have a fabulous 2009!

I just couldn't resist sending you all a holiday greeting straight from my heart!

Cloud and I wish you a creative and cuddly 2009!

Rouge et Noir Motobecane: Craig's List
Vintage Italian Accordion: Accordion Apocalypse
Black Velvet Dress: Nordstrom Rack
Red Boots, Fingerless Gloves, Black Fishnets: Various shops on Haight Street
Red Velvet Hand-Embroidered Purse: Boutique in Hanoi, Viet Nam (New Year's 2001 vacation!)
Pretty White Cat: Oakland SPCA

folding bike/business man

I saw this guy in full suit and tie snoozing on BART earlier in the year. He struck me as the perfect businessman/commuter. He didn't even loosen his tie before beginning his nap.

Barista in Black (Thomas Liebe, pt. 2)

We just can't get enough from the biking barista in black! Here's more from Thomas in Switzerland!

Favorite color: Black and Orange

Describe your personal style: I’m a barista and designer, so I'm often in black because of working with coffee behind a bar.


Favorite thing about your bike: The little details.




Favorite time of year to ride: Spring/Summer/Fall in our beautiful area of Thun.



Thanks for making us jealous with these great photos of your beautiful hometown, Thomas. Looking forward to your next visit to SF.

Tour de Fat... a little late

Tour de Fat was last summer. So, I'm grossly en retard as KT would say. It's the end of the year, and I have a few days off work which gives me time to go through photos of the year. Lots of people say "Better late than never." At least, I have that going for me! I'm not never. Consider this a "year in review" post (among others).

This girl was adorable in her green with green bike and purple tights.


This guy with old fashioned bicycle needs no commentary.


Yay bikes. Yay pink. Yay cowboy boots.


Loved the mini-skirt and the socks.


I caught this lady post-fat texting a friend while waiting for another using the facilities on the panhandle which, incidentally, I don't recommend.

feeling free

The Panhandle is a great place to see kids freestyling on their bikes. This guy riding hands free is a case in point. There's a small patch of asphalt where people practice their tricks. Otherwise I wouldn't advise doing this on a bike lane, unless you are really well-balanced.

[busbozo] Cowboy Boots Are Great for Bikes

She pulled up right after I had already parked my bike. Her boots were really similar to mine, and we both have curly hair. I tried to get her attention, maybe take a picture together, but she was distracted. Oh well.
-busbozo

Here Comes Santa à Vélo!

And what do you think Ms. Santa has in that oversized messenger bag slung over her shoulder? I'm hoping it's designated bike lanes for Market Street, more stop lights with bicycle signals at busy SF intersections, bike racks on every corner, and of course stylish clothing for all! Hmmm, can you think of anything else that San Francisco cyclists need for Christmas?

First In - First Out

This is just a cool photo from my files. I shot it last spring. She's probably wearing something totally awesome too.

Another idea for your winter gift-giving needs: Bike-to-Work Pants

Bike to Work Pants from Cordarounds on Vimeo.

The Cordarounds Bike to Work pants are everyday khakis with inner brilliance -- the pockets and pant cuffs reflect while you bike or bound around at night. At the office, they're everyday workwear. To and from, they're anything but.

Bike to Work pants, like all Cordarounds products, are made in San Francisco and only sold online.

panhandle hang

Another typical scene of the casual life of cyclists in SF. Here's a group of friends hanging out on a sunny afternoon in the Panhandle. This guy is so cool from head to toe, from his white kicks to the feather in his cap and all black in between, leaning against his red bike, chatting with a couple cool chycks.

Last year's blossoms -- there's hope!

I shot this photo last spring, but I wanted to share it with you now to indicate promises for what is to come. The trees will bloom in about 2 months and you can walk your bike with your buddy/ies in stockings, crazy pigtails and rain boots. It will still be raining.

VV Profile: Thomas Liebe

This one's enough to make Meligrosa's heart go pitter patter - a barista...


who also cycles in the snow!


Thomas is an industrial designer from Thun, Switzerland, who is also one of the world's top baristas (I believe he told me he was rated 17th best barista in the world). He won a design award in Switzerland for a laser he invented, but he's also known for designing a machine that he claims brews the best espresso you've ever tasted, especially when he's behind the bar!

Here's what Thomas told me about where to find the best coffee in SF:
My last day in SF I visited a Blue Bottle coffee shop. I enjoyed a real delicious fresh brewed long coffee. The blend was The Three Africans.

Maybe next time Thomas visits us, Lilia, Meli and I can take him on a Tour de Café de SF. Any suggestions for our itinerary?

photos submitted by the subject

Outlier Pants gift idea

Made in New York City these pants are designed for life both on and off your bike, all winter long. It might be freezing as you cross the bridge, you might need to dodge a couple taxis and of course you'll pass your coworkers trapped in traffic, but when you walk into the door at work you'll be feeling and looking great in your OG Winterweight Dry's.

Crafted with care and the classic Outlier attention to detail, they are styled to work everywhere from your office to a night in the city. The OG Winterweight Dry's are made with a hardcore technical fabric that will keep you warm and dry no matter where you ride. They have a 40% stretch so you can move freely. Yet hold up to the repetitive motion of cycling and still look sharp and refined.

The Dry treatment is directional. It pushes water in just one direction, away from your body. It wicks away the sweat and moisture, breathes as well as you do, and is seriously water resistant. Most rain, snow or slush just beads up and rolls away. It's a softshell so eventually it will saturate in intense conditions but when it does get wet, you'll find yourself dry in 10-20 minutes when safe from the elements. The fabric includes cordura grade nylon for major durability. The weave is such that the tough nylon is concentrated on the outside, while the inside is a fuzzy heat retaining fleece for warmth and comfort.

Bicycle Jewelery!

After a month of searching in vain for truly interesting and inspiring cycling jewelry Portland, OR designer, woodworker George Ramos decided to travel the DIY route. As a former antiques dealer he'd come across some beautifully crafted sports medallions in the past and knew they must exist for cyclists. "I love old bikes and vintage things in general" so these 5 designs, all based on originals from the 1910's - 1930's were reproduced in thick, lustrous sterling silver. They have a great heft to them and feel great in your hand or around your neck. The Guardian Angel design, a bestseller, is shown here. For this and the other designs please see www.ciclismodesign.bigcartel.com

The perfect stocking stuffer awaits.

VV fantasy

Sometimes I dream about just this: a handsome man rides up on his bicycle on a beautiful fall afternoon, takes a bouquet of fresh cut flowers he bought at the Farmer's Market out of his messenger bag, and offers them to me with a smile.