Wearing a dress on a bike is almost a subversive act......
06-19-14, 03:21 AM
#77
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I missed out that you were talking about those clear plastic covers that keep your long jackets from getting dirty from the rear spokes ... jasbeschermers (jacket protectors)
A Dutch city bike will more than likely come equipped with them just because you're dressed up a bit more.
Jasbeschermers
A Dutch city bike will more than likely come equipped with them just because you're dressed up a bit more.
Jasbeschermers
06-19-14, 06:07 AM
#78
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You should see the Whole Foods parking lot. Typically car and bike parking are very limited. And there are spots for about 60 bikes! You've got the gamut of fixies, city bikes, beater bikes and fancy racing bikes with the Priuses, BMWs, Volvos, beater cars and the typical compact and mid-sized cars. Everyone is a Whole Foods. Literally.
Last edited by CbadRider; 06-27-14 at 09:06 PM. Reason: Added NSFW
06-19-14, 02:51 PM
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(Most of the crime is drug related and involves people who know each other. It's far from random.) I live in one of the better parts but it's still colorful! Just the other day, a woman was arrested for hooking down at the corner.
We have loads of Art Deco buildings downtown, and lots of good neighborhood housing stock from all sorts of eras. And lots of tasty high quality food places. You can get "expensive" tacos with pastured meat and handmade organic tortillas. 
Sure they are like $3.50, but that's not bad when you factor in ingredient quality and chef pedigree. Cheaper than going to a 5 star place. I love that we've got cheap places by a Michelin stared chef or someone fresh off a turn at a super high end place. The central neighborhoods are pretty bikable, and that is spreading to the edge areas to, slowly but surely.
06-20-14, 12:07 AM
#81
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Probably. You know how we also have those super tricked out cars too!
Serious crime in Oakland is the same way. But car break-ins are equal opportunity in certain neighborhoods. But that isn't particularly shocking. I live in a safe area, there are occasional car-breakins on some streets. But more serious stuff is rare. Like occasionally I'll hear about someone's phone getting stolen. When I moved to my area is was more on the middle class scale. Now it is trickling up to upper middle class, but it is still diverse. I don't think there is an ethnic majority. If there is, it means 50-52% white, but not further.
Totally an Oakland cheerleader! I wouldn't say it is a conventional tourist attraction, but if you are in the Bay you should visit. Particularly if you like architecture or food. We have loads of Art Deco buildings downtown, and lots of good neighborhood housing stock from all sorts of eras. And lots of tasty high quality food places. You can get "expensive" tacos with pastured meat and handmade organic tortillas. Sure they are like $3.50, but that's not bad when you factor in ingredient quality and chef pedigree. Cheaper than going to a 5 star place. I love that we've got cheap places by a Michelin stared chef or someone fresh off a turn at a super high end place.
The central neighborhoods are pretty bikable, and that is spreading to the edge areas to, slowly but surely.
Serious crime in Oakland is the same way. But car break-ins are equal opportunity in certain neighborhoods. But that isn't particularly shocking. I live in a safe area, there are occasional car-breakins on some streets. But more serious stuff is rare. Like occasionally I'll hear about someone's phone getting stolen. When I moved to my area is was more on the middle class scale. Now it is trickling up to upper middle class, but it is still diverse. I don't think there is an ethnic majority. If there is, it means 50-52% white, but not further.
Totally an Oakland cheerleader! I wouldn't say it is a conventional tourist attraction, but if you are in the Bay you should visit. Particularly if you like architecture or food.
We have loads of Art Deco buildings downtown, and lots of good neighborhood housing stock from all sorts of eras. And lots of tasty high quality food places. You can get "expensive" tacos with pastured meat and handmade organic tortillas. Sure they are like $3.50, but that's not bad when you factor in ingredient quality and chef pedigree. Cheaper than going to a 5 star place. I love that we've got cheap places by a Michelin stared chef or someone fresh off a turn at a super high end place. The central neighborhoods are pretty bikable, and that is spreading to the edge areas to, slowly but surely.
