Candy Cranks

I participated in several craft sales this November and December, and part of the process included moving my wares by bike with the help of my trusty fella. Our sturdy xtracycle once again came in handy for carrying crafty goodies, including the mannequin/judy. We were lucky to have fantastic weather this fall, aside from a week of torrential rain, which made it easy to get around our wonderful city every weekend to set up for another show.

This year I noticed many customers arriving with helmets and panniers in tow.What a great autumn activity! Find out where and when the craft sales are happening in your city and plan an afternoon with a friend riding around and getting your holiday shopping done, all while supporting local artists and craftspeople.

Loading the bike

Judy – strapped in and secure

My fella, ready to ride to another show

My booth at the Round House Urban Artisans’ Fair

The lovely Alana Prochuk is a new rider and recently wrote an article for the Globe and Mail about becoming a cyclist. She relays the fear of getting on her bike, her history of clumsiness, and the sheer determination it took leave her driveway to negotiate the busy streets of the Vancouver. In addition to  her strong desire to ride, a cycling training course and encouragement from friends helped Alana is become a happy and confident rider. Read the article online in the Globe and Mail here. Welcome to the cycling world, Alana!

Illustration by Jason Logan.

So it may be a little too early for this, in fact, I’m pretty sure it is, but I couldn’t resist posting these delightful bike-shaped holiday ornaments. FilzFelt sells these charming little felt bikes in sets of two with a portion of the proceeds going to the amazing Bikes Not Bombs. PS. There are other shapes too, but really, it’s all about the bike, right?

As part of the Das rote Paket’s Ready-Made Light contest, entrants were asked to create a ready-made light that works with a low-enegry bulb from prefab parts not costing more than 40 euros. The catch is that others have to be able to easily replicate the design. Anton Kerner of Ingolstadt created the Lampe Gummilumi out of an old bike tire (among other things). Sweet!

For more info on the project and contest…

A quick round-up of some of the fun reflective bike wear – perfect for fall riding!

The Lumatwill Cape from Dashing Tweeds

Elena Corchero‘s Reflective Lace

Liz Collin‘s Reflective cardigans and more

and by yours truly, a felted reflective vest with LED button

In Victoria BC, a group called Pedal to Petal is helping people compost their kitchen scraps. For $5 a week the group will stop by to pick up your compost by bike! Once the scraps are composted, the compost is used around the city in organic food gardens. All in all, it’s a great program that I’m sure we’ll see popping up in other cities as bikes become a bigger part of everyday life and the local food movement grows.

Just a quick post to draw your attention to a project by Laura Normandin and her husband. They took a tonne of bike photos during their trip to Scandinavia this past summer and made them into a lovely book about bikes. Check out her site for a couple more photos of the beautiful book.

Ahhh, it was a wondrous day, filled with excitement, intrigue and suspense! It was the 1st International Women’s Hardcourt Bike Polo Tournament, and it was right here in Vancouver on September 18th! Here’s a little photographic summary for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

Final Standings
1. Bushwackers (East Van – Cara, Lora, Patricia)
2. In my back pocket (Ottawa – Jen, Ohlea, Shelly)
3. Vagic Moments (East Van – Lisa, Naomi, Polly)
4. Killer Ladybugs (Victoria – Cordelia, Naomi, valley)

More info at East Van Bike Polo

Hey bikers and music-lovers – The Bicycle Music Festival is coming to Vancouver!

Join the fun this Saturday, August 29, starting at 10:30 at New Brighton Park in East Van. Or meet up with the ride along the way! Performers include:

Ginger Ninjas
Orkestarslivovica
Bear Dyken
Little J
Stitch Craft
Creaking Planks
Aunts and Uncles
B:C:Clettes
Cello Joe

The final stop at the Vancouver Museum will feature a beer garden and food (as well as those amazing performers)! Plus, the Museum of Vancouver is staying open until 10pm for the party and all festival goers can see the Velo-City exhibition for 50% off the regular ticket price!

The weather is looking warm and sunny – we’ll see you there!

For those of you who have traveled the Gulf Islands off of mainland BC, you’ll know that there’s is something special about this group of islands. For those who haven’t had the chance, each island has it’s own rhythm, charm and quirkiness, and immediate relaxation takes hold as soon as you step foot on one of them. Things go a bit more slowly there. Here are a few random bike pics taken over the course of this summer while I traveled about a few of these charming places.
Outside of the Hornby Island Co-op. A nice full bike rack with this charming old bike, complete with somewhat sketchy kid’s seat.

Again, outside of the Hornby Island Co-op. Helpful hints for drivers and bikers alike!

Outside of a delicious brunch spot on Denman Island. A regular bike gussied up with delightful spoke cards.

In the front yard of the craft shop on Denman Island. So sweet.

I couldn’t resist. This appeared the morning after MJ died at the main intersection on Denman Island. Not sure if someone painted years ago, or if they stayed up all night after he died.