Portland Cycle Chic

Off the radar

2010-08-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

Wow. I kind of forgot I even had this blog.

I've had some other priorities over the past couple of years, but maybe now I can attempt to get this thing up and running. We'll see.

The good news is that I moved and live a lot closer to work now. And while I've been less than enthusiastic about the weather this summer so far (it sure has been overcast a lot), the one blessing is that is has been extremely dry. I also got a bike with full fenders, which helps a lot with keeping clean in light rain or near areas where sprinklers have been running. And my boyfriend gave me a rack for panniers, which means no more sweaty back from having to wear a bag.

You know what that means? Commuting in my work clothes! Skirts, kitten heels, and scarves, mostly. It's been great. I know it won't last forever, because at some point the rain is going to make its return. But while I can, I am really enjoying it.

Coming soon: more photos (we hope).

Super chic friends!

2008-07-11T12:35:00.001-07:00

Lauren: Layered shirts & short shorts

Matt: Hanky in the back pocket

Lily: Strappy sandals & feminine skirt

Portland Cycle Chic

2008-06-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

The majority of times I climb onto my bike, I am most definitely not cycle chic.

For one thing, my commute is just shy of 5 miles in each direction and I like to ride... well, sort of fast. For another thing, I work in an office with a "business casual" dress code. These do no make for a good combination if one wishes to ride to work in the clothes she intends to wear for the rest of the day. If I lived closer or could work in jeans and a t-shirt, I could pull it off... But alas, that is not my fate.

Such as things are, I am usually clad in assorted combinations of spandex, neon yellow, and waterproof fabric. Oh, and shoes with laces are out. I may not look that great, but at least I don't ruin the clothes I actually care about. And the real life saver is the locker room and warm shower awaiting me at my job. No matter what the weather is like, upon arrival I can put myself together in a somewhat "professional" manner.

That being said, almost nothing gives me greater joy than putting on a pretty dress, climbing onto my saddle, and pedaling off to my destination. I just don't get to do it as often as I'd like. In my leisure time, sure. Riding to brunch with friends, going to see a movie, Scrabble at a coffee shop... Sure. But Monday through Friday during rush hour, I'm stuck putting function ahead of fashion.

I was (obviously) inspired to start this site by Copenhagen Cycle Chic. But I see so many people riding bikes around Portland who look super fantastic that I thought we deserved our own site dedicated to those who can truly look good while riding a bike.

I think that bicycles could possibly be reaching a tipping point in Portland. I feel extremely lucky and privileged to be a part of such exciting changes. It's really something special to be part of a moment in time like this, and every time I get on my bike (be it in spandex or a pretty dress), I'm very thankful for it.