Last NYC Bike Commute

These are the official last commute to work in New York City commute pics. Ever.
This wasn't my official last day of work, because on thad day, I wore flare jeans and felt too dangerous to take pics (in case the flares caught in the chain b/c I just half-assed tight rolled them.)

The X over the bike is where the DOT is changing the paint to make the 72nd street transverse in Central Park 2-way. Hooray!

There will probably be a few more NYC bike rides, but no more to my NYC job!

A year in bike outfits

I started going steady with bicycle commuting in April 2010. I chronicled that first year in bicycle outfits here. It was a learning process and the winter was freakin' brutal.

Here's year two in review. The winter was a joke pleasant surprise so it wasn't as hard to be prepared this year though, I got rained on tons more.

12 different looks and four different bikes! 

Pet Peeve - Honking in the Park

Pet peeve: Cars honking at people in Central Park. 

Central Park is a destination for New Yorkers and tourists. I cannot stand when the cars driving through honk at people who are trying to have a good time in the park. Raw nerves were touched on my commute home this evening. 

There are no curse words or squeals in this video. I say "B" instead of the actual b-word, even though some bald, silly, foolish man called me the b-word this evening.

This isn't a remarkable story, mostly a vent and a chronicle in my little bicycle commuter life.
I also just read the book Unorthodox and it's all about this girl who is raised to be quiet and not speak out and I'm feeling very social justice today. I spoke out. 

Here's the photo of MY SHADOW trying and failing to photograph his plate.

First bike skirt on Viva

I wasn't sure about riding this bike in a skirt, so I wore opaque tights and a long (to me) skirt. I think it went fine. This bike can go so fast - it's crazy. Crazy scary a little, but you don't have to go fast you know? You can take it easy. But I made it home about ten minutes faster than normal. Which was crazy!

Outfit details: Mackage coat, H&M orange pleated skirt, gap booties, dalmation sweater vest is from some cheap-o shop. L.A.M.B. neon pink quilted handbag, bern watts helmet, viva urban deluxe bicycle. Vans cat eye sunglasses.

This is a silly comment on this bike, but it's something wonderful to me. I really like the pedals. They're not pink, but they small and tidy and they don't snag tights!

Bye, Bye, Green Bike

Our last morning commute together. I never got completely comfortable on this bike. I also had issues with the gears, as in, too-high and too-low issues. I turned in my first draft and I hope they let me review more bicycles and accessories in the future. It was fun having new responsibilities in my commuting. I was tasked with evaluating this guy, and I liked the process. It was fun to try out a new bike, even though I didn't fall in love like I was afraid I might.

Matt took this yesterday when we were off for President's Day. We aren't photography lighting experts, obviously.


I had ambitious gols for the holiday, but we mainly carried out our weekly tradition of The Bachelor watch party. A screen-shot I took of Courtney's strained, un-sympathetic face was used on I Hate Green Beans Bachelor re-cap blog. (!!!)

Tonight after I dropped the Nirve bike off at the shop that built him for me, I scurried over to the bus stop and waited patiently. I haven't used my metro card in so long I had no idea it was completely empty and I had to get off the bus. I ended up taking a cab, and that's just fine. We've been so lucky with this awesome winter. I know everyone must be sick of hearing about it, but this time last year I was doing good if the snow was clear enough for me to commute three days a week. I can barely remember the last time I wasn't able to bike to work. I am grateful for this warm winter. 

Semi-prepared for a rainy day

I swear up-close my tights didn't look this intense. 
I looked at the forecast and dressed in a way that would tolerate being rained on. Layers of light jackets and tights because they dry quickly. -No wet jeans. I have clear garbage bags in those panniers :)

Here's my tripod/glove for self-timer trickery.


After work, I parked my bike at the Ace Hotel, which I knew had nice bicycle parking from that Levi's event over the summer. I went to get a sandwich at No.7Sub but I had no idea they have no seats. It's a grab & go spot. So I walked over to a church and sat on the steps and ate my delicious sandwich. I had the Filet o' Fish. Loved it. 

Then I went to the offices of TA, where I attended a meeting on the planning and social networking needs of NYC Bike Month, which happens in May. They showed us this very cute new website. I think it's safe to say that everyone at the meeting does Bike Month all the months, but May is a great time to introduce new people to the loveliness of the bicycle life. I'm happy I got to see a bunch of my Bike NYC friends. I couldn't hang out afterward because I had to get home to walk Bonnie-dog. 

