Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head

On rainy days like we’ve been having lately, I like to look at photos of better times.

Like so:

Not to mention the fact that this face is so ridiculously cute here.  Whereas today, he smells like his insides are made of poop.

But not everyday in Chicago can be perfect weather with walks to shops and fun trips to the park.  No, we have to have some pooey days to make us appreciate the good days more.  So here are some ways to take full advantage of the gloomy days:

• Play board games.  Granted, we rarely play board games just the two of us.
• Watch movies. Netflix is a godsend.
• Snuggle with stink mouth mcgoo and take an afternoon nap.
• Update your blog that has been missing you dearly.
• Read comic books.  Or even regular books if you’re so inclined.
• Catch up on TV shows you’ve been missing.
• BAKE!  I need to get some cookies out of my creative system and onto the baking sheet.

That’s really all that I can even imagine doing right now.  Those things listed above.  I’ve already had quite the productive morning meeting some lovely ladies of Chicago for a nice bike brunch.  It was fantastic to meet new people and even ride in the rain, though in the future I would not recommend a silk skirt and leather jacket. No no.  But now I can relax completely knowing that I’ve already had a busier Sunday than usual.

What do you do when the weather forces you indoors on the weekend?

Tally Ho!

The Grand Rapids Tweed Ride was this past weekend. And despite the weather, it was a rousing success.

At about 3:30, during a terrential downpour (or so it seemed), we set out from our apartment for The Winchester.  I must say that receiving compliments while in our nice duds riding in the rain made me feel a lot better.

Once there, we met the rest of our nine person band of merry men (and ladies).  Including two strapping lads from the Windy City.  But what am I babbling on about. The photos speak for them selves.

There are more photos, but these are the best of the lot.  I had a blast! I hope everyone else did too!

Grand Rapids was not prepared.  Many on lookers and photo takers.  Next time will be even better!

Btw…vote for my shirt design! The contest ends tomorrow!!

Grand Rapids Tweed Ride (and other things)

Well, fall is fast approaching. And what better way to celebrate the cooler weather and lack of sweating than with a slow paced bike ride about this beautiful city.

So, grab your wool skirts and herringbone and bow ties and head on out here to have a grand time!

The ride will begin at The Winchester and saunter onward throughout this fair city, ending (eventually) at The Hopcat for drinks and general merriment.  All of this takes place on Saturday, October 3rd at 4:00 PM.

Invite your friends! Invite yourself! It’s going to be awesome!

In other, less bikey news, The Cupcakerator is currently in contention to become a T Shirt! And we need your help!!  If you would be so kind as to venture over to Shirtprize and cast your vote for my design, I would be eternally thankful.  And if you could convince some friends to do the same….I just may have to prepare something special.

I’ve never won anything like this before so it would be phenomenal to do well at all.  I’m working on my doodles to incorporate a nice old fashioned bike for my boy Cuppie.  Cross your fingers for me! And don’t forget to come out for the Tweed Ride!

A Family Affair

This is our bike family.

It’s not going to get any bigger any time soon and that’s okay with me (for once).

Starting left to right, here we go:

Lil Hidalgo – Worksman Folding Bicycle.  This little guy is deceiving.  He’s ridiculously heavy for a folding bike, making it illogical to travel with on public transportation.  But we rarely take public transportation.

Main points – He folds up for easy storage and semi easy travel.  He provides a smooth ride for our guests who may not normally want to ride a bike.  He has coaster brakes, which have proven to be a foreign concept.  And he has fenders and a rack, making him highly capable of pizza delivery to our patio.

Fiona – This is my darling love, Fiona, the Raleigh LTD-3 that we all know so well.  I found this bike when hunting for a bike for Johnpants and I called on her instantly.  She was a steal at $50 and is the best bike for me at this time.  Very little damage or rust or blemishes at all.  And look at those fenders! Hoo doggie!!  I added the gorgeous wicker basket and the leather saddle bag was a great birthday present from my mister.  Since this photo I’ve added a brass bell from Velo Orange. Erich really helped out by fixing her up for me and now I can’t imagine my days without her.

Just yesterday I rode her to the doctor. It was sublime.  But then it turned out that I forgot my key to my ulock.  I about had a panic attack worrying about her fate not locked to anything.  Luckily, the pharmacy let me store her inside with minimal jokes. She was safe! Huzzah for strangers!

Felix – This is John’s Fuji Special Racer that I bought him for our 2 year anniversary.  He previously had a Schwinn Racer that wasn’t quite his style.  Since upgrading to this beast, he can take hills with ease (much more ease than Fiona).  He’s a fast lil bugger – Perfect for my mister.

Our bike family is perfect for us. How about yours?

Bikeventures!

Last Thursday was a great day.  It was like a Friday for the mister and I since we both took Friday off.  To celebrate, we took Miss Sampants out for sushi and a bike ride.

Hidalgo, the folding guest bike, proved only semi intimidating for Sam.  Coaster brakes are not natural past the age of 7 to me.

The lovely Fiona and I were ready to roll after a filling fishy meal.  Despite a slight hesitation to be in photos that I soon got over.

Johnboy just wanted to get on the road.  He was not having this photo safari.

Eventually he gave in to the fun and became our photographer extraordinaire. It was a blast….as you can see.

And that’s the end of the end of the week bike adventure.  This week looks less promising for the evening rides, what with the rain and all.

I can explain, I swear

Meet Hidalgo, the newest member of our bike family.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, how many bikes do they need? Well, I need one. And John needs one. And our guests could use at least one.

That’s where this little feller comes in.  I’m not sure why, but I got it in my head that a folding bike is the perfect guest bike.  I mean, it FOLDS up!  It’s not going to be in the way or anything. And if I want to bring a bike home or something, I have this little guy.

He fits in my trunk.  He’s surprisingly well kept, hardly used by his former owners (who also had a twin of his for sale).  And he has 3 speeds with an internally geared hub.  And a coaster brake that I need to practice on.

Did I mention his inaugural ride was to go pick up a pizza? That’s right, Hidalgo is capable of great feats.

So now you all can come to my apartment and ride my bikes. It’ll be grand.

Pure Bliss

If there were a bike made specially for me, I’m almost certain it would be the Pashley Sonnet Bliss (or the pure, I’m not sure yet).

Either way, it’s utterly beautiful.  I haven’t seen a more perfect color combination like this before.  Cream and claret they call it.  Heaven is another good name I came up with all on my own.

The Bliss model comes with 5 speeds and the Pure is 3 speeds.  Bliss has a few extra features (like a Dynamo headlight), but overall they’re pretty similar.  Brooks leather sprun saddle, Gorgeous/big wicker basket, wonderful wine colored accents (or navy if you’d prefer).

I guess I just like classic English styling on bikes.  I like them heavy and pretty.  This bike is perfect for me.  I was looking at the Flying Pigeon bikes because they’re cheaper (not that I”m buying a new bike) and because they had some fun colors like green, but nothing like this.  I can’t shut up about it. I can’t stop staring. And drooling….

I guess I’d like a mixte too.  A lighter frame that I could use on longer treks.  A Pashley, and a mixte and that’s all…. And a tandem. A Pashley, a mixte and a tandem and that’s it. And my Raleigh. A Pashley, a mixte, a tandem, and my Raleigh and that’s it.