Wi-Drive Chic 2

I was talking last week about the bus I usually ride to work. It creates community. It holds our little family -- especially as more time passes. Since we work in Silicon Valley, most of the guys dress pretty casually for work. But everyone once in a while, and sometimes just specific people, take it up a notch. Like this guy. Good thing he doesn't have toe clips that might scuff up those magnificent shoes.(1)

Every morning, folks play with their phones until the bus comes. Sometimes we chat.

When the bus comes, our bikes go into the luggage compartment. Most of the gentlemen load their own bikes, but the driver usually helps the ladies with theirs. Being genetically predisposed to weaker upper body strength, I appreciate his assistance.

Here's our snazzy friend on a different day, in a different well-put-together outfit. Some people just keep impressing.

(1) This problem can also be resolved with plastic toe clips.

Wi-Drive Chic 1

You've definitely heard me complain about my commute. Something happened last year that made it about a million times better. Bauer's started running a private bus for the general public (although mostly Cisco employees) between my home and my office. I sometimes bring my bike bc the distance on the work end is about a mile. But that's a completely walkable distance too. So, I bring my bike if I will need it during the day or in the evening or if shaving off 10 minutes in the morning makes a difference to me (i.e., I have a morning meeting).

One of the great things about riding the bus is that it creates community. We live these crazy lives where we're away from home 12 hours a day, but at least we have each other. This lady doesn't ride the bus anymore, but I always loved seeing what quirky outfit she combined with her biking. In this photo, check out her socks and Nutcase helmet.

In these two photos, she's got on a really cute dress over leggings. You also noticed her awesome hair color and stylish sunglasses.

Here's the bus -- gotta run!

BeZerkeley Zebra

You can tell this woman is a utilitarian cyclist and not just a woman in a dress walking a bike because of her messenger bag and sunglasses. Mostly the messenger bag. I love the way she is seemingly accidentally color-coordinated with her bike, and I'm a little bit in love with the bright yellow water bottle holders on the black and white road bike.

A lot of people chat on the phone while riding their bikes. Not me. And especially not on trafficky Shattuck Avenue. But even with both hands occupied, this zebra lady is handling herself with ease.

Years ago, I was walking at this very spot, and a guy on a bike rode onto the sidewalk. He was in complete control, but an elderly woman became incensed by his presence with 5 feet of her on the sidewalk. She turned to me, her face creased with rage: "did you see that?"

I didn't get what the big deal was, but she seemed really upset. I replied "I wonder if you should try meditating."

Yeah, that didn't go over very well. She began screeching at me about Jesus. I'm not into organized religion for myself, but don't get me wrong, Jesus is way cool. I don't see having a calm mind and loving Jesus as being mutually exclusive. In fact, I'm pretty sure He has some messages about not hurling stones, sharing, loving thy neighbors, etc.

Unfortunately, there's a perception of opposition between religious and spiritual systems and between bicyclists and pedestrians. But in fact, we're all on the same team. Was there something else I should have said to that woman?

SFO Bike Swap messenger bags

I thought this quirky messenger bag couple was adorable at the SFO Bike Swap last fall.

Cycle Chic Pali-style

KT and I were discussing Cycle Chic chez moi the other day while surfing the net when I noticed the new Cycle Chic banner for the first time. It reminded me of this photo I recently snapped at the Palo Alto Caltrain station.
If you've read my blog before, you know that I am a bike/train commuter to the Valley. If you've done that before, you know that the Palo Alto Caltrain station has more bikes than anyone knows how to store. They have a bike station, racks and lockers and still there are bikes chained to every pole and tree in sight. Meanwhile, cyclists are also frequently getting bumped from the train because there isn't enough room for them all on the train. Is the solution just more of everything? A bike share program? What do you think?