Filed under: Community Organizations, Cycle Chic | Tags: Biking Lifestyle, Charleston, Cycle Chic, Healthy Community, News, Trends
This great google map was put together by our Cycle Chic cohorts at Bike by the Sea in Santa Barbara. Isn’t it neat to think that 10s of 1000s of us are Cycling Chic all over the world, and that our marvelous little town on the Atlantic is part of it?? Pretty amazing…
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At least according to our great online news source – The Digitel. We agree. They did an Top 10 List for things and news in Charleston. Bikes, and yours truly made #5. We are thrilled! Hopefully together we’ve got the momentum going for some real changes in 2010.
So hop on over to the Digitel to read the full story and see the other numbers. And you can read an excerpt below.
“It’s probably safe to say that both sides aren’t happy where 2009 has left the state of bike accommodation and regulation in the Charleston area, but from the continued involvement of Charleston Moves, to the firm establishment of the Holy City Bike Co-op, to a ladies-only bike outing, we’ve seen that bikes have been placed in an an elevated social and political status.”
Filed under: Cycle Chic, Events, News | Tags: Charleston, Photos, Slow Bicycle Movement
Yes, that right folks. One of Charleston local photographers (who happened to be on the last Cycle Chic ride) will be shooting people on bikes (any and all kinds!) this Wednesday 7/29 at his Studio. Here’s an excerpt from his blog.
“If you are a charleston resident this message is for you guys. I need your help this wednesday, if you own a unique, cool, hip, beat up, expensive, stolen, inexpensive bike I need you to stop by my studio at 253 A St Phillip street. I could really use everyone’s help on this. Tell all of your friends, come in a group or individually. Your image could possibly be used for a magazine story i’m doing about biking in charleston. If you are interested shoot me an email and let me know approximate times. I will be there all day and night. TELL ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!! Yes I will give you the images so you can have them for looking pleasure! It will be a great time! sully@davidsullivanphotography.com”
Filed under: Events | Tags: CCC, Charleston, Chic, Events, Seen around town, Slow Bicycle Movement
Ladies (and you chic gents), how about another Charleston Cycle Chic Ride? We had so much fun with the last one and met some great people, I thought what the hey – we should have another! This time we’re doing it after work with a post-ride social hour included so we can laugh and chat and while a beautiful Charleston evening away. Direct your eyes below for all the lovely details:
When: Wednesday, June 24th @6PM
Where: Meet at Marion Square (the corner of King and Calhoun). We’ll ride down King St, left on Market, right on East Bay, around the Battery and up Ashley Avenue to end at Fuel Caribbean Cantina at the corner of Rutledge and Cannon. Yes, the fine people of Fuel have kindly offered to take care of our bikes (and provide service with a flair) in their beautiful outdoor courtyard!
Why: Because we love to ride pretty. Because we all know it’s the best way to see our beautiful town. Because we definitely like to support local business. Because we are hip to the new biking culture of Charleston. And most importantly, because we want to have some fun!
RSVP: on Facebook or leave a comment below.
Where do we go?
Filed under: Cycle Chic | Tags: Bike-friendly, Charleston, Slow Bicycle Movement, Trends
A friend of mine forwarded me a link to the most recent New York Times Sunday Book Review, in which author David Byrne discusses Jeff Mapes’ new book “Pedaling Revolution: How Cyclists are Changing American Cities.” Here’s an excerpt from the article that states EXACTLY what Cycle Chic is about, and why, all you women out there, we are starting a revolution. Enjoy!
Excerpt….““Pedaling Revolution” is not about mountain biking the Moab sandstone formations in Utah or the network of bucolic paths that link some of the rural Massachusetts colleges; it’s not about racing, Lance Armstrong or what kind of spandex to buy. Nor is it about the various forms of extreme biking that have arisen lately….For decades, Americans have too often seen cycling as a kind of macho extreme sport, which has actually done a lot to damage the cause of winning acceptance for biking as a legitimate form of transportation. If your association with bikes is guys in spandex narrowly missing you on the weekends or YouTube videos of kids flying over ramps on their clown-size bikes, you’re likely to think that bikes are for only the athletic and the risk-prone. Manufacturers in the United States have tended to make bikes that look like the two-wheeled equivalent of Hummers, with fat tires and stocky frames necessitating a hunched-over riding position that is downright unsafe for urban biking and commuting. But that’s been changing for at least a few years now. Whew.