Oh, we have that too. And last summer we had a problem with a bunch of wanna be hoodlums beating up people for their cell phones. I did have a run in with them but luckily I was by my brothers car and hopped right in. An hour later they jumped a guy. I reported it afterwards, sad I didn't report it before hand. (They got them. This town is wired for video both publicly and privately. They were 15-17 year old morons. That is pretty much it as far as serious random crime, thank god.)
This is a very diverse area. We've got old Polish sections with beautiful old churches in gold, Irish and Italian places with their interesting graveyards and festivals, some German enclaves still (Beer!!!), a small Jewish community, a lot of Hispanic folk, black folk from Philly, and a lot of new Indian immigrants who wear saris to go to Wallmart. It makes this area interesting. We have some great food around.. if you don't mind looking (or a warning from the chef that the cooking is authentic therefor SPICY! LOL)
That said, you drive 20 minutes out and you are in one of the last strong holds of the Klan. PA is an odd state like that. Each end is full of vibrate melting pots but the center man... the center.
06-20-14, 12:02 PM
#82
Senior Member
Probably. You know how we also have those super tricked out cars too!
Serious crime in Oakland is the same way. But car break-ins are equal opportunity in certain neighborhoods. But that isn't particularly shocking. I live in a safe area, there are occasional car-breakins on some streets. But more serious stuff is rare. Like occasionally I'll hear about someone's phone getting stolen. When I moved to my area is was more on the middle class scale. Now it is trickling up to upper middle class, but it is still diverse. I don't think there is an ethnic majority. If there is, it means 50-52% white, but not further.
Totally an Oakland cheerleader! I wouldn't say it is a conventional tourist attraction, but if you are in the Bay you should visit. Particularly if you like architecture or food. We have loads of Art Deco buildings downtown, and lots of good neighborhood housing stock from all sorts of eras. And lots of tasty high quality food places. You can get "expensive" tacos with pastured meat and handmade organic tortillas. Sure they are like $3.50, but that's not bad when you factor in ingredient quality and chef pedigree. Cheaper than going to a 5 star place. I love that we've got cheap places by a Michelin stared chef or someone fresh off a turn at a super high end place.
The central neighborhoods are pretty bikable, and that is spreading to the edge areas to, slowly but surely.
Serious crime in Oakland is the same way. But car break-ins are equal opportunity in certain neighborhoods. But that isn't particularly shocking. I live in a safe area, there are occasional car-breakins on some streets. But more serious stuff is rare. Like occasionally I'll hear about someone's phone getting stolen. When I moved to my area is was more on the middle class scale. Now it is trickling up to upper middle class, but it is still diverse. I don't think there is an ethnic majority. If there is, it means 50-52% white, but not further.
Totally an Oakland cheerleader! I wouldn't say it is a conventional tourist attraction, but if you are in the Bay you should visit. Particularly if you like architecture or food.
We have loads of Art Deco buildings downtown, and lots of good neighborhood housing stock from all sorts of eras. And lots of tasty high quality food places. You can get "expensive" tacos with pastured meat and handmade organic tortillas. Sure they are like $3.50, but that's not bad when you factor in ingredient quality and chef pedigree. Cheaper than going to a 5 star place. I love that we've got cheap places by a Michelin stared chef or someone fresh off a turn at a super high end place. The central neighborhoods are pretty bikable, and that is spreading to the edge areas to, slowly but surely.
M.
06-21-14, 02:12 AM
#84
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Today I biked downtown (and back) fior drinks and pizza with friends. A "helpful" cyclist wished me a safe ride and asked if I had lights for the ride (left at midnight).
He and his friend sped off into the light without front lights, sub lowing through red lights and wearing all black. I thought, hopefully they have a safe ride, they seem to be far less cautious than I.
I am am going to blame the well wishes on my dress and unexpected attire.
