Laura, 500 block of North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL

Laura rides a custom re-build mixte frame from Lugs

Sometimes I diligently write down someone's email, and then I just can't find it.  That is what happened with this young lady, but [hopefully] I remembered a few details correctly—  
#1 her bike is a custom rebuild from Lugs.  I'm convinced the folks over a lugs are as interested in people looking good on bikes as I am, so mad props!  I'll be hitting them up when I can throw down some cash for a custom rebuild. 
# 2. Her name was Laura and she was headed north.

Sorry for loosing your email Laura.  Please comment if you see this and have anything to add.

*** Side note: There is cause for celebration today— Chicago is getting a protected bike lane near my office!  I have been patiently watching the construction of the Dearborn protected bike lane and I'm excited to go for a test ride.  I'll be spending lunch here so come by and celebrate!

When: Friday, December 14 at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Printer’s Row Park, 700 S. Dearborn St.

Rue Sainte Catherine, Bordeaux, France

So I've been a bad little blogger and have been sitting on a bunch of new photos, but between regular work, freelance work, and marathon training, I have been SLAMMED!  So  I'm just dropping five photos in one day.  Not to worry, I am still taking pictures, so look out for lots of new Chicago shots soon!  Meanwhile, check out how cool Bordeaux France is.  It is a fabulous city for cycling.  It has about 1.1 million people, and is fairly flat.   There are long stretches of pedestrian only streets that allow bikes, and have a street level train.  Of course the wine is good too, but because of the name recognition, its a little more pricey than the rest of France (where wine is seriously dirt cheap!). 

Claire, N Hoyne Ave & W Pierce Ave, Chicago, IL

Hey Chicago, how about a little sunshine on a rainy day!

Claire ride a vintage Gitane mixte built up by a friend 

What are you wearing?  A thrifted men's button-down tied over a tank top, J. Crew pants, Repetto flats and my favorite vintage leather bag. your bike, 
Tell me about your bike, and where you got it? I ride a single speed with an old Gitane frame.  My friend Brent (who works at Johnny Sprockets) helped me acquire parts, built it up and gave it a custom John Deere blue and green paint job.  In my head, I call my bike "Goldfish."
Where are you going? An art opening in Wicker Park 
Why ride? It's so fun.
Favorite ride? Through A. Finkl and Sons late at night
While riding you …? Sing to myself and yell at jerks ;-)
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly?  I applaud the new protected bike lanes, like the one on Jackson - add more of those!  They provide car door-fear-free portals of safety through the city.

Maria, N Milwaukee Ave & W Belden Ave, Chicago, IL

Maria rides a Soma mixte custom built at On the Route

What are you wearing? Ruffly sundress from the Gap, vintage denim jacket, Po Campo reflective pin and houndstooth riding gloves (from Giro, just picked up at On the Route Bicycles this spring). The gold pannier is a Po Campo prototype so I have the only one. :)

Tell me more about your bike and where you got it? My ride was custom made for me by my pals at On the Route on Lincoln Ave. I fell in love with the Soma mixte frame at first glance and was in the market for a spritely upright bike anyway and what they built far surpassed my expectations. It's beautiful to look at and an absolute joy to ride.  

Why Ride? Because it is fun!!!!!!!!!!! 

Favorite ride? My commute to work is actually my favorite because I pass through so many cityscapes on my way there. Old neighborhoods with elm trees and greystones, an industrial metal forgery, downtown views, the river...it's so pretty and makes me fall in love with Chicago every day. 

While riding you …? Daydream. 

How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly? I like the little stoplights for bike lanes that you see in some European cities. It makes cycling feel like a legitimate mode of transportation. And they're so cute.

*** Maria founded Po Campo the super stylish bike bag company from Chicago.

Carron, 1400 Block of Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL

Carron rides a Lotus Silver Speed Queen Mixte

What are you wearing?
 A woolen berry, a kharki green skirt, and green jacket with gold buttons, stockings and copper shoes.
Where are you going?  To Rodan
Why ride? Its quick.
Favorite ride? I love being on the free road, nothing like cycling up a mountain and coming down the other side. But Chicago is mostly flat so I suffice riding down to Hyde Park and back.
I recommend cycling holidays, its the best way to travel and you really see a city, countryside etc. France is good for people starting out for the more leisurely rides and then when you've grasped the mountains I would head to Spain or Scotland. I cycled coast to coast in Britain, from Morcombe to Scarborough one summer which was a glorious ride. We went at a leisurely pace and did it in ten days.
While riding you …?
I love to cycle through the loop free handed, its so liberating!
How can Chicago improve bike infrastructure or make Chicago more bike friendly?
Fill in the pot holes, they are super dangerous for us cyclists making us wiggle into oncoming traffic. More cycle lanes and in the U.K. they have an area at the front of the traffic at lights so vehicles can see all the cyclists. It might make drivers annoyed but it would make them more aware.

Megan, Milwaukee, Damen, and North, Chicago, IL

Megan rides a 1970's free spirit Step-Through.

I stopped Megan walking home with her brand new/used bicycle just in time for spring.  Happy Biking!

Sara, Canal St, Chicago, IL

Sara rides a 2010 Jamis Commuter from Roscoe Village Bikes

Cycling Tip from Sara: Add a basket to your bike. From groceries to impromptu shopping on my commute home, it's my favorite and most utilized accessory.

Lorena, Wicker Park, Chicago, IL.

Lorena Cupcake, Wicker Park, Chicago, IL. October 2010

Lorena rides a Specialized Globe Live Mixte. Singlespeed, frame-integrated rack, coaster & front caliper brake, head tube badge cut out of a box of Hello Kitty cookies.