Bikes and The City

The future is unwritten.

2011-02-22T12:10:00.000-08:00

Bikes and the City is on hiatus.
Thank you, all of you, for your support +love.

- - -
Grab your family, loved ones, close friends, people close to your heart. And let them know how much you love them.
meli
san francisco, calif. / bikesandthecity[at] gmail
☮†♥

Wednesdays of Who Wore What: SF Bike Party (January) edition

2011-02-09T05:45:00.000-08:00

Who wore what is a weekly series. And if you have any submissions, questions and of course fotos, feel free to share. All fotos taken in San Francisco.

This is not necessarily about being chic or into fashionable things or trends, but if you want, it can be.
It is about being yourself, what works for you and what makes you comfortable, confident and happy to ride your bike!
-xxo♥m

- - - -
SF Bike Party (January) edition
And you thought I had forgotten?! Last week I did, after posting the sum post for the SF Bike Party #1 and to compliment that, here is the Who Wore What edition.

Rob y Emily, and Denyse with high-watt smile in the background! =)
Why this works: It's an adorable bikey couple on a tandem, say no more ♥!!
Where: This is on 8th Ave., in the Inner Richmond.

+ + WHEELMEN + +

Why this works: Jeromy is like color theory on wheels. Orange and Blue are color complements which are colors placed exactly opposite on the color wheel. A+ in color bike theory!
Where: Somewhere along the Embarcadero.

Why this works: Simple, wear the clothes you wear. Let's go.
Where: On Polk st.

Why this works: Bradley has uncorporated a blinkie light into his hand. It also shoots lasers at bad tea cups and zaps them with it. I don't think Bradley's doc reads my blog, so he won't find out about such innovation... At least he is warm with that wool top and the fancy catlike bubblish helmet.
Where: Alta park in Pac Heights.

Why this works: Phillip's always fresh. His white jacket was visible even in the darkest streets. Matching tires a coincidence -- don't think so. What's with the teal skull scarf? It's RAD, that's what.
Where: Laurel Heights.

+ + DOUBLE TROUBLES + + 

Why this works: This dynamic duo was all smiles. It is the best accesory and it never fails. Such sweet guys, it was great meeting you both! =)
Where: Embarcadero.

Why this works: (L)Duby's gray coat is beyond futuristic. He is ready for all occasions. (R)Nio and his cargo cami pants, is able to pull his phone at any second needed.
Where: Ballpark

Why this works: Will and his lady friend are layered up and ready to bike the distance. Gloves are a must, shoulder/messenger bags and comfy sneakers. Let's ride!
Where: Fisherman's wharf.

Why this works: Without a long-term hair commitment, green dreadlocks are the next hot trend. You seen it here first. And do you see la calitexican's gloves. oh la la.
Where: Ballpark

+ + WHEELWOMEN + +

Why this works: Did someone say style?! LMG always looks smashing. I LOVE that skirt =)))
Where: Embarcadero.

Why this works: Thick sweater, white cat (Cloud!) beanie and cozy gloves. The biking le machine is here! and KT's dark red boots go with everything.
Where: Ballpark.

Why this works: (Posing with Woody's bike) KLaw's coat is a fun color mix and very cozy for the weather (that night was in the low 40F°s) which seem to have dropped lower as the night progressed. Bright as hell pink Chrome bag, check. Cowboy boots, check. +Thanks for keeping me company when the flat sensation invited themselves to the party. Love ya mamaz!
Where: Ballpark.

Why this works: There is no better way than to attend events with a good friend. The pretty ladies, Chloe y Sacha are attached at the hip or at the fenders, rather. Layered up with jackets, a scarf, party accesories and ready to keep partying on .
Where: Sacramento st.

Why this works: No streak of wind is going past these lovely women, they get the best duo-smile!
Does anyone know their names? I didn't catch theirs, as the light turn green. Tell them they are fabulous.
Where: Sacramento at Divisadero.
**Update: Jean + Jack (thanks Margot!)

Butter up, buttercups. It's butterlap!

2011-02-09T05:30:00.000-08:00

Ferry building.

♥Butterlap | Meets Wednesdays at Ferry bldg. 7PM

Ends at Bender's around 9PM • about 17-18mi ride

Rules: 1) Don't be an asshole. 2) Bring good booze.

stops:

++ Ferry building (in front of the steps)
++ Ft.Mason (at the excercise bars by the statues, atop Gashouse cove
++ Presidio overlooking Baker Beach (Lincoln at Washington Blvd.)
++ Legion of honor
++ Clement and 43rd ave.)
++ Ocean beach (Great Hwy at JFK)
++ Stanyan and Fell/Oak
++ Benders (19th at S. Van Ness)

Los events: Love on Wheels! Tonight 6-9PM at Public Works

2011-02-09T05:15:00.000-08:00

via SFBC/love»

Stolen bike alert: in the TL

2011-02-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

Bici theft diarrea going on eh?! Let' be careful and know how to properly lock your beautfiul machines people. Damn you bike thieves!!!
This is a re-post from the tender blog via mi amiga Calitexican.

Help find ‘kidnapped’ bike

Dear Tenderblog,
My beloved mountain bike, Gruff, was stolen out of a brown Toyota 4Runner last night on Polk & Post. Yes, I’m an idiot for leaving it in the car. The thief broke the rear window and abducted Gruff. Any chance you could post this pic and see if anyone has any information? It’s a blue Cannondale F7. It has stickers that say “The floggings will continue until morale improves,” UCSF Bicycle ID #8481, and 9:20 Special on it. I’d also appreciate it if any Tender readers have tips on how to recover a stolen bike.
Thanks,
Bereft cyclist

More via thetender blog.

Tuesday things and thoughts: having a moment

2011-02-08T05:45:00.000-08:00

*Both shots are film photographs taken with a Pentax K1000, by mi homie Richie | notmyrichie.com
♥thx!

Benders B+W

2011-02-08T05:30:00.000-08:00

Vertical.

Your turn.

Bourbon and ciggies.

Parking.

+ + + + +

Post-butterlap, Wednesday February 2nd.

19th and S. Van Ness

Los events: is it Friday yet?!

2011-02-08T05:15:00.000-08:00

sfbeerweek.org

Stolen bike alerts

2011-02-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

1.
via sfbikeparty.org»

Unfortunately, we have a safety reminder for our regroup partiers. Several riders got their bicycles stolen at Garfield Park. If you walk away from your bike, be sure to lock it up! We don’t want anyone else to lose a bicycle.

a blue mountain bike, make and model ‘kona blast’
it was a hardtail, with a ‘rock shoxx’ fork, and no rear suspension
very worn down tires
black front wheel, silver back wheel
has a university of texas registration sticker on the diagonal piece of the main frame (its definitely the only blue mountain bike with a university of texas registration sticker in all of san francisco)
If you spot it contact: bjneuman at gmail dot com

2.

"Justin had is bike stolen this weekend from the Ghetto mart by his apartment in Hayes valley. Put the word out , it’s a singe speed cross bike ….

Also, He’s offering a $400 reward"
**UPDATE: this bike has been found (!!!)

Sun sphere blogesphere

2011-02-07T05:45:00.000-08:00

Not even going to tell you how hot it was around here over the weekend. I would really want the fog back because I'll be the 1/1000 to not lay in the sun like a lizard as soon as we get these heatwaves.
However, this is rather strange. Weather across the states is having a temper tantrum.

California is also my homestate, so yes, I've only known 2 seasons my whole life. The one that is sunny, and the one with the fog.
I love you too.

Sunkissed-bike kiss from the golden state.
xxo♥m

El weekend

2011-02-07T05:20:00.000-08:00

A different type of love.

Lady scales.

Le ballon rouge.

Overtime.

Loyal to royal.
++All above shots taken in the Tenderloin++

- - - -

The look.

Pizza time.

Coffee break y Sunday paper.
++All above shots taken in Pac Heights++

- - - -

Generation barefoot.
++In the Mission++

I have been playing around with the new camera. All of the above shots were shot with my Lumix LX5, mostly playing with the aperture settings. I have taken many in B/W mode, as I am slowly learning to use the white balance, and all those smaller manual adjustments.

What do you think? I've enjoyed it plenty so far - it is quite distracting for the mind and therapeutic, a tad more than it used to be, and that is a good thing for me right now.

Thanks for reading ♥xxom

Photo del día: parking is always free

2011-02-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

Post street

Los events: SF BIKE PARTY!! tonight 8PM

2011-02-04T11:20:00.000-08:00

♥Friday: San Francisco Bike Party - 8PM 

Route begins: Civic Center
See route map via sfbikeparty.org here: link

"We are excited about this month’s ride! We are meeting at Civic Center at 7:30 PM, rolling out at 8 PM. We will be riding through Japantown, Western Addition, Castro, Mission, Noe Valley, and ending at Garfield Square. This route is only 9 miles but it includes some rolling hills."

Gathers tonight at 730PM, ride takes off at 8PM
TONS OF FUN!!!!!!

Here is a little LOVE YOUR BIKE February SFBP ride spoke card I made for sharing:

Feel free to download the Black/White PDF, so you can print on bright lovely colours +laminate. Go crazy!!:
‹PDF download here›

For more info, complete route, volunteer info, stay updated and read more, check out the following sites:
Official SF Bike party home page: sfbikeparty.org
Also: on Facebook | on Twitter

Gung Hay Fat Choy! Happy Chinese New Year

2011-02-04T05:40:00.000-08:00

Xian Nian Kuai Le -- My cat Velcro and I wish you all a Happy Year of the Rabbit!!
xxo♥m

Card from my pal Wei =)

Los events: Friday in San José

2011-02-04T05:20:00.000-08:00

♥Friday: Novelas, Love and Other Adventures in San José 7PM

Tonight!! in San José, local artist and homefries Rio Yañez in collaboration with the beautiful Mayra Ramirez collabed together to create super awesomesauce.