He and his friend sped off into the light without front lights, sub lowing through red lights and wearing all black. I thought, hopefully they have a safe ride, they seem to be far less cautious than I.
I am am going to blame the well wishes on my dress and unexpected attire.
06-21-14, 08:24 AM
#85
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06-23-14, 12:54 PM
#87
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I have one that was signed by Phil Liggett, Paul Sherwen, Bob Roll and Craig Hummer...
06-23-14, 01:32 PM
#88
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I almost always ride in a Campagnolo jersey with bibs, riding shoes, gloves and helmet. I spent 6 years working in Taiwan and living in the cities of Tainan and Taichung. I would usually try to ride to work once or twice a week and do 40 mile and/or 20 mile rides on the weekends. In both cities you didn't have to go terribly far before the traffic thinned out. The recreational riding boom there was still a year or 2 away, so it was quite unusual to see people fully dressed and on a road bike.
Old Lady Moment:
One Saturday afternoon in Tainan I was sitting at a traffic light waiting for it to change. An elderly couple (in 2005, I was 54 at the time so they were about 70) pulled up to my left to also wait for the light. As the light at that intersection had a long cycle, I looked over at them, politely said "Ni Hao" and turned back to watch the light. They returned my greeting and the wife reached over and felt my bicep (I'm not a big guy in US terms, but in Taiwan it's a different storey). I looked at her with a surprised face, she gave me a Thumbs Up, the light changed and they motored away. Definitely a "What just happened here?" moment...
Old Guy Moment:
In Taichung there was a 6-lane boulevard out near where I worked. It went uphill a ways to the top of a ridge. I would leave home, ride up to the top, ride another 8 or 10 miles along the ridge and then retrace my ride to go home. On a particularly hot day, I got up to the top of the ridge and I stopped to wait for a traffic light. I was sweating as though I was standing under a shower. An elderly guy dressed in white shorts, white T-shirt, gym shoes and a walking stick was waiting for the light on the sidewalk. He yelled something to get my attention. I turned to look at him and he gave me a Thumbs Up. I smiled, waved and said "Xie Xie"...
Old Lady Moment:
One Saturday afternoon in Tainan I was sitting at a traffic light waiting for it to change. An elderly couple (in 2005, I was 54 at the time so they were about 70) pulled up to my left to also wait for the light. As the light at that intersection had a long cycle, I looked over at them, politely said "Ni Hao" and turned back to watch the light. They returned my greeting and the wife reached over and felt my bicep (I'm not a big guy in US terms, but in Taiwan it's a different storey). I looked at her with a surprised face, she gave me a Thumbs Up, the light changed and they motored away. Definitely a "What just happened here?" moment...
Old Guy Moment:
In Taichung there was a 6-lane boulevard out near where I worked. It went uphill a ways to the top of a ridge. I would leave home, ride up to the top, ride another 8 or 10 miles along the ridge and then retrace my ride to go home. On a particularly hot day, I got up to the top of the ridge and I stopped to wait for a traffic light. I was sweating as though I was standing under a shower. An elderly guy dressed in white shorts, white T-shirt, gym shoes and a walking stick was waiting for the light on the sidewalk. He yelled something to get my attention. I turned to look at him and he gave me a Thumbs Up. I smiled, waved and said "Xie Xie"...
06-23-14, 07:30 PM
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For some reason I remember that the Queen has small lead weights sewn into her dresses so she doesn't get Monroed.
06-24-14, 03:48 PM
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I don't ride in a skirt... but quite often slacks and a sports coat in cooler weather, currently the "feels like" is north of 90*F so short sleeves and shorts are the order of the day. I do ride in my kilt occasionally, and have capes and long coats that are worn in the winter. Currently I only have one bike around that has coat/skirt guards on it. This bike is on it's way to my son in Boston as soon as I get it over to Amtrak. I buy my coat guards from Dutch Bike Bits in the NL. Need to get a couple more sets ordered and installed. I do get the occasional comment about my dress and mode of transport. I rode my Raleigh 3 speed to my parents 50th wedding anniversary celebration, I was wearing a tuxedo and had a case of champagne strapped to the rack.