My slightly rainy, night ride home tonight was very pleasant. I'm really happy I have use of the East Side Esplanade again. It was closed for construction for a while. I'm talking East 60th - 78th Streets.

Here's a pretty montage.


I didn't even have to put on a garbage bag!

I'm Going to be Fair and Maybe Organized

I'm reviewing a bicycle and I'm reviewing what I wore today.

Here we are on our morning commute. 

Part A. What I wore.
Basic Denim button-up shirt; I feel sloppy in this, so I dress it up with suspenders

And a silk necklace I made.


My faux fur was benched for a while because it smelled so nasty from exhaust. Bastard trucks! 
It was a gray day, so I went with my bright white bern helmet. J Brand jeans, Gap booties, Kate Spade bag has to be worn because I forgot to bring a basket for this bicycle. 


Part B. The Bicycle.
For every negative thought I write here about this bicycle, I'm going to write a positive.
I want to keep everyone in suspense until my official review comes out in Momentum Magazine.

First, the bad news: This front logo thingie is peeling off.


Great news that will be repeated again and again and again because I can't get over it- This guy takes bumps like a freakin' cadillac. I don't really understand why, but when I go over bumps, like that nasty patch in Times Square, this bike feels very comfy and doesn't jar. I have to stand up a little and brace myself on my Linus those bumps are so bad.

This guy is smooth. Yes, I think this bicycle is a guy. A young man, not just a boy.

I also loved putting it in the low gear going around Central Park and passing the heck out of some other bikes.

But I need a basket. The handlebars are too light to carry even this small handbag without being a little loosey goosey.  But it's silly and dangerous to carry your handbag on your handlebars anyway.


Some people have real problems and I'm glad I'm not one of them.

A step I never show you

1. Wake up
2. Walk Bonnie dog.
3. Eat breakfast & spill drink coffe and watch Morning Joe with Matt.
4. Get ready - shower/dress/make-up/kiss Bonnie goodbye - Matt's gone by now.
5. Ride bicycle to work.
6. Go in the freight entrance and ride up the freight elevator.
7. See below- (This is where I take my helmet off and punch in the door code.)

8. Put the bicycle in the storage room/closet.
9. Turn on computer and text Matt to let him know I survived :) 

Transportation Alternatives Photos

I got asked to be a model citizen Polite Biker in the Transportation Alternatives end-of-year fundraising mailer. You can donate to them here if you would like to do so. Follow TransAlt on Twitter and like them on Facebook.


Andrew Hinderaker took these photos. I was a little intimidated of how serious he might be, after looking at the subject matter on his site. He was much younger than I expected and he was fast and fun to work with.

Transportation Alternatives works on many fronts to reduce car traffic and promote better bicycling, walking and public transit.

They have a lovely Bike Ambassador program, they keep me in the know about local transportation news, community board events that need TA support-presence and other rallys that pertain to my ideals about how we can grow the numbers of safe cyclists on the streets.

These photos were taken at the end of September when it was still really warm outside.
This was also right before I went to Miami and let myself get tan.



I didn't actually receive the mail piece in my mailbox but some of my friends let me know they received it and I was on there. Sheryl scanned it in so I could see.



I feel a little embarrassed that they called me the "cycle-chic ambassador" since I've had issues with that term and the person who trademarked that term and put non-inclusive restraints on what he thinks that means. I also don't like how squinty I look. The sun was blazing! 


But I'm glad I got asked to participate. I hope their mailer helps them raise a lot of money!
Lately, I really want to support the Car Free Central Park campaign. I ride through there every week day morning and most weekends when we go out and about and cars just don't really belong in there.

When the marathon stuff was up, it wasn't the biggest deal for me to go around the park on a bike, so I really don't think cars should be too put-out by being kicked-out.

This fella, Scott, is on my Community Board and his presence soothes my soul- I only went to 2 meetings, but he made me feel good about things, like, someone who is totally on the right page has a voice in here. He tweets a little.

I've said it before, and I'm glad to say it again- More young people need to run for office!

Follow TransAlt on Twitter and like them on Facebook.

Sheryl's post on this is more exciting so go read it here! 