"Novelas, Love and Other Adventures" | Artist talke+opening tonight at the MACLA
510 S. First Street -- San Jose, CA
Exhibition Dates: January 26 - March 26, 2011

TONIGHT: Opening Reception & Artist Talk Featuring Jaime Hernandez, Rio Yanez and Myra Ramirez
February 4, at 7pm

Here is a beatiful photo of mis beautifuls, late last year in the Lower Haight. HAAAAAY.
Speaking of which, Mayra's birthday is this weekend. Qué suave --- ♥happy birthday guapa!!!

Mayra + Rio

- - -
I'm bummed out I won't be able to make it down to SanJo on Friday night but if you are in the vicinity for the evening this is a *MUST* event.
Check it out!!

Los events: Friday night in Tijuana

2011-02-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

A love bike ride down the border at the south end of our state. Super RAD!!!
Any readers from my beloved Tijuanita?! Take some pictures please =)

Paseo de Todos Tijuana Ver 8.0 ¡¡¡LOVE IS IN THE AIR!!!

Friday, February 4 · 7:30pm - 10:30pm

See Facebook info here: link

Halloween in February

2011-02-03T05:35:00.000-08:00

I didn't want to wait another month to share these, from Halloween last year. I really was taking my sweet time...
Well, this is from the Friday before Halloween, which for 2010 I believe fell on a Saturday. It was the first year I had my custom way ahead of time. Diana and I went vintage shopping to a gem down the peninsula, we headed to the fabulous vintage store Empire in Palo Alto.
Here we are with our friend Jasmine. She was so nice to send me the photos. I think I forgot my camera that day.

L-R: Ridlerette (Diana), Jasmine (80's Madonna) and Ring leader master (me)

The vintage Halloween queens. All of our clothing is from the Empire vintage store. We were decked out.

ahoy! dominating the untammed lions in every bike lane in this handsome town - hazaaaa!

the heartbreaker club.

Here are is a little bit more about the details of my make-up and bird earrings. I love how much fun those earrings are and the bowtie I have continued to use it for other customes since I got it. The polka-dotted blouse is also vintage as well as the top hat.

chirp chirp. these red lovebirds kept me updated on all kinds of gossip.

+ + + + +
Did someone say custome -- because I have more alter-egos that I can count!
You know I already can't wait for Halloween this year!! I do live in San Francisco so, any excuse to dress up and play with make-up is pretty much the norm.
xxo♥meli

Photo del día: blue bottle coffee in Cow Hollow

2011-02-03T05:20:00.000-08:00

It does exist.

C'est la vie

2011-02-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

Last night I rode butterlap and it worked as good as a temprary magic eraser for all that has been buzzing my head. Going for a ride, conquering some hills, roaming the city with clear skies and chatting a little with the bike peeps will do that.

It is a shrink on two wheels, without you even having to talk about it.
Dear bicycles, you are all I need at the end of the day.

Tonight I will be hanging out with my boys.
This was back in mid-December I think, a few minutes before two fabulous drag queens were hitting on them, and shortly after we started talking about make-up and wigs. The boys were then left alone.

Not with Frenchie, but with some random bike right across from Orphan Andys.
17th y Castro.

Rainy day in the Castro.

San Francisco bike party #1 - January 7th

2011-02-02T05:25:00.000-08:00

San Francisco Bike Party #1, the birth of a party. Took place in San Francisco, this past Friday (This will be celebrated on every 1st Fridays!).
Theme: ♥Happy birthday!!

The start The ride started in the Willie Mays plaza in the ballpark right at 3rd and King. It was quite conmemmorative, since SF was the city to win the baseball word series last year, right.Continuing with celebration, I arrived shortly before 8PM, the starting time and there were already hundreds of bikes and people all around the corner. Did someone say party+bikes+fun?! We were there.

+all the bikey ladiessssss are ready to par-teeeeey

double troubles

with the Klaw

more ladiessss! with Amber y Lauryn

I was so happy to run into Chrisitine, I had previously met her briefly a few months ago, and she is a sweetheart! (far right)

Hola Christine! here with Duby + Ayuchi. So fun =)

bikes everywhere!! about 500 were estimated at the starting point.

tweeting update headquarters. Nio y 'Deep

I decided to let the emotion and commotion sit-in for a few weeks, before I wrote my personal view. I do solo rides and group rides. I personally like to hang in the back of it all and chill out. I don't like big crowds, but I love being part of big rides, if that makes sense.

flat! Before I even thought about what is what or where the route was headed (which was available previously, and posted on the SFBP various page links) I got a flat. Gaahh!!--really?! But thankfully, V+W and their tire tools+skills, these guys were on to spot to help and Frenchie's rear wheel was fixed and off we went, back on the road in a matter of minutes. Gracias!

Embarcadero We caught up right after everyone had arrived to the Embarcadero/North point break area. People were dancing, I ran into a bunch of friends, more people dancing. So far the energy was nothing but positive, everyone seemed in a great mood and good times were to be had. And more dancing. Friday nights are the new disco.

dance dance

Twin towers lens club. **you must be taller than 6ft +red hair to be in their paparazzi crew...

Happy birthday! a present for you

Sweeny y Dan

Ghiradelli square / climbing Polk street. After riding the Fisherman's wharf and Ghiradelli area near the water, I was way in the back-back of the bus, so I didn't even know a little stop happened there. I knew the map, so I was thinking there was just a little bottleneck going on. DN has an awesome shot of that [here]

Up we go

It was funny to me that someone around the internet called this hill between the stretch of Polk/North point and Polk/Pacific street "gruelling." Yeah, they are a little steep, but come on, hundreds of cyclist bike this route any given time.
However proud moment we ALL made those hills. Yes. People and SF with bikes ROCK!

Here is Hannah and her friend, kicking butt up Polk street. Cold? says who?!

Rocking Polk street.

Pac heights via Pacific street. Crossing pacific heights was pretty nice. Pacific street was very quiet, and the only complications that I saw during this time, were cars getting caught in the middle of the ride wanting to make a left or right turn, but each encounter, was a peaceful one. I didn't see anyone go crazy or annoyed by the full-use of lane by hundreds of cyclists during that stretch. Mind you that area is rather quiet, and very little traffic on a Friday night, with maybe the exception of crossing Van Ness.

ran into Alice and her pretty red rivi

suuuup

everyone's birthday

sup

party!

pac heights

this duo was singing-along the whole way. so cute.

Alta Park How can I describe the big smile in everyone's faces. Once everyone got to this view point, everyone seemed to at least forget that we had ridden up some steep hills. So awesome, the fog was barely there, the city lights were shinnning and the playground turned everyone into a big bike happy kid. So beautiful.

a volunteer - this way.

peeps, on Jackson and Scott - entering Alta park via its northwest corner.

chicas -- what hills?!

reesie y butterbill

the view ♥!!!!

Laurel heights into the Inner Richmond This stretch was really quiet. Riding westbound on Sacramento > Arguello > Clement, was SOOO smooth and nice. We encounter almost no traffic.

Ran into KT

A reflective ButterBill in Laurel Heights

this guy and his skull. the mouth moved up and down, was so funny. He got it in disneyland =)

santa rides year-round

are we there yet?! all 'what if' questions kick in where an xtracycle is there. We've seen it all.

cargo cargo

FTW!

Golden Gate Park We had a little rest stop at Golden gate park. The night's temperature had dropped to maybe the mid-30°sF and I think many people started to head home or to catch public transportation (BART or CalTrain) after this spot.

Jill and her bubblelands =)

San José is in the house. The homies from the south of the Bay. That kid kicked butt the whole ride!

Dial M for marky marks...

did someone say whiskey?!

Heading to Civic center via Pandhandle/Fulton This was pretty easy as most of the route is downhill. Either was getting later and the ride started to thin out just a bit, but the fun continued. We ended the ride at Civic Center where closer to midnight, a patrolling cop approached us and asked "are you having fun or what". Was a little odd but he was actually really nice. He then nicely asked we keep the sound down and he moved on. Cool.

on Oak.

Ran into Aimee and Dave, representing the East Bay.

downhill. We are almost there.

And the ride peacefully ends at Civic Center.

It was close to midnight.

Given that my personal experience during the first bike party presented me with 2 flats -one before even starting the ride, and one on my way home-
Some of these are pretty obvious, but can't hurt ti just throw them in. Here are some basic tips, according to me:
++ Bring at least one spare tube for your bike and maybe your flat kit/tools as well.
++ Some cash for Muni/BART in case of a mechanical issue, or need to take public transportation home.
++ Keep in mind the ride is later in the evening, so plan ahead in case you need to stop by a store, or get some snacks (I'm always thinking hungry-emergencies and carry some granola bars just in case)
++ Drink water!!
++ Bring your blinkie lights
++ A charged phone (ahem... I'm really bad at this stuff)
++ I also carry some band aids and stuff, mainly because I know I'm clumsy, and I will probably be the first one to use them. Sometimes even bringin tissue could aid someone's sneazing attacks.
++ Wear comfortable clothes and it doesn't hurt to layer up. You can always start to take stuff off as you go.
++ Enjoy yourself!!

The SF Bike Party #1 was successful and peaceful, and that is my opinion. I cannot wait to see what it will grow into, and to continue to demonstrate that groups that come together with an idea of an event, brainstorm, organize and peacefully promote something as beautiful as it is to just enjoy oneself on a ride and ride as a bike community, potentially becomes an amazingly fun monthly event.

Speaking of amazing, this event and its organizers are in **need** of volunteers. This couldn't happen without a little help from everyone, now head to the volunteer survey the SFBP recently posted. The mission statement, "how we ride", forums and other info, can be found through their website:
// sfbikeparty and facebook page

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Next bike party gathers at 7:30PM this Friday Feb. 4th
Meets at Civic Center
Theme: ♥ ♥ ♥ LOVE YOUR BIKE ♥ ♥ ♥
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

And that is all for now, thanks for reading +see you at the next BIKE PARTYYYY!!

Two SF Bike party photos -by ButterBill

2011-02-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

ButterBill has sent his two photos to share. Very cool!! (Let it be known that asides being a big bike+running enthusiast, this man is a dancing machine!)

-Me dancing at Civic Center at the end

-Me and Bubble Girl aka -- Jill

+ + + +
Thanks as always Bill!! =)

Post street burger and coffee crawl

2011-02-01T18:35:00.000-08:00

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Post street at Leavenworth. Farm:table and The Cafe Royale are fave spots of mine. Yesterday, as a result of this post-flu appetite of mine, which is equivalent to a post-hybernation monster bear, burgers for dinner it was.
Pearl burger on Post hits the spot.
Has anyone been. OMG this place is bomb.

Here pictured with my crappy phone, is the garden burger with Swiss. Oh hells yes.
Is still no match for the Plant Café red lentil burger, which I consider #1 in my books, but this is a little different and oh so good. The bun is wheat or some healthy stuff, and the onion rings+yam fries complete a kickass greasy dinner.
Thanks Pearl's burger, my belly was SOOOO happy.

+ + + + +
Speaking of happiness, walking down past farm:table, which is a stone throw from Pearl's, I came across this fantastic little poster. The tenderloin's first "Coffee Crawl"
Whaaaatt -- I'm so there.
I looked for more info last night, but couldn't find much. Here is a little picture of the poster.

Saturday Feb. 5th -- 2-5PM!

Luckily, the fine tenderblog has published all the details in today's post here.
Awesomesauce.
*both mobile photo uploads

Photo del día: little frenchie monsters

2011-02-01T18:24:00.000-08:00

La Lady GaGa returns to the Bay Area for another concert this March. Last time she was spotted eating sausages at Rosemund's in the Mission and down the peninsula at Apple's mothership. Where will she be spotted next?!
*mobile photo upload

show me your teeth

Morning bike fuel

2011-02-01T18:21:00.000-08:00

Taking a break loving much of the morning sunshine. I am having a tremendous appetite this week.
Below is yogurt +fruit +honey from La Boulange. I think the yogurt they use is from local company Strauss, so creamy and thick. Delish.
*mobile upload

El weekend

2011-01-31T05:20:00.000-08:00

the orbit room

scoping out the scene

eggsville corner

after the light rain.

sidewalk dose while you wait. Plow in Potrero Hill

With love from: London

2011-01-31T05:10:00.000-08:00

My cross-atlantic pal from London has sent me a series of his mobile photos from a recent event (London bike show) he attented.

+ + + + + +

(About the photo above) The t-shirt I bought from ibikelondon.com stand which caused me to find the ice sculptures on the unrelated: ibikelondon.blogspot.com

The bike in the t-shirt text is made of reflective paint btw ;)

**All photos+text below by Alastair, in London

-This bike was really interesting – they don’t have metal chains, instead they are rubber belts. No grease, rust or the suchlike. Most have one gear, there was one with two, but almost double the price :0 Switching gears is weird – you have to kick the cranks to switch up and down.

-Nice London Underground detail.

-Interesting clothing stands - the woman makes the items herself. She has been doing it for about two years. The saddle bags are quite nice: http://www.cyclodelic.com/collections/cyclodelic

-Bizarre auction/workshop stand.

-These little rods flash on and off.

-“Cleverest bike in the world”

-The kask helmets do look snazzy - a lot of people driving vespas around london have similar ones. I like the idea of not having to remember to bring your sunglasses and just flapping down the visor. Very space age.

-The blue “Cycle Superhighways” - some bits are great, others just stop dead into a row of parked cars sans warning.

-For me it was nice to see some more stylish bikes and clothing at this show. Although there was a lot of lycra and regular bikes, having more flair makes people want to ride. Kind of like tweed versus mucky hi-visability yellow vests. If people see it as not such a niche they will ride more. Personally it would be ace to have everyone riding in style like Thomas Stevens What an Englishman!
*Ref:

+ + + + + + +
Many thanks Alastair =)
Ride on!
xxo♥meli

Monday motivation: film, blizzards and the interwebs.

2011-01-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

Reading furthermore seeking to learn and find info about my new Lumix LX5, I came across this peculiar little video about a guy in Brooklyn, who comes across this canister of film, develops it and hopes to find their owners. I thought it pretty much sums up how the internet, photos and a little bit of time and effort, can connect so many people across the planet, with a few clicks.

Not to mention the simple power of curiosity to ask one self, well what if?
Wunderbar!

-via petapixel

Los events: meanwhile tonight in Santa Cruz

2011-01-28T15:31:00.000-08:00

via Hannah - thanks! =)

♥Happy Friday!

2011-01-28T08:22:00.000-08:00

Scenes from the Bike Party on Jan 7th. This is at Fulton and Divisadero.

- - - -

Go ride!! TGIF

Los events this weekend.

2011-01-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

Friday: Critical mass -gathers at 5:30pm

"Critical Mass is a mass bicycle ride that takes place on the last Friday of each month in cities around the world. Everyone is invited! No one is in charge! Bring your bike!"
The unofficial critical mass site: sfcriticalmass.org

Sunday: Walk the wiggle 11am

"Before bikes were invented, the popular Wiggle bike route was a foot trail to avoid these same hills. Change the way you see the landscape as we talk about everything from art and bike politics to floods, lakes and native societies. We’ll discuss the very latest research on how the Mission Dolores was, it seems, founded in the Wiggle."
11am-1PM
RSVP required. Set your own cost: $10 to $40 donation asked.
+info via thinkwalks.org here: link

Let's yam

2011-01-27T05:40:00.000-08:00

The yam sandwich / in my top 5 fave local sandwiches of the last decade.

This is from last nite (Wed.) Atlas Cafe - 20th and Alabama

- - - -

Photo del día: picking candy.

2011-01-27T05:25:00.000-08:00

I forgot to show you the photo that I submitted just for fun, in the photo competition that the fine site candycranks held.
The contest ran through the month of December 2010.

This is in front of the Asian Art Museum, and I had forgotten all about the timer. I'm not very good at that, I get easily distracted.
Looks like I'm picking my nose, perhaps. But I'm removing my shades, I ran into a friend. Read on, and check out all the entries here: candycranks.com/...

Submission to CandyCranks -- DEC 2010

Women, the webs, and even some WTFs

2011-01-27T05:10:00.000-08:00

+ + + +

Julie lost her wallet, which was used at Walgreens near where she potentially lost it. Read how she fights an unfortunate event, with positive energy: julieliveshere.com/...

+ + + +
The local blue dancing bici queens, The Bay Area Derailleurs, San Francisco's bike dance team, have a new video out:
"San Francisco's bike dance team is requesting support to continue the eco-arts revolution. There are plans for a US and world tour with bike dance teams around the world to spread the bike fun and strengthen community around sustainable transportation." Read more: here

+ + + +
Speaking of badassery, Women join the circus, on wheels. ohdaaaang.
tip hat to Brian. via jezebel

+ + + +
The Claremont cyclist thinks he spotted me riding down south =)
I do turn into giant skulss from time to time...

+ + + +
My girl Emily of the San Franista, reviews the book Velo and features an interview with from Mission Bicycle here in SF.
Read the article here: wearedesignbureau.com/...

Photo via wearedesignbureau.com

+ + + +
My amiga Diana, loves this sweater from modcloth. So cute!

"I like bike sweater"via modcloth.com/…

+ + + +

One of my top, favorite bloggie friends Jennine of The Coveted, pretty much had her blogging identity 'duplicated' into this new site, under the same exact name, which claims to be "the selby for closets."

I think it is rather a cheap-shot being that her blog of 4+ years has earned a very good reputation around the web.
Do you think they intentionally want to mis-direct her readers?! What are your thoughts upon scenarios like this?
There is only one The Coveted, and in the internet/fashion/blogging community, we know which one it is.
Jennine is well known and well loved, and it is always LOVELY to catch her whenever she comes back to town (in 2009, in 2010).
There is an article which recently presented the situation, read furthermore about it: fashionablymarketing.me/...

Wednesdays of Who Wore What

2011-01-26T05:30:00.000-08:00

Who wore what is a weekly series. And if you have any submissions, questions and of course fotos, feel free to share. All fotos taken in San Francisco.

This is not necessarily about being chic or into fashionable things or trends, but if you want, it can be.
It is about being yourself, what works for you and what makes you comfortable, confident and happy to ride your bike!
-xxo♥m

- - - -
Time for the gentlemen on wheels to take over this week.

I captured this fast guy (don't all bright colors just make you go faster?!) on an overcast mid-December morning.
Why this works: The yellows make him very visible, and they add sunshine when the weather lacks it. Plus any guy wearing tights and shorts seems pretty practical, and layer-savvy. Some sporty outfits out there are good, I like my athletes.
Where: This is on Polk and Broadway, early morning.

- - - -

Hugh. Sup.
Why this works: In the winter, the weather can be fabulous+sunny for a lunchtime ride, to a foggy windy afternoon. A warm coat and a scarf are never a bad decision. Simple and functional is timeless. And his non-chalantness comes naturally =)
Where: This is on Hayes and Divisadero

- - - -

I forgot to ask this cute fellow his name, but if you know him, let him know he is interwebs-famous.
Why this works: Coat, backpack and scarf -- check. You are well rounded with a super smile! I also think you can always pair dark denim very nicely for work and for after hours, here he goes a bit monotone and it is office-casual ready.
Where: This is also on Hayes and Divisadero
These two shots were obviously taken before we had our 'heatwave' here in San Francisco (Mostly mid-60°s this week) but don't be fooled, the fog can strike anytime!

Weeklong nap.

2011-01-26T05:10:00.001-08:00

Where was I? Well, I was sick as hell.

I got hit with the flu pretty hard last week. It kicked my butt.
I'm pretty sure my cat Velcro really thought I was in the process of becoming an actual cat, as I slept so much. After a whole week of rest, I'm feeling a lot better.

Been drinking lots of hippie teas --gotta spoil the body with a little change! and looking forward for my early caffeinated mornings once again. I'm also pretty sick of soup. ish.
Ok, let's hope this is a beginning for another healthy streak.
xxo♥meli

We all took week-long naps.

Butter up, buttercups. It's butterlap!

2011-01-19T05:30:00.000-08:00

This marks the 500th photo I have added to its butter lap ride - foto set.

The blood + flats was from that one first ride of 2011, it isn't a frequent happening ummkay...

Um yea that's a lot of butterlap fotos. ♥Good peeps. Good times.

♥Butterlap | Meets Wednesdays at Ferry bldg. 7PM

Ends at Bender's around 9PM • about 17-18mi ride

Rules: 1) Don't be an asshole. 2) Bring good booze.

stops:

++ Ferry building (in front of the steps)
++ Ft.Mason (at the excercise bars by the statues, atop Gashouse cove
++ Presidio overlooking Baker Beach (Lincoln at Washington Blvd.)
++ Legion of honor
++ Clement and 43rd ave.)
++ Ocean beach (Great Hwy at JFK)
++ Stanyan and Fell/Oak
++ Benders (19th at S. Van Ness)

Wednesdays of Who Wore What

2011-01-19T05:20:00.000-08:00

Who wore what is a weekly series. And if you have any submissions, questions and of course fotos, feel free to share. All fotos taken in San Francisco.

This is not necessarily about being chic or into fashionable things or trends, but if you want, it can be.
It is about being yourself, what works for you and what makes you comfortable, confident and happy to ride your bike!
-xxo♥m

- - - -
Well on this occasion, it is my turn to show what I was wearing for butterlap 2 weeks ago, first ride of January.
The temperature was in the low 40°s. I dont think it was lower than that, but it could have been.

Foto by Duby!

A little late night panda action. I'm pretty surprised that sharrow sneaked in the photo. Good timing (!!!)

The ride is about 18 miles and dressing for butter lap, as I would typically for other rides, layers are key. Often during the ride I get overheated if I overdress due to the monster hills (the one up to the Legion of Honor never gets easier...) but then I like to be nice and warm while just hanging out at a bar or with friends. For this particular ride, butterlap pretty much goes from side to side in the city, so it could be clear by the Ferry building, Crissy field is typically windy during the winter and by the time we get to Ocean Beach, the fog could be super thick.

Anyways, this is what I wore to earlier that day.
Before I headed back out, I switched scarves, threw a vest on and changed to my black mini skirt (which I think is a 'running' skirt) I like it because it has reflective little strips on the side. Pretty handy as most of butterlap during the winter/fall begins when it is already dark out and we don't ride past very busy or too-brightly lit streets.
The bright orange layer I have is thin merino wool which I am a HUGE fan, keeps you dry,warm,stink-free. Icebreakers are awesome.

See, no rocket science, and if you overdress layers can always come off.

Don't let anyone intimidate you for longer routes. Working attire can always be riding attire.

+wow, my hair is getting long...

Photo del día: the corner

2011-01-19T05:10:00.000-08:00

From a corner where the bike views blossom and smell like fresh baked bread + coffee.

Hump day inspiration: berets

2011-01-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

Came across a sweet+short post about berets and a penny farthing.
Link: The Beret Project

Events+moments del 2010: May 11th Dr. Sketchy's girls on bicycles

2011-01-18T05:20:00.000-08:00

There are some photos and events I didn't get to publish last year, I will post them in the first couple of weeks of the new year so, some kind of my quasi-review of 2010.

+ + + + +

Last year, Alice invited Amanda, Constance and I to be the models for her fantabulous Dr.Sketchy's event. The theme was Girls on bicycles and the event was SUPER fun. Posing and being still for 5 minutes is pretty hard work. It was awesome to see the pieces of art at the end, meet many of the artists and having a drink to toast for the event. Good times.

The event was at 111 Minna, we brought our bikes in and we posed with one of the bright orange public bikes. The audience was colourful and brught all their pads and pencils and were ready to rock. Here are the photos from the much overdue post from May 2010, so much fun!

Feed the models, had some snacks before heading to the event.

Arriving at 111 Minna

sssup

rearview view

Amanda y Constance

An orange public bike. Stage view

los artists

sketch sketch

muscleeeeeeeees. Constance held this pose for *AGES** ♥Go girl!!

Alice is in the house!!

nautty!

watercoloresque -- so cool!

Jordan and a drawing of Constance.
He was so nice to share them here are a few of Jordan's sketches:

title: "05111005 Cute Girls on Bicycles_Jordan Hines" by SweetBippie

title: "05111001 Cute Girls on Bicycles_Jordan Hines" by SweetBippie

These are by Diane Oliver:

bikeonground by Diane Olivier

3onabike by Diane Olivier

racing by Diane Olivier

holdingbike by Diane Olivier

this is one of my faves!! ♥thanks Diane
popdresssitting by Diane Olivier

Cute Girls on Bicycles 1 by OwlBoogie

Dr Sketchys SF - May 2010 - Sexy Girls on Bikes by atomicbear
- - -

these two (above and below) are by Jamdye

And one last one of so many talented artists that evening, this one by Blake B:

"2010-05-11 21.02.54" by schjlatah

Le Sketchers

- - - - -

+++ I'd like to share the next few photos throughout the event, taken by Jesse M. -- many thanks! +++

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Alice, yo, Constance y Amanda
♥ It was such a FUUUUN art-drawing-modeling event! ♥
'til next time Sketchy's.

++Sketchy's next drawing event is coming up tonight Tuesday, January 18th. More info here: "Comic book babes" Dr. Sketchy's››

Late night dose.

2011-01-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

Last night I much needed a dose of caffeinne.
6:30PM on Post street, between Webster and Buchanan.
Both shots from mi mobile phone, not bad.

Get your blue bottle fix in Japantown

Hanging in there.

El weekend.

2011-01-17T05:20:00.000-08:00

++ Started Friday night, in the Castro.
The streets and the sidewalks are typically pretty crowded.
Weather picked up again to a Californian spoiled January, in the high 50°s F.

Keep clear

++ Saturday morning was to kick it with the boys.
We had a little coffee, loads of food and bottomless drop coffee, then a little more coffee.
These shots are all at Flora Grubb, the coffee (a small kiosk) is by Ritual.
Jerrold near 3rd. street, Bayview district.

++ Saturday night was to kick it with the ladies.
Pizza pies and pointillist paintings.
We got to enjoy a very late evening treat at deYoung, closing at midnight.
The exhibit ends this Tuesday, January 18th.
My absolute two favorites were Sargent's “La Carmencita” and Henri Rousseau's “War.”

Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cézanne and Beyond: Post-Impressionist Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay "The de Young is the only museum in North America to host the exhibition."

Ragazze dining at Ragazza.

Departing the deYoung

++ Sunday was Rio's alterego birthday party. A world full of 3D awesomeness.

There were good peeps, portraits and markers, a KITTEH piñata and the best little super heroes. xxo♥meli

Suspect #1

2011-01-17T05:10:00.000-08:00

After spending some time with Velcro, mi beloved beautiful cat, we came to terms.
She promised me not to give Frenchie the slashing-tires treatment, since I got new rubber. Deal.

Last week I finally got both new tires, altogether. Many thanks for all your recommendations, I really appreciate it =)
As an extension of my persona, it is quite complicated keeping up with the Frenchie, with the exception that I am not French... at any rate, the ratio of the rear can get away with being 27 x1/4 so I got the Continental Gator and for the front it has to be a 27 x1/8 due to the complication of the spacing between the basket base, the front fender and the brake.Well anyways. We are once again Polk street-ready.
This time the nice young men at the Sports Basement (I'm a huge fan of their open-late hours) took good care of Frenchie. Photographed below is Thai-Son. Sup!

Working on a purple Peugeot.

+ + + + + +

The top photo was taken with my phone.

The two from the bike shop, taken with the Lumix LX5 -- new camera I am just starting to figure out.

New year, new gadgets. I'm stoked =)

MLK Day

2011-01-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

January 17, 2011. San Francisco Calif.

January 17, 2011 will mark the 25th anniversary of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday. This milestone is a perfect opportunity for Americans to honor Dr. King’s legacy through service. The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community. via mlkday.gov

Flag. Photo from July, 2008.

++
Previously, MLK post from 2010

The good things in life.

2011-01-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

Good company, coffee y KITTEHZ
-
Meet Cammy, Flora Grubb's cat. She is the queen of the nurserylands.
A little machiatto from Ritual for me, and I am the queen of the coffeelands. We are automatic friends.
Explains my frequent returns throughout the years.

Los events this weekend.

2011-01-14T16:30:00.000-08:00

♥Saturday: Ferry building
Don't forget Bike Valet Parking rockstars are parking your beautiful pedal-powered machine while you shop. Stop by and say HOLA! to my amiga aka bike parking rockstar Calitexican. Woot!

♥Saturday: Reid Brothers architectural ride
via sf-now.com (tip hat to mi amiga Diana for reminding me!!)

"The first of what has become a repeating tradition of bicycle tours of the Reid Brothers architectural works in San Francisco took place on 12 January 2008, led by Andy Thornley of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, starting at 1:30 in the afternoon (a fine, dry, clement afternoon) in front of the David Hewes Building at 995 Market Street."

+info here: [link]

I didn't do the ride last year and only briefly stopped by, ran into Brad (above) also taking some snaps, as well as capturing Phi, who was featured in the "What to Wear" for Momentum magazine [link]

+ + + + +
The SF Bike party posting will be coming soon. Lots of fotos, stay tuned!
=) TGIF and have a great weeekend!!!

♥Happy Friday!

2011-01-14T14:52:00.000-08:00

closing time. You don't have to go home but you can't stay here.

A good evening to watch a film.

North beach at night.
Park your bike, walk the allies at night, take photos, eat pasta, drink wine. Gossip. Campari.
Have a great weekend and ride on.
xxo♥meli

Tivoli's is open. That deserves documentation.

Stolen bike alert: pink bianchi eros

2011-01-14T12:25:00.000-08:00

(_via Kelley) STOLEN bike: purple and pink bianchi eros
53cm
pink handlebar tape
look cleats
please forward
contact: ginny.white [at] gmail DOT com if you come across it - thank you

Bikes, coffee and poster deliveries

2011-01-13T05:30:00.000-08:00

Some snaps taken between work and play.
Those tubes were pretty easy to tote around to make some of recent poster deliveries.
It is not very often I have that backpack with me, but it comes in quite handy at times. I don't like to carry anything on my back at all.

What I was wearing that day.

See, I can start my own messenger service called: Meligrosa's Mixtes Mujeres Messengers.

We don't promise fast, but we can promise coffee stains! oh, maybe not a brilliant marketing incentive...

Almost all the scarves I wear are knitted (crotched!?) by mi mom -- so lucky I am!

My homefries Richie recently took this one of me at Sightglass coffee, it is in 35mm analogue media. Rad.

Naturally I snapped one of him as well, getting coffee at Stable coffee.

Having good friends to geek out to Cameras and chisme, guarantees good times.

He has started to share his fotos +all good things at notmyrichie.

Richie in pentaxlands.

Los Artsy: Marco Zamora

2011-01-13T05:20:00.000-08:00

This rad piece of bikey art belongs to Los Angeles-based artist Marco Zamora.
He has an upcoming show here in the City this April -- can't wait.
via FecalFace: Marco Zamora Interview

*screenshot from fecalface.com

Greed is the new color

2011-01-13T05:15:00.000-08:00

Came across LUDO and couldn't help to share. Fresh stuff, I dig it.

GREED IS THE NEW COLOR. by // LUDO via thisisludo.com

My hyggelig: Creative bicycle blogger guest post

2011-01-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

My long time bloggie friend out in the MSP area Sigrid, asked me to do a little q+a for her blog my hyggelig, which is all about cozy, cute diy, exploring the seasons and the best mix of slow bikes with lycra.
Check it out here:

post: Creative Bicycle Blogger Women: Meli-g...

- - -
♥Thx+Hugs Sig!

Butter up, buttercups! It's butter lap

2011-01-12T17:30:00.000-08:00

♥Butterlap | Meets Wednesdays at Ferry bldg. 7PM

Ends at Bender's around 9PM • about 17-18mi ride

stops:

++ Ferry building (in front of the steps)
++ Ft.Mason (at the excercise bars by the statues, atop Gashouse cove
++ Presidio overlooking Baker Beach (Lincoln at Washington Blvd.)
++ Legion of honor
++ Clement and 43rd ave.)
++ Ocean beach (Great Hwy at JFK)
++ Stanyan and Fell/Oak
++ Benders (19th at S. Van Ness)

Jan 5th 2011 - The first Butter lap in 2011 San Francisco. Flat tires/punctures (I think we had 7 in total) and bloody whipeout. No, it isn't always like this. Actually, I don't recall any bloody falls or that many flat tires at all, in the last few years of doing butter. Rain + New Years = crappy junk all over the streets. Continues after the fotos ---

el fabulous Duby strikes a pose

First time butterlapers! Diane + Mr. Maximum Fun

Commuter, rider, biker, stickers, all over the Bay.

Nio's bike at the current Legion of honor exhibit.

Duby's bike.

The most popular photo (below), without me even uploading to the interwebs as of last week. Dang.
We are all adults here, so refrain yourself from helmet/no helmet use. I must say however, that gears and brakes are VERY nice to have for butter, unless you want some knarly scars like this crazy one. I don't remember if he had a helmet or not, point is that hill is STEEP and really fast, I am always terrified if I go fast, I can always break a limb or lose control, hit a car on the curve and fly over to the ocean to fall into a shark' mouth. OK I'm exaggerating, but you know what I mean.

eeeek

I was highly impressed at how nice and helpful the Clif House staff were (two men came out to check that it was all good with the group). They also offered Keith to use their first aid kit and restroom to wash up, which I thought was very kind of them. Take good care of yorself dood!

The rest of the ride after multiple flats and Keiths's incident, was the latest we have arrived to Bender's. We usually get there at around 9PM, this time we got there at 1030PM. Oy.
New year, new stories.
Damn. Ride on!

Wednesdays of Who Wore What

2011-01-12T05:10:00.000-08:00

Who wore what is a weekly series. And if you have any submissions, questions and of course fotos, feel free to share. All fotos taken in San Francisco.

This is not necessarily about being chic or into fashionable things or trends, but if you want, it can be.
It is about being yourself, what works for you and what makes you comfortable, confident and happy to ride your bike!
-xxo♥m

- - - -

Boys of butterlap. Jeans jackets and scarves, let's ride!
Why this works: This pretty much shows you can ride in whatever you wear when you walk down the block near your house or workplace, just add a bike (and a few layers)
Where: Somewhere in crissy field

- - - -

Why this works: Reesie is layered in a very multiple layered San Francisco fashion. May be wool, may be cotton, she looks pretty warm. And she is showing off her bright visible mustardy yellow new bag, very cute!.
*It's made by Al Onkka in Minneapolis.
Where: The pandhandle.

Photo del día: nice arrangement

2011-01-12T05:05:00.001-08:00

coffee bar, SF

Sapooooo verde Rio!!

2011-01-12T05:00:00.001-08:00

Happy birthdayyyyy --- to the so much fun-SF-local, loca artsy comic lover amigo awesomeness y 3D y todo, el Rio!
Have a wonderful year home fries!! hugs y best wishes xx♥om

oh hai. SMFF times at purikuralands

Rio bien ladies' man with CTX y yo

Rio y Mayra --- puro good lookings over there in the lower haight. haaaaaay

Walking around.

2011-01-11T05:20:00.000-08:00

Is not called bici flat chorro for no reason.
This is an ongoing pffffttt of flats and a slashing combination between a few days of plenty of rain and new year's glass+evidence of too much fun EVERYWHERE. Upon my 5th flat tire encounter within a week (including 2 flats during the SF Bike Party), I decided to give walking a chance while I get Frenchie ready to sport brand new tires today. I am more than likely going with the Continental kevlar Polk street-approved tires which I don't recall the name, but they are about 40$ea. It's about that time again. Unless you all have extremely nice reviews from those glowing reflective tires which I have also been eyeing for awhile.
Any recommendations to deviate me from the kevlar ones will take some really good reasons, but please do feel free to adivse, I'd like to know if you swear by a specific one/brand.

In the meantime here is one rare shot from MUNI, which I very rarely ride.

Somewhere near California street.

green polyester, burnt red suede, white leather.

Unconventional film duo walking around the Castro.

Chinatown at night.

"Weather" near Clay st.

Talk to me, like mannequins do.

This bicycle belongs to one of my top favorite baristas in town. He was about to take off. North beach.

Things are looking up.

Sf bike party sweet little video

2011-01-11T05:15:00.000-08:00

The FB page facebookers have been posting fotos, links, video Etc. at the SF Bike Party page [facebook link]
Fotos I took should make it out of the camera before the end of the week =)
The SFBP page also has a new reflection post, the comments are interesting.

AND this is a must, uber cool video by a buttercup amigo of ours Dan.
Aw this is so cool!

tip hat to mi girl Calitexican also posted in CYLRAB, Richard y also Alejandroww

Stolen bike alert in San Francisco: Gary Fisher's bike.

2011-01-11T05:10:00.000-08:00

Friend, resident and rider extraoirdinaire of the city Gary Fisher, got his blue Trek FX bike stolen.

Previously posted foto I took in May 2009

Above foto from his twit yesterday

Stolen bike alert in LA: Batavus Breukelen

2011-01-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

photo via velovogue
"We have some sad news that we’re hoping someone out there in internet land can help us make into happy news: one of our customers had her bike stolen from the porch of her house on Manzanita Street in Silver Lake between 6pm on December 14th and 11am on December 15th." read more via flying pigeon in LA [link]

Photo del día: live in the moment

2011-01-10T05:30:00.000-08:00

Like a mural, like life, like a companion, like good friend.

Taking a second to appreciate someone, appreciate a moment out of the daily grind, is good for the soul.

Wall street art pieces stand in a parallel similarity to life, they are there one minute, and they could be gone the next.

This photo of the wall piece by local artist Eddie Colla was taken about a week or so ago. It is no longer there.

A life can never be duplicated or replaced.

My prayers and thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones from the Tucson shootings [link via LAtimes].

Frenchie +Eddie near Sutter street. (*update Eddie and D young V collab)

Monday morning motivation: coffeezilla

2011-01-10T05:20:00.000-08:00

Heartglass at sightglass.

Weekends are for multiple doses of coffee. Weekdays are for multiple doses of coffee.
Repeat often. I repeat them all day. What are your morning rituals?/xxo♥m

Morning dose of beautiful.

Mine.

Point me to the right direction.

A little bird told me so.

2011-01-10T05:05:00.000-08:00

Riding around the Tenderloin, I recently came across a somewhat new coffee place: the Little Bird Coffeehouse on Geary st. Upon arrival I spotted a few bikes outside, signs of local coffee companies Ritual and De La Paz (which is delivered by bicycle) so I had to check it out.

I met Luke and he very nicely introduce me to their espresso of the day which I recall was a tad on the berry side, smooth and on the lighter side for an afternoon dose. It was cool to chat with him briefly, then I took a few snaps and I will more than likely be returning here for future mid-afternoon shots of delicious espresso. From a first impression the staff is quite friendly, the atmosphere is on the artsy side and it has a very young-20's tenderloin energy kick to it.

Inside

Cigarette break. Chatting.

What do we have here, a caffeinated bike party. I can already see -- by popular demand, new bike racks! =)

Chirpchirps.

- - - -

Bikes and coffee, little art and little birds.

// Little bird coffeehouse is at 835 Geary street

Events+moments del 2010: November Fall patterns, cycling shoes and safety thoughts.

2011-01-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

There are some photos and events I didn't get to publish last year, I will post them in the first couple of weeks of the new year so, some kind of my quasi-review of 2010.

+ + + + +

These photos from exactly two months ago. November was a flirt of a month, it was here and when I was just when I began to like it, it wass gone.

I have enjoyed all the boot riders around town, specially cowboy style. We don't really get the extreme winter snow blizzards here in the Bay Area, so a change of pace such as snow clothing is not really so necessary, I wear most of my clothes year-round (our summer would be September) and for the winter season, adding a few layers often time a heavier coat and some gloves for when it gets to the 30°s. In my case, I'm a huge fan of merino wool for not-so-cold days and chilly nights. Here I am riding with one of my favorite cowboy-style boots, the best for walking long distances and riding all over these hills. I am also a huge fan of wool socks.

sunset falls

patternlands

getting as much use of my old little bag before it started the few days of pouring rain

hair y stuff, post-cycling looks ;D

The evenings are getting darker, people everywhere are wearing Giants gear and the evenings are getting crisp, though fairly nice, the Bay Area remains at a pleaseant weather.
I find the period between Thanksgiving and the end of the year, one a little hard to deal with. While riding so often on the streets and around multiple districts in the city, you can certainly sense people are very distracted, stressed, in a rush, and often just super drunk.
The city during the Holidays can be super fun, but it never goes out fashion to stay safe. Make sure those bike lights are at max, be aware of your surroundings and all those basic safety measurements.

I feel relatively safe as a woman riding alone at night. Someone recently asked if I was scared of the city at night. I see women riding late as night as well. A few riders here and there. Sometimes I am riding alone for many miles before I get home and that is OK.

A bad situation could present itself anywhere, in any big city.
To be safe is to be aware of your surroundings at all times.
OK, that is all for now. Have fun +Ride on!

- - - -
(From November 10, 2010)
♥xxo.meli

Events+moments del 2010: December craft fairs - Indiemart NightLife at the Academy of sciences

2011-01-08T16:35:00.000-08:00

Here are 2 more rare-weekend posts for a little Saturday reading treat for the cozy couch potatoes =)
There are some photos and events I didn't get to publish last year, I will post them in the first couple of weeks of the new year so, some kind of quasi-review of 2010.

+ + + + +

Academy of Sciences NightLife in December 9th.

Craft night at the Academy

--
Claude!! I love the albino half-blind alligator.

More albino animals. koo kooo ko

zzzzzzzzz

Her red dress has KITTEHS all over. Love her outfit, she is so cute!

The sock monsters guy. He said this one monster looked like me. ja jaaa.

The part of restored side of the original Academy building was buzzing with vendors and shoppers.

oh hai. Thought the junction of views here was quite interesting.

- - -

Parking. The Academy of scions has plenty of bikes, though it gets pretty crowded at times.
Someone has previously commented on the limited use of bike parking for staff.
Does anyone have any updates or information upon that?

And here is what I wore for the evening. Due to nasty allergies, I was a tad high on very rare Sudafed dose. Yuuuuuuck...

and off we go

Evening ride

---

'til next time NightLife at the Academy + indie mart.
This concludes the 3 Holiday artsy craft events. Cute stuff, lots to see, large little fan of the DIY indie crowds.
// xxo♥m

Events+moments del 2010: December craft fairs - Bizarre bazaar

2011-01-08T16:30:00.000-08:00

Here are 2 more rare-weekend posts for a little Saturday reading treat for the cozy couch potatoes =)

There are some photos and events I didn't get to publish last year, I will post them in the first couple of weeks of the new year so in chronological rewind. Some type of quasi-review of 2010.

+ + + + +

The Bazaar Bizarre was held in Ft. Mason, in the "grueling far and hilly" and burritoless north side of town, which also happens to have amazing Golden Gate, Marin and many views of the beautiful Bay. While riding to the event in the super crowded parking, I ran into Dave and his Schwinn krate-mayhem crew.

Giants!!

Later I found a photo Dave had also snapped of me. Him and his friend Ed were on their way back to the Giants stadium.

Love running into bikey peeps riding all over the city! =)

Meli on the move by krate-mayhem

There were a number of interesting things and vendors that had grat stuff, but I only made it for about 10 minutes. Ran into a couple of friends, bough a one-sie(is that what they are called?) for my buddy's new baby boy and left. When I can't chat to the vendor on voice level, or hear my thoughts while getting smacked by antsy elbows, messenger bags and purses that can't seem to be able to get through, it is time to leave.

So ditched it all and I went riding.

I deviated towards the Crissy field area to follow the sunset and some quiet time.

Riding instead of crowded crowds, anytime.

Bazaar bizarre is too crowded for me.

Beautiful

Sunset seeker

Qué beautiful skies. Wicked.

---'Til next time Bizarros

Los events: BIKE PARTY!!!

2011-01-07T11:10:00.000-08:00

♥ Friday - gathers at 7:30, starts at 8PM!

San Francisco Bike Party!! I made a little drawing to celebrate the birth of this ride, and also to share with the you, the community.
Find below the downloadable spoke card, gorilla style - so you can print/xerox, laminate if you want, share with your bike peeps anytime, anywhere. Go go go!
The black+white PDF has 4 per each letter/8.5x11 sheet. It looks really good on BRIGHT color paper, get creative!
Dowload spokecard template PDF here ››

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The SF Bike Party, tonite. Birthday party theme, here are the details once again =)

See you there!

San Francisco Bike Party via sfbikeparty.org

San Francisco Bike Party is a monthly celebration of biking for riders of different ages, types, and skill levels to enjoy.

Our mission: Building community through bicycling.

San Francisco Bike Party is held on the 1st FRIDAY at 8pm every month. We encourage people to bring POSITIVITY and CONTRIBUTE to good times while being RESPECTFUL to others.
The rides are FUN and SAFE with stops to DANCE and SOCIALIZE along the way. We follow PLANNED ROUTES exploring all different parts of the city each month.

Who runs it?
Created by a CO-OP, by and for bike enthusiasts, run by volunteers.

HOW WE RIDE:
- Stay in the right lane
- Stop at red lights
- Leave nothing and nobody behind
- Ride predictably and in control
- Roll past conflict
- When in doubt, “bike party!!”

Stay tuned sfbikeparty.org and find us in the social links/networks:
Facebook || Twitter

Happy Friday!

2011-01-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

One of the many things I miss already from this past Holiday season, is our very San Francisco Anchor Steam Christmas Ale.
I can wait another year, es OK.

anchorluv ahoy!

Linktastic: new year, new bloggie peeps

2011-01-07T10:50:00.000-08:00

New finds, fresh views and cool stuff. Your dose of linktastic! is here:
Each title links to the site.

♥ Bike it!
Bay Area/West Coast
Fellow butterlapper shows us rides and adventures in his tumblr.

♥ Rides a bike (tumblr)
My bike pal A.M. from across the pond (UK) informed me of this cool site. "Movie stars and their self-propelled vehicles". I'm a fan!
eew haaaa

♥ the Julie blog
New York
This gorgeous woman on wheels shows us how to roam in 30° weather in full-on fashion mode. Love her!

♥ Biking in Dallas
Dallas, Texas.
Always a pleasure to hear about my peeps in the bike blogging community in the Lone Star state.
"We’re couple of long-time Dallasites (one north, one east) who intend, through this site, to promote the enjoyment of exploring the City of Dallas and its’ surroundings by bicycle."

♥ Ladies Unite!
All bout the us awesomee women, women!:
"This blog celebrates the joy of women riding bikes. It strives to be as diverse as possible; to represent women of all ages, colors, sizes, abilities and identities."

♥ Chicago Ding Ding Let's Ride
Lots of bike parking/racks exposure around Chicago, mostly from a ~~Pashley~~ WorkCycles-Oma bike persepective.
"This blog is a little bit of bike activism, a place to extol the virtues of city bike riding on upright or dutch bikes, and a place to promote bike riding for the entire family- especially those families with adaptive riders."

♥ A few words too many
Sindeejoe keeps it real in her Bay Area roaming adventures. We are both not fans of Rainbow grocery. I like her.

♥ Purple Traveller
UK (Dorset)
Trevor rides long distances with his road bike, and all over the UK mountains.

♥ CHIRP
Seoul
A visually cool tumblr. Lots of bike love.

♥ Malaysia: LOVE PEACE + CYCLE
Malaysia bike blog =)

♥ San Francisco: treatzone
Cute and crafty San Francisco young couple. win win =)
"This website is where you can find out all about what we make and do, our adventures, and what inspires us."

♥ San Francisco: AshCan Magazine
With a great overview of fresh arts, articles and posts such as "As I would say: It’s like an acid trip you can read.", "The handmade ho-down" and more. It sure covers some ground.

Photo del día: bikes and the Yosemite

2011-01-06T05:10:00.000-08:00

I headed out of the city last week for a two-day trip with a few of my girlfriends to go snowshoeing in Yosemite.
It was nice to remove ourselves from daily urban zoo and go play in the snow, enjoy the tranquility in the snowflake soundtrack and admire the National Park tremendous mountains. So beautiful, so beautiful.

// Taken from mi mobile

SF bike party core group test/ride, from December 2010.

2011-01-06T05:05:00.000-08:00

This was back in early December, a core group of San Francisco bike extraordinaries+enthusiasts, rode a testing a route of what would be the 1st unpublished SF bike party. A lot of outstanding efforts, time, and planning has been discussed and the route for this upcoming Friday event was tested a few times.
Many props to all the organizers, volunteers and chefs in the bike party planning kitchen making all that noise.

In preparation for this Friday's ride, below is a little video I made last year (at the time there was no URL available but now you can find all the info at sfbikeparty.org.) I think I'm liking this presentation style of including a video, what do you think?! not bad huh..
I have also included the set of fotos below, these are too from the first test/ride Dec.2010 =)
[vimeo] Video:

2 photos of the crew: awesometasticos!!! missing a few, but mostly there.

minus Deep (Photo taken by him)

minus me (same)

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

YEAH!

More fotos of the ride: Distance of about 16-18 miles.

The route was smoething like panhandle>Bernal Heights>Bayview>3rd>Howard>Dolores Park.

Good times.

The start at the Baker street statue.

The boys.

On Valencia street.

You!

hot chocolate duo

ramonsitta

peace duo

qfc beats duo

blue and red duo

Push team duo! --- up a STEEP hill. (Deep's sound tricycle weights a ton!) Go teamwork!!

fashionable duo

chatting-the night away duo

dogpatch duo

amigas duo

The view from the back of bernal heights.

Cristina is a star.

Bayshore stop.

Dan +his monkey electric bike by a kelleys mission rock

on Howard.

Stripey socks smileys. Calitexican.

Super FUN good times from all the by-standers. Be aware of the tremendous amounts of smiles this ride causes =)

Deep and the Trikeasaurus

and let's hear it from the WOMEN!! yeyaaaaaaaaa ♥!!

golden standard.

M+M: We say you can ride hills, all levels, all bikes. There is no shame of walking up a hill if you need to.

We like routes, we like hills: they do a body good. Your legs will thank you. kthx

the end.

+Don't forget to join the party tomorrow night. Bring your neighbors, bring your friends.

More details at SFbikeparty.org

- - -

//// The San José bike party will be in the family of parties with SJ Bike party (posts from August and April rides), as well as the East Bay party.

Wednesdays of Who Wore What

2011-01-05T05:30:00.000-08:00

Hola all! I am happy to introduce you to a new weekly series.
Who wore what continues the flavor and style that I published with the 2010 Momentum Magazine "What to Wear" printed column which, its on-line archive completion of the number of columns wrote and photo'd should be up soon. Hope you enjoy this new series, and if you have any submissions, questions and of course fotos, feel free to share them either bikesandthecity[at]gmail or the social networks.

This is not necessarily about being chic or into fashionable things or trends, but if you want, it can be.
It is about being yourself, what works for you and what makes you comfortable, confident and happy to ride your bike!
-xxo♥m

And off we go with the first set:
- - - -

Calitexican and Michelle are ready to ride in the rain

Why this works: Boots are essential in San Francisco's moody weather. Rubber rain boots or
classic long black boots will keep you dry and warm. Say cheese!
Where: La Missión

- - - -

Why this works: It's a bamboo bike! and he nicely posed to let me take his picture. Sharp casual. I'm also a huge fan of solid simple fun watches. Who wears watches? Cool peeps who don't depend on cellphones! Plus points.
Where: Polk street.

- - - -

Alan. (Sept. 2010)
Why this works: It was a pretty hot that day. (SF hot: 85°F) A light shirt and jeans are post-work happy hour and ready to go.
Where: Outside the Boom Boom Room. The Fillmore.

- - - -

Why this works: Ortlieb bags are waterproof, sticker-collection friendly, and they pretty much fit everything.
Where: Sweeney while riding butterlap. I think it would be weird to see him without it.

- - - -

Arena and I meet for coffee. Taken by el Richie.

Why this works: Work, play and coffee time in between, layers are key. I don't know what Arena's coat brand is or which fabric/material it's made of, but it I like it! Looks super cozy, maybe it is also weather-proof and it is a nice olive green color that combines with everything. Even with the colorful citrus punch troll standing next to her =)
Where: Coffee bar, Mission district.

--------

All fotos are in San Francisco and taken by yours truly, unless otherwise noted. And if so always credited.

Humpday inspiration: predictable

2011-01-05T05:15:00.000-08:00

get some.

Butter up, buttercups! The first Butterlap of 2011

2011-01-05T05:05:00.000-08:00

♥Butterlap | Meets Wednesdays at Ferry bldg. 7PM
Ends at Bender's around 9PM • about 17-18mi ride

A little drawing I made back in June 2010.

Tell your friends and neighbors. Let's ride!!
Map from last butterlap of 2010, via ButterBill =)

Let's party in the TL and Bernal Heights.

2011-01-04T05:20:00.000-08:00

Tuesday is the new party animal.
To close this party posting saga, here is your addictive dose of murals y Frenchie love ala mucho color as always. ♥m

For Heist Gallery on Geary

Mural times in Frechie heights

Los events early edition: San Francisco Bike party - this Friday!!

2011-01-04T05:15:00.000-08:00

Friday: San Francisco Bike Party! Birthday theme
- - -
Speaking of parties, the San Francisco Bike Party is HERE!
Mark your calendars, the fun begins this Friday, Jan. 7th -- all ages
Theme this month is: Birthday Party
Please tell your neighbors and friends. SOOOOO much fun =)

This is from the #1 SF Bike party/test/core ride back in early December 2010, I will post more this Thursday including a video. Wooooot!

Rest stop at the China Basin park.

Find more info details in the links below:

San Francisco Bike Party via sfbikeparty.org
San Francisco Bike Party is a monthly celebration of biking for riders of different ages, types, and skill levels to enjoy.
- - - - - -
Our mission: Building community through bicycling.

San Francisco Bike Party is held on the 1st FRIDAY at 8pm every month. We encourage people to bring POSITIVITY and CONTRIBUTE to good times while being RESPECTFUL to others.
The rides are FUN and SAFE with stops to DANCE and SOCIALIZE along the way. We follow PLANNED ROUTES exploring all different parts of the city each month.

Who runs it?
Created by a CO-OP, by and for bike enthusiasts, run by volunteers.

HOW WE RIDE:
- Stay in the right lane
- Stop at red lights
- Leave nothing and nobody behind
- Ride predictably and in control
- Roll past conflict
- When in doubt, “bike party!!”

Stay tuned sfbikeparty.org and find us in the social links/networks:
Facebook || Twitter

Today is the 2+half anniversary and the first Tuesday of the year. Wooooooo

2011-01-04T05:10:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I'm still on a new year high energy spasm. Bikes and the City turns 2.5 years. RAAAAH! =)
Happy new year to you all. That's all. besos
xxo♥meligrosa

Los events early edition: this Thursday in San José - Shorty Fatz

2011-01-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

Thursday: SHORTY FATZ in San José 

This awesome event looks FIRME. If you are in the vicinity in SanJo this Thursday, check it out!

Photo via sjma
SAMMY RODRIGUEZ AND MATTHEW RODRIGUEZ OF SHORTY FATZ
Free with museum admission
SJMA calendar [link]

[Press release] Matthew Rodriguez and Samuel Rodriguez, creators of Shorty Fatz in San Jose, will discuss and demonstrate their custom-built bicycles at the San Jose Museum of Art on Thursday, January 6, at 5 p.m. The bike designers and artists appear as part of SJMA’s ongoing “Creative Minds” series. Admission to the talk and demonstration is free with museum admission of $8 ($5 for students and seniors, free for members. The galleries will be open until 8 p.m. on January 6.
The Museum will display three Shorty Fatz bicycles in the lobby from December 28 through January 6.
Shorty Fatz is a design and custom bicycle center created by the two Rodriguezes (who are not related). They design and manufacture custom, single-speed bicycles for enthusiasts interested in “cruisers” and fixed-gear bicycles. Shorty Fatz bikes are not mass-produced; each frame is made by hand to suit the individual's unique features and needs. Shorty Fatz designs and fabricates all their products in San Jose. The duo has received several public art commissions, including installations for the Martin Luther King, Jr., Library and the Seven Trees Community Center and Branch Library in San Jose. Sammy Rodriguez was also one of eight California artists chosen to create an installation for a train station on the Los Angeles Metro’s Expo line. The Rodriguezes began building custom bikes in their East San Jose garage in 2007.

// The San Jose Museum of Art is a distinguished museum of modern and contemporary art and a lively center of arts activity in Silicon Valley. The Museum is located at 110 South Market Street in downtown San Jose, California.

Bikes, beer, basket y basketball

2011-01-03T05:20:00.000-08:00

I am very thankful that I didn't get sick at all in 2010, asides the allergy cases and hangovers,
I did pretty good. Started this first week pretty mellow, bici bike basket was loaded with
yummy eats and since I was a rainy first weekend of the new year, took it real easy.
Got lots of energy, chismes, events and posts and photos to share, naturally at its own pace.
You know EZ baby.

On another note, this weekend I enjoyed watching a phenomenal game when a PAC10 team CRUSHED the #1 team
that hadn't lost in 90 games. Stanford *ENDS* UConn's winning streak.
OhEmGee.
I cant wait for March Madness for both men+women's teams.
I'm not a huge fan of Stanford, but they have flawless defense.
Cardinal cut into UConn's invincibility via espn
Don't get me started about basketball. That is all for now.

♥Okay, ride on.

Can you guess the solar-powered beer? =)

oh HAI. IM IN YER WINDOWZ. STEEELIN YER REFLECTIONZ

Bike fuel in progress.

Photo del día: a beautiful sunset

2011-01-03T05:10:00.000-08:00

Captured on the last days of December while walking few blocks to get a flat replaced. Unedited like most, if not all of the photos posted here. I love early afternoon sunsets, they close the light and they lead to an overflow of that saturating energy into the evening.

Winter sunsets are epic

"We stand on this beautiful planet enjoying the sunrise sunset changeofseasons oceans mountains & lovely towns & cities we created together"
- Yoko Ono (via)

Events+moments del 2010: December craft fairs - the holiday Renegade fair

2011-01-03T05:05:00.000-08:00

There are some photos and events I didn't get to publish last year, I will post them in the next few weeks of the new year so, some kind of quasi-review of 2010.

+ + + + +

The obligatory banner-Frenchie shot. I now have a gazillion of these.

The Holiday Renegade fair was fun and as always full of cute overloads. My camera was almost dying so I got to snap some photos. I got to hang out with my handsome Hambone Design peeps at first, then wandered around to see what new shops and findings I encountered.

Rain panda

On my way there, it had just stopped raining.

There is always someone admiring that fun mural

A serious issue here is the bike parking situation. Racks, lack thereof. I recall using the front one for a couple of events (by the 8th street entrance) and for the rest such as the Green festival, I recall having the Bike parking valet SFBC service. Are there not enough events here to have a sufficient amount of bike racks, did I totally missed them, or does the management of the concourse not know/nor maybe has not decided to get in touch with 311 (Link: Request a bike rack!) to get those racks installed? Seeing how easy would be to cut some of the cables of beautiful bikes attached to fences or very weak hand rails, brakes my bike heart to even think that thieves thrive for these situations. Us bikers are a crafty bunch, there was an invasion of bikes creativly parked all around 7th/8th Brannan. I parked at the corner of Room and Board, closer to Townsend.
What is going on here concourse, allow more bike racks!!
Moving along -

The ladies of Fabric Horse, from Philly. How AWESOME is that fluorescent handbag?!

I'm in love. But I also know I dont need another bag.... la lalalalalala.

hip bike posters, cool cats from ELAY. and I don't know what the ginger discount is all about.

Skulls and other cool women-line jerseys, made by a woman based out ofSan Diego, Calif.

Tom girl shop. Isn't she adorable?! she is super nice =)

I also loved the guys that had the gigantic octopus helmet-pillow thing, does anyone know the name of that shop.

They were so funny.

Later in the evening, I met an enthusiastic young man and his camera, and he so nicely asked if he could take my photo (Thank you!! It gets on my nerves when I catch people I don't even know trying to be sneaky, well – I also snap a million photos of people, but you know what I mean those lurker types...not cool). I said yeah of course. He told me I was the most eccentric gal in the building. Mmmh ok, if he thinks so. LOL

Photo taken by Deo | Credit(C)Deowaves

---
Til next time Renegadettes!!

Reader foto: and this is how santa delivered so fast...

2011-01-03T05:00:00.001-08:00

Thanks to blog-reader Nick B. for the submission over the Holidays/NYE2011 break =)

Be good or naughty -- Im out!!!!

via Nick's christmasbikes blog

Into el new year: coffee, rocking legs y rainy days

2011-01-02T11:30:00.000-08:00

1.1.11 First coffee of the year

¡HOLAAAAAAAA!! how are all you sunshines kicking it in the rain?!
Your wheelwoman Meligrosa here, doing a rare Sunday check-in. Why not is a new year and the good energy is flowing. How is the new year treating you!?

Got any resolutions? Do tell. I don't have any, really. I suppose I can do more yoga or something. But, I end up forgetting about it all by February.
Anyways – Thought I'd share a quick snap from New Year's eve, which will double as inspiration in case one of your resolutions involves some kind of excercise torture, like working out. As you see, San Francisco has great 5star gyms all over.
We call them hills.
And this is what it does to you, as shown by us San Francisco bicycle women ----You are welcome.

Bikes. It does a body good.

L-R: Di, Me, KLaw, Kim, Jenn, KT (aka killer calves!) | Photo by Nio

///xxo♥m

With love from San Pancho: merry xmas, happy holidays +happy new year 2011!

2010-12-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

- - - -

With love from San Francisco, wishing you all happy holidays and a peaceful, relaxing,

and big wild party to celebrate the end of year and receive a brand new sunrise in 2011.
- - - -

Frenchie, and you are there. -- BART

Hot ginger dose -- Outdoor sitting at Outerlands

BART parking -- Passing by parked bikes at the 24th and Mission BART station.

Jump -- Crunchie sidewalk, somewhere in North Beach

Blinkies -- Butterlap pit stop in the Presidio

Sweet ride. -- Chatting with a fellow randonneur, outside Trouble Coffee in Outer sunset.

Red bow white ride -- Outside Orphan Andy's in the Castro

Greetings from foglandia, from a quiet Golden Gate Bridge sunset fog view

Chillaxing +drinking lots of coffee and, maybe will give it a try at skating that ice rink at Union Square or Embarcadero (!!)

I'll be back to the blogesphere after the Holidays, in January. Thanx for reading, as always. Mucho love.

- - - -

'til next year!

♥xo.meli

Butterlap holiday buttercups!

2010-12-21T05:20:00.000-08:00

Warm up and break a sweat before you stuff your face with pumpkin pie and Christmas Anchor steam ale. I know I will.
If you are one of the few of us here in the City for the Holidays, come out and ride tomorrow -Wednesday night!

The Legion of honor knew it was butterlap wednesday and put their holidays lights out so I could take a photo =)

♥Butterlap | Meets Wednesdays at Ferry bldg. 7PM
Ends at Bender's around 9PM • about 17-18mi ride

Festive cute trio - meet Charlie, Marijke y Nick

Clear views to the city night lights, from the Ft.Mason pit stop.

Denise and her BEAUTIFUL bike sharrow sweater!!

Presidio stop at Lincoln blvd

Nio's bici

Butter Bill strikes a pose. He got caught up in the blogesphere sporting his infamous buttercup jersey by Kevin over at Uptown Almanac [link] --Rad!

Marcovision

Garmin map from 12/15, via ButterBill!: LINK (Bird eye included, thanks!):

**If you are an uber procastinator and need some posters for your last-minute holiday gifting, send me an email and I could bring some down to the Ferry bldg tomorrow evening.

Photo del día: your dose of vitamin C

2010-12-21T05:10:00.000-08:00

citrus punch

Bikes and the slow life: Anthology

2010-12-17T05:20:00.000-08:00

Anthology magazine is a new quarterly beautiful independent publication, ran by two fantastic local women, locally based in the Bay Area.
I was honored and humbly flattered when I was contacted to interview for an article. At the time, I had no idea what array and variety of subjects visual design would be involved, which turned out to be fantastic. So I had the interview, more like bike chat conversations, with each of the ladies. This took place back in May (old saddle still lived and spoke card is from fresh from Bike to Work Day), the magazine was launched this past October.
So, to close this long week and almost this year, here I am. The article is titled "Nice Ride" with Frenchie in the spotlight♥!!

This is what a cyclist looks like. Says me!

The photograph was taken on an early morning at Coffee bar on Mariposa, one of my many favorite spots around San Francisco. The photo session was lots of fun and I even got to meet a few handsome local firemen.
It was quite a thrill to flip through tha pages and see the photos. The design and photography, as well as the typography is well thoughtout. They also feature a local business spots, yummy eats and in the mix a coffee man and some pizza recipes along with it. So Bay Area!!...

pizzaaaaaaaaaaaaaH -- gimmee!!

There is also a informational nicely written by Velouria of Lovely Bike! which goes into detail why it is important and crucial that you find a bicycle that fits you well and learn to identify what works for you and your needs. Basic!

- - - -
Launch party reception event | West Elm, Emeryville
Here are some photos of la Calitexican and I at the reception party more than a few weeks ago, causing crafty troubles in the East Bay. The event took place at the West Elm in Emeryville (Next to Berkeley, for those of