How to cycle in style - Part 1

You may or may not know that I am a pretty keen cycler. I like to cycle to work or just about. My husband and I cycle into the city most weekends for coffee. It's fun and healthy.

What I don't love about cycling is the lycra, and the assumption that if you're not wearing lycra you're not a cyclist (damn snobby road cyclists). Lycra is really, really unattractive - and unless you're cycling a million miles in a road race - usually not that essential.

So instead, I'm offering some tips on how to cycle in style - not Lycra.

ESSENTIALS
1. Bicycle
So you have a bicycle, or you want to get a new one?
If you own one, well that's half the job done right there.

Now look at your bicycle, now back at me, now back at your bicycle.

http://www.metaefficient.com/bicycles/womens-cruiser-bikes.html

Does it make you want to leap on it and tear off down the street? No? Why not?

Consider getting a gel seat cover - and if you're a lady, perhap a ladies' seat. It's a bit wider and more supportive for your hips and things.

Get a basket at the back or the front - or perhaps some cute panniers or saddle bags. Try weaving some plastic flowers in your basket - make it fun!

http://cyclestyle.com.au/shop/bags-and-panniers/double-panniers/gingham-check-panniers/

If you are going to buy a new bicycle, consider your terrain. Riding along the beach front - go for a cruiser. Live on top of a mountain - perhaps something with a few (or heaps) of gears. Ride your potential new friend around the shop and see how it feels.

The first time I got on a bike that had suspension it felt super weird and squishy - but now I love it.

If you wear skirts - like I do - get a step through frame, or at least a ladies' frame. Trust me, you'll thank me.

http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/womens-hello-kitty-26-retro-cruiser-pink-10

Also consider getting a second hand bicycle. They often have more classic style and most have nothing wrong with them except requiring a bit of paint and maintenance.

Whatever you get, make sure it's something you'll want to ride - often. I'm still a bit sad that my current bicycle is blue, but I'm considering a bit of cosmetic work to fix that *evil grin*

2. Helmet
Now you may live in parts of Europe and elsewhere that do not require you to wear a helmet when you ride. But I think you're nuts (and considering the number of odd looks I got in Europe when wearing one - you all think I'm nuts)

http://cyclestyle.com.au/shop/accessories/helmets/ocean-flower-helmet/

And with so many cute helmets out there, why would you risk have your brain come out of your ear sockets? Just check that they comply with the safety standards in your country.

Plus I'm a massive klutz and not wearing protective gear is just inviting trouble.

http://www.yakkay.com/SmartOne.aspx#11



3. Lights

I always ride with lights on my bike - just in case I want to go off on a long adventure or it gets really dark and cloudy out.

You can buy teeny clip-on LED lights for less than $20, so unless you live in a super high crime area, you can just leave them on your bike and not worry about the weather or the night time.

4. Bicycle Lock

Once you've gone to all the trouble of making your bicycle all pretty and fun, you don't want someone pinching it.

Depending on how prevalent bicycle theft is in your country (Netherlands, I have my eye on you) you may need a heavy duty lock (or several) or just a regular bicycle lock.

Try getting a combination lock as then you have no key to lose.

http://bikereviews.com/2009/12/trek-dreadlocks-resettable-combination-cable-lock/

Stay tuned for the next installment addressing clothing and accessories.

HAVE!!!

I guess Santa (or myself as it may be) was good to me this year. Now I just need a brooch to go with them.




P.S. Don't forget to get yourself something in my GREAT GIVEAWAY!!!!

Merry Christmas to all

And to all a good night

Hope you all have a wonderful festive season.

P.S. - Don't forget to get yourself part of Elise's BIG Giveaway

"The man who views the world at fifty the same as he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life." - Muhammad Ali

Woo!!!!!! 50 readers!!!!!

I have been hovering in the mid 40's for ages, but now you guys have finally bumped me over the line!!!!!

Thank you all very much for reading my ramblings about stuff.

And now - I promised something special - so here it is.

ELISE'S GREAT GIVEAWAY.

I am giving stuff away. A random lucky dip. And to go all Oprah on you - everybody's getting one!!!!

You're getting one! And you're getting one! Everybody's getting one! (you have to imagine me saying that just like Oprah - and then you all scream; or you could scream at home by yourself if you like). Some things will be hand made, some things will be decorative, some things may be useful - it's a random surprise!

If you would like something sent to you - for free - please email me at weenie underscore tot7068 at hotmail dot com with your name and an address that you are happy for me to send stuff to, and please leave a comment here as well.

Hope y'all enjoy!

Incidentally - it's also my 180th post

Supersizers go....

One of my current favourite television shows is "Supersizers go..."

It is a satirical food/history show in the vein of Supersize Me. Sound confused? Don't be - it's awesome.

Giles, a food critic, and Sue, a comedienne, spend a week eating, dressing and living the lifestyle of different time periods and then have medical tests, pre and post said week, to assess the impact said historical diets have on their health. 

It's both fascinating and hysterical.

Here's the link to Youtube where you can find all the exciting adventures of eating your way through Wartime, 20s, 50s, 70s, 80s, Restoration, Regency, Victorian, Medieval, Elizabethan, Edwardian Britain, Revolutionary France and Ancient Rome.

Supersizers go...!

Caroling, caroling through the town

So here are some funny words that you mostly only see in Christmas Carols (you might see them in other hymns, and ye olde English but do you really go around saying them all the time?) and what they mean.

Hither - as in "Come hither" or "Hither page, and stand by me" - To or toward this place
Thither - a bit rare than hither - "When we bear them thither" - To or toward that place - see the difference.
Whither - " Pray, wither sailed those ships all three" -  To which place - getting the pattern now?

Oblations -  "We to the Christ-child, bring our hearts' oblations" - A thing presented or offered to God or a god -  we are offering Jesus our hearts
Wassail/wassailing - "Here we come a-wassailing, among the leaves so green" or "And to you, your wassail too" - the practice of going round to your neighbours and toasting them good health and possibly begging for scraps.
Troll - "Troll the ancient Yule tide carol" - not the internet kind. To sing loudly, freely or in a carefree way.
Cloven - "Still through the cloven skies they come," - split or divided (like the Devil's hooves)
Lo - "For lo! the days are hastening on" - Look, see, behold
Exultation - "Sing in exultation" - The act of exulting; lively joy at success or victory, or at any advantage gained; rapturous delight; triumph

And here's a picture of us all caroling at my parent's house, with all our friends and relations - it's a yearly tradition.

P.S. If I get to 50 readers, I'm going to do something super special. If you can't wait, you could create 2 phony blogger accounts and give me a bump. *wink*

WANT!

I want these so bad - so I am saving all my pennies in my secret shoe fund which I fund with doing odd jobs for people. Or hoping that Santa brings them in his sleigh.



Vivienne Westwood