Aaron
Aaron
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ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
06-25-14, 11:34 PM
#91
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I don't ride in a skirt... but quite often slacks and a sports coat in cooler weather, currently the "feels like" is north of 90*F so short sleeves and shorts are the order of the day. I do ride in my kilt occasionally, and have capes and long coats that are worn in the winter. Currently I only have one bike around that has coat/skirt guards on it. This bike is on it's way to my son in Boston as soon as I get it over to Amtrak. I buy my coat guards from Dutch Bike Bits in the NL. Need to get a couple more sets ordered and installed. I do get the occasional comment about my dress and mode of transport. I rode my Raleigh 3 speed to my parents 50th wedding anniversary celebration, I was wearing a tuxedo and had a case of champagne strapped to the rack.
Aaron
Aaron
If anyone knows a good option. Iva Jean's looked great but it was sold out by the time I heard about it. Cleverhood looks too masculine.
Back to hilarious comments?
Today a woman walking by while I waited at the light said "I love your bike setup. Your gold helmet is a perfect match!"
This is my helmet!
Amazon.com : Nutcase Gold Sparkle Bike Helmet, Small/Medium : Bicycle Helmets : Sports & Outdoors
06-26-14, 03:41 AM
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The capes I wear are custom made Inverness style, for rain I either wear the Log House Designs or a Carradice. I also have a great coat, but it is really too heavy for riding in.
Aaron
Aaron
__________________
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
06-26-14, 05:36 AM
#93
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06-27-14, 06:02 PM
#94
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It is so true too! You always gotta avoid the street spirit guy! I am amazed he found a day with all those parking spots. I was so happy when the Oakland store opened. The Berkeley store is so annoying. 
Our wings suck now since they made them paleo. No longer crispy. 
Our wings suck now since they made them paleo. No longer crispy.
06-27-14, 08:36 PM
#95
Senior Member
I drive a truck in Chicago. Lots of women and a few men wearing dresses when they ride. It is called the Windy City for a reason. There is an art form to tucking the dress I would guess? On one pretty windy day I was driving down a commuter bike heavy stretch of street when a gust of wind tried ripping a girls sun dress off over her head as she was driving in traffic, revealing her very tasteful but extremely skimpy under garments to everyone within a blocks view. How she was able to hold the front of the dress down while holding the handle bars with the other hand, come to stop, all without crashing was beyond me? How there was no car crashes was also a miracle. Be careful .
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My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
07-02-14, 11:27 AM
#96
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It is called the Windy City for a reason. There is an art form to tucking the dress I would guess? On one pretty windy day I was driving down a commuter bike heavy stretch of street when a gust of wind tried ripping a girls sun dress off over her head as she was driving in traffic, revealing her very tasteful but extremely skimpy under garments to everyone within a blocks view. How she was able to hold the front of the dress down while holding the handle bars with the other hand, come to stop, all without crashing was beyond me?
08-12-15, 07:14 AM
#97
Senior Member
I just purchased a yellow jersey (nothing on it....plain bright yellow) because A. It was the only one they had that fit me properly B. It really is high vis and I ride mostly on public streets
Now if you can come up with a couple of clever retorts for those sure to come nasty comments from passing cars..........
Now if you can come up with a couple of clever retorts for those sure to come nasty comments from passing cars..........
08-12-15, 07:57 AM
#98
Senior Member
I bet those guys that give out cat calls or other responses are otherwise too intimidated by your level of fitness, athleticism or bravery to ride in traffic if you are dressed in bicycle garb.
08-12-15, 11:12 AM
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If it makes you feel a little more normal, here is a blog by a lady who like to wear white dresses and heels on her bike
spoke'n'scene
She manages to do just fine!
spoke'n'scene
She manages to do just fine!