Bike Rain Poncho

I've been keeping my eye out for a rain jacket or poncho for myself for months but just can't pull the trigger on one. Today it was rainy and I knew the perfect thing- A garbage bag!

This is a big 30 gallon that our office uses in the kitchen. My co-worker decorated it and put it on  me and cut it.


Fits perfect!


Ready for action leaving the building. Bicycles have to use the freight elevators. It's more VIP.


I made it! I loved it.


It's a keeper. I also can leave it in my panniers forever and ever and not really worry about it getting stolen. 

Lonely Bike Times

I'm not lonely in LIFE but I'm finding myself LONELY in the bike community now that it's COLD out.
All by myself in the park tonight.

One older man was in there doing laps and we were so isolated that we spoke to each other.
We spoke to each other, people! This is New York City and me and this stranger spoke to each other.

The seasons have shifted.

My gloves tonight were not enough. I think it was in the low 40's. -Fahrenheit.


Good morning stop.


See- I'm not that crazy skinny- I'm still normal.

I'm downright ashamed of my hair so I kept the helmet ON. And I'm SAFE. So it's on.

However, I was HOT at this point this morning so the leopard coat came OFF.

Oh, leaves.


I saw Malaika tonight!


And our friend who we met on the Moonlight Ride, Julia met us out.


Malaika says it's too cold for bikes and Julia says mid-town is too crazy for riding so should I ask myself "Am I insane?"

Instead of really thinking about this question, I'll just ignore that notion and keep riding.

If I didn't ride- I wouldn't see nonsense like this:

Some sweet rides

Unicorn trike-bike in Brooklyn. I'm jealous. 

Sunday night we went to Brooklyn on the subway and the subway seemed grosser than ever. Matt and I were both repelled and bitched about it the whole way there. There was a slightly homeless smell on both train cars.
The destination was worth it- The Mr. Transman pageant hosted by my local showbiz crush, Murray Hill.

Sunday I didn't ride my bike at all, breaking a major streak. I guess a streak since Memorial Day when we went upstate in a rented little car.

Monday I was back at it- Commuting to work.

First corduroy jeans of fall. My jacket is a little boys early 90's Jordache jean jacket.

Today, I was running late and it started to sprinkle on me, so I hauled ass and just took a quick panda when I was riding through the park.


On my way home I saw this sweet John Lennon ride going up 6th Avenue.


Then I ran into this guy and his favorite thing in the whole world is having me put pictures of him on the internet. Oh, Matt. Our commutes aren't that different, but it's rare that we meet on bikes at the same time and you bet I rang my new Grande Ding Dong bell at him.


I like how his jacket and helmet match.

One more Sweet Ride I saw Sunday afternoon:

Bike Times with Matt

Morning stop through Central Park - High visibility in my red tee and pink helmet.
American Apparel tee - J.Crew skirt - Forever 21 Bow flats - Pro Tec Helmet

I've been feeling kind-of down about the Pro-Tec helmet. I really miss a brim/visor/bill when I'm wearing it. It just feels a little nerdy and what's up with all this overage?

Who's head is this long to need this much slack? But I do appreciate the color of the strap - it won't show dirt. 


THE LAST THREE NIGHTS ME AND MATT HAVE BEEN OUT RIDING BIKES TOGETHER.
This is news, only because we typically just straight-up commute on our own, or I go do something but he has to go home and study. 


This is me picking him up from work. He terrorizes me riding around in shorts with dark socks and Danskos. See how he lets me photograph him when he's dressed crazy? 



Tuesday I locked myself out of the apartment so I needed him for his house keys.



Wednesday we went to see Mortified at the 92Y Tribeca for a friend's birthday, and took the west side greenway home.
The show was pretty good Oh! So a bunch of Matt's co-workers left (from work) before him or around the same time and we were the first ones there - BIKES are EFFICIENT! 


Here's Matt Wednesday night way downtown approaching the greenway.
At least he's got on long pants to cover-up the dark socks.



Thursday, we went to get our asses-beat up and beat-down too at a Shiatsu massage parlor.
They seriously made both of us want to cry, but it was overall fantastic. After we were dressed and on our way out, everyone lined-up to say "Goodbye" and my masseuse said "OH! You came on bike!?" -Because they spotted our helmets. 


Yeah, girl! And we rode our bikes together into the night and giggled about how much you hurt us.