As Mapes points out, when more women begin riding, that will signal a big change in attitude, which will prompt further changes in the direction of safety and elegance. I can ride till my legs are sore and it won’t make riding any cooler, but when attractive women are seen sitting upright going about their city business on bikes day and night, the crowds will surely follow…. “
Filed under: Cycle Chic, Events | Tags: Bike-to-Work, Charleston, Chic, Events, Slow Bicycle Movement
What’s better than lovely ladies riding bikes through Charleston? Video posted! Thanks to my friends Dustin Ryan for the great footage and Jim Wallace on the Bike Taxi.
or on Vimeo
Filed under: Cycle Chic, Events | Tags: Charleston, Chic, Events, Healthy Community, Slow Bicycle Movement
While it was storming all around us, somehow the sun managed to shine down on the Charleston Peninsula and illuminate 50 beautiful women on their fabulous bikes (and a few stylin’ guys). We had hats and heels and skirts galore and even a couple of tandem bikes. Shiny pink fenders, white leather seats, and all the colors of the rainbow were out in force. Thanks to my friends Dustin Ryan and Jim Wallace (with their newly formed video company – Pedicab Productions) for all the fantastic photos and upcoming video. Check out the ladies! There are multiple links to multiple slideshows so you can get your fill of the gorgeousness. If anyone has others – send the links to chscyclechic@gmail.com.
Thanks to everyone for coming out to ride in support of CharlestonMoves and to show this town we love the biking lifestyle – It’s chic to ride!
Stay tuned….we think there will be more….:)
Ridin' Pretty down King St
Here’s the Cycle Chic Flickr PhotoStream
City Paper Pics (courtesy of Angela Hanyak)
Check out the Charleston Cycle Chic Ride Event on Facebook. Or just search for it there.
Filed under: Community Organizations | Tags: Bike-friendly, Bike-to-Work, Charleston, Healthy Community
CharlestonMoves is a great non-profit organization in Charleston, SC promoting bicycling, walking, running and public transportation for a healthy community and healthy lifestyle. They are advocates for Charleston becoming a bike-friendly community and are responsible for giving us our fantastic Bike/Walk path over the Ravenel Bridge.
Read this story of action on “Wonders Way“
CharlestonMoves is constantly working on other projects such as the completion of the West Ashley Greenway, the expansion of the Ben Sawyer Bridge and promoting bike/walk lanes on the new Coleman Blvd.
So let your voice be heard and check out CharlestonMoves volunteer and membership information.
Here are mine – what are yours?
Floaty skirts — Not a good idea but they look fantastic if you can manage to prevent flyaways. Perhaps get some cute old-fashioned bloomers that roll-up and fit in a purse? It would just be a crime if the summer sundress had to go by the wayside while bike riding.
Pencil skirts — They work fine as long as there is a back slit. Watch for the upward creep.
Long (ish) skirts — No problem as long as you have a chain guard and can gather the material (under, around, or between your legs). A circle skirt would probably be a bad idea.
Heels — Definitely work as long as they stay on your feet. The pedal fits nicely in the nook between heel and sole. I highly recommend a rubber sole (Liz Claiborne Flex, for example) to keep from pedal slippage. A T-strap or ankle strap provides extra security.
Flats — Only work if they really, really stay on your feet. Hit the pedal at the wrong angle and you’ll end up with a shoe in the street.
Flip-flops and sandals — Delightful.
Earrings — Beware of anything both large and solid. You might arrive at your destination with your cheeks a bit battered.
Scarves — great for keeping you warm while riding. Looks super chic blowing back in the wind.
Great bag — Essential that it fits in your oh-so-cute-and-practical-basket. I have ridden around town with a laptop strapped across my chest and it just doesn’t look or feel as free. There are a few places that are starting to make some super cute panniers (bags that fit on the sides of your rack on the back) — perhaps that’s the next wave?
