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Frocks on Bikes does CycloFemme on Mother’s Day
Next Wednesday 13 October is National Ride to Work Day, a great event with communities of cyclists from all around Australia enjoying a free breakfast and generally being part of the bike riding revolution.
In the lead-up to Ride to Work Day, I thought this week I’d devote the blog to showing you how one, real-life, commuter cyclist rides to work every day – me!
My friend Cheryl from fashion blog Business Chic has photographed me going about my daily business with my trusty Diamondback hybrid and my usual work wardrobe. You’ll see that I like to wear pops of colour, live in stretchy skirts or dresses, don’t iron, cycle in heels and cover myself with a coat or scarf if there’s a bit of a breeze.
I stopped using a backpack years ago after suffering from back pain and generally disliking the sweaty-back sensation. Nowadays I attach something to my bike to carry my bits and pieces, whether it’s a bag, pannier or basket (I’ll admit, I’m lucky to have easy access to lots of different bike accessories to match my look!).
I cycle about 30-40 minutes a day and sometimes more depending on where else I have to be during the day. My direct route is pretty much downhill on the way to work and slightly uphill on the way home. I ride steadily but fairly slowly, so I don’t carry a change of clothes or need a shower on arrival.
Anyway, it’s Monday and Monday is the day I replenish my groceries after the weekend. Every week I take my wicker basket to buy my fruit and veg from my local Turkish grocers on my way to or from work. They also have the best Turkish bread in town!
Lovely outfit – that top is stunning! And the wicker basket matches perfectly.
Okay, SERIOUSLY, what the f*ck are you WEARING? Get some goddamn lycra.
Hi Bob
As I explained, I’m wearing the clothes that are in my wardrobe and the kind of clothes that I turn up to work in. I have no need for lycra because I ride slowly and short distances. I also don’t want to wear lycra because it gives the impression that I’m faster than I really am on my bike (I feel safer signalling to cars that I am slow), I think it’s pretty unflattering (I’m vain) and I can’t be bothered getting changed when I reach my destination. I appreciate that some people need and want to wear lycra for their commutes – there’s a reason that performance bike clothing are made with that fabric. It’s just not for me, or for that matter, many cyclists that I’ve met.
Joyce aka Miss CycleStyle
Hi Nabs
Thanks! The top was $40 from Glebe Markets in Sydney and the skirt is actually a long slip dress from Metalicus. It just happens to match the frills!
Joyce aka Miss CycleStyle
Great. Thanks for putting up this. It is always great to see someone help out the community.