses on under-served populations and youth programing.  Ash organizes the group rides Chicago Kidical Mass and Critical Lass, and has a blog about family cycling called One Less Mini Van.  Lisa is very involved in the cycling community and I randomly photographed her and family here.    What a great group of ladies to represent the cycling community. 

Thanks to Boulevard Bikes for lending us all of these amazing bicycles for the photo shoot.

To RSVP to the event go the the facebook invite here

P.S. Of course I couldn't leave Holly's without picking on some funky vintage duds.  Check out the amazing graphic print dress I bought. It fits perfectly!  I'll have to post a photo of dress + bike very soon.

 Liz of West Town Bikes on an orange Hot Rod bike from Boulevard Bikes.

Dottie of Lets Go Ride a Bike on a blue Pashley Princess from Boulevard Bikes.

Ash on a olive green Handsom Cycles she-devil mixte from Boulevard Bikes.

Lisa on a blue Pashley Princess from Boulevard Bikes

Kim of West Town Bikes on a olive green Handsom Cycles she-devil mixte from Boulevard Bikes.

Ruby, 2500 Block of North Kedzie, Chicago, IL

Ruby rides a Schwinn World sport called Black Betty from A Nearly New Shop.

Where are you going? To Boulevard Bikes. My dear Betty is missing her chain!

Tell me about your bike, and where you got it? My bike, Black Betty, is a Schwinn World from the '80s or '90s I assume...adopted from Nearly New in Lakeview.

What are you wearing? I'm wearing a red hat with awesome ear-warming abilities, blue wrap skirt and boots that are all from thrift stores. My "stuffed animal" coat is from an estate sale in Seattle, and my gloves were my grandma's. 

Why ride? Chicago is wonderfully flat - why not?
Favorite ride? I don't know if I have a favorite, but I like biking down Webster Ave at night. No potholes, virtually no street lights or traffic - its perfect.
While riding you …? Worry about all the different ways I could be hit by a car.
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? Chicago streets need clearly defined bike lanes so bikers can feel safe and drivers can watch where they're going.
Any other tips? Don't bike in Wrigleyville after a Cubs game or some drunk guy will push you off your bike into a telephone poll for a laugh. And wear a helmet!!

Nathan, Logan Square Circle, Chicago, IL

Nathan rides a custom built 1984 Trek 720

You might recognize Nathan from one of your favorite watering holes or as your friendly mechanic at Boulevard Bikes.  His bike is for sale, so call Boulevard Bikes if you are interested!

Where are you going?  I'm on my way to work at Boulevard Bikes
Tell me about your bike, and where you got it?  This is my second bike, a burgundy custom built 1984 trek 720 that I purchased years ago at working bikes and built up at the bike shop I work at.  I'm actually trying to sell it.

What are you wearing?  I am wearing Red Wing iron rangers, Levi's 501 jeans, Woolrich vest, Pointer Hickory striped jacket and a Hillside chambray scarf.

Why ride?  Why drive? I like to keep my carbon imprint low.
Favorite ride?  My favorite rides ever were touring through Tuscany, or the ride up the inland sea coast of Japan. However, I think the everyday bike rides even to and from work can be enjoyable.  

While riding you …?  While riding I sometimes whistle or sing. I sometimes also play my iPhone in my front pocket. No headphones though! Too risky. 

How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly?  Chicago can make it safer to bike by more pronounced or protected bike lanes, stricter testing for drivers, letting new drivers know that bikes are supposed to be on the road. Bikers should be more cautious as well.

 

Terry, N Milwaukee Ave & W North Ave, Chicago, IL

Terry rides a Centurion frame built-up to a custom single speed road bike

****  I randomly stopped Terry on the street and it turns out he produces the Chicago Bicycle Film Festival.  Its happening next weekend Friday November 4-6th.  There are lots of cool movies and events so check it out!

Where are you going? I am headed home(logan square) from the loop where I

am finishing my masters at DePaul.

What bike are you riding and where did they get it?  Its a Centurion

touring frame built-up to a  custom single speed road bike, basically.  My bike was built-up by the guys over at Nearly New on Broadway ... upkeep

and modifications by myself and the guys at Boulevard Bikes in Logan

Square.

Favorite ride? That is tough...as crazy as it my sound-- anywhere in the

loop or downtown.  I didn't grow up in a city so flying through tons of

traffic, and huge buildings is still pretty surreal for me-- LOVE IT!

While riding you …?  Sometimes listen to music, sometimes I film rides-

when I'm in no rush.

How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike

friendly?

I think one MAJOR problem is the CTA's rule about no bikes during rush

hours. This is very dangerous since sometimes people get stuck in crazy

weather and are forced to ride in it due to the policy.  Over 90% of bike

accident happen in rain.

Other than that--I think a few HARSH examples need to be made of people

who "door" bikers.  There are so many people that don’t understand how

dangerous it is to not pay attention while parking and will not pay

attention until there is something being threatened.

So tell me more about the Bicycle Film Festival.

I am the producer of Bicycle Film Festival Chicago.  BFF is an

international film festival that is EVERYTHING BIKES!  November 4-6 th, 2011, and

here are a few events that will be taking place over that weekend:

A few AWESOME local Chicago orgs who help us w/ BFF {Active transportation

alliance, the chainlink, west town bikes, working bikes, and Bicycling

Magazine of course)

Mia, 1900 block of W Division St, Chicago, IL

Mia rides a Bianchi Pista Via Brera in cream from Boulevard Bikes

Tell me more about your bike, and where you got it? My Bike is a Bianchi/ Pista via brera in cream. I bought it this past spring at Boulevard Bikes in Logan Square. I walked in there looking for a basket and came out with a new bike. the guys there are super friendly and are really good sellers!
What are you wearing? I'm wearing a necklace by Pound Jewelry, coat from Zara, sweatshirt from Target, leggings, and Steve Madden flats.
Where are you going?  I am on my way to get smoothies with the singer from Frances with Wolves, a band i like from St. Louis.
Why ride? Riding puts a smile on my face, its environmentally friendly, and its a good way to explore the city. Not to mention my bike is fucking awesome!
Favorite ride? My favorite ride consists of moonlight, freshly paved road, laughter, and good company (usually my boyfriend, unless if he is yelling at a driver for something I did not see).
While riding you …? While riding I find inspiration from the people and things I see for my art and films.
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? more bike lanes and mutual respect for all of those who are commuting would be a good start.

Christy, Jackson and Clinton, Chicago, IL

Christy rides a KHS aluminum frame 8-speed for upright riding with maximum versatility and minimum weight

I ran into (okay stalked is a better term) Christy on her way to a meeting in the Sears

Tower.  Don't let the sun deceive you, it was a nippy 29˚.  I'm so glad I did, because

she is such an inspiration.  Read her story below: 

After I herniated two cervical discs in summer 2010 my physical therapist basically said

'Get a bike that puts your body upright, or never bike again.' Suffice it to say, I bought a

new bike. It was a tough transition, because I go a whole lot slower now than on my old

Bianchi hybrid, but I've come to appreciate the slow ride and the improvement in my

symptoms. For that I have to thank my KHS Cidi 8-speed, plus the guys at Boulevard 

Bikes who helped me to find exactly the right model for my riding style and recent

physical challenges.

Thanks for sharing Christy!