Photos

The build was finally complete and all that was left was the shakedown cruise. I carried her down my front stairs and the fresh tires hit the pavement for the first time. Throwing my leg over, I immediately felt the difference in this bike compared to my others. Nothing bad. Just….different. I was wearing jeans, because...
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It was January, 2012, when I found this frame and fork at the Madison Bike Swap. And what a bargain it was: $10 for the frame; another $3 for the fork. She was pretty dirty and there were a few marks on the frame, but I could see past that. She had good bones....
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Cost: $20 (my best offer) Year: 1975 Special clothes or shoes needed: 0 Squeaks: several Elbow grease: some Rust: plenty Fun while riding: endless
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In honor of Women’s History Month, here are some of my favorite pics of women on two wheels and woman-focused art. I love when I see a cool girl on a bike and she lets me take her photo.   Ok, not a bicycle, but she’s too cool not to include. And last, me....
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Bicycles have been inspiring artists since their invention. For one Chicago cyclist, the bike is not only for physical activity, social interaction, and transportation to the coffee shop, but also for artistic expression. “Bikes are beautiful. They’re mechanical and works of art themselves,” says architect and illustrator Robert Isaac. Robert’s illustration was featured at ARTCRANK...
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As a writer and designer, letters and words are a large part of my life — beyond what we all use in our daily life. I use words to tell a story, to evoke emotion, and to compel an action. So too do street artists whose work I see throughout the city. I’m fascinated...
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Winter. Bike. Buried under snow and salt. Are you waiting for spring thaw?    
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The alarm went off before sunrise. After all, if you’re going to drive almost three hours to a bike swap, you need to get an early start. I glanced out the window and my first thought was that it was foggy outside. No, it was in fact, snowing. Again. Winter in Chicago has been...
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Yep, it’s that time of year. Lots of people making resolutions and setting goals. I’ve never been one to make resolutions, but I definitely set a few goals for myself. Nothing earth shattering; just a few things I’d like to do. However, I’ve never published my goals before, and I’m thinking this may be...
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For the past several years, I’ve participated in a winter training program run by a local Cat 1 racer. Twice a week cyclists of all levels gather and ride trainers: two hours on Saturday morning, 90 minutes on Wednesday evenings. The program runs from December through March, and people like me go and torture ourselves,...
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I wake early on Saturday. Instinctively I look toward the bottom of the bed for my dog – but he’s no longer there. Fully awake now, I head downstairs to pour coffee that has been timed to brew and is waiting for me. The aroma of freshly brewed beans fills my senses as I...
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I lost my little buddy this week. For the last 13 years, he has been my shadow. Wherever I went in the house, he was with right there with me. In the winter months, I would ride the trainer and he would sit close by and watch me, never getting much further away than...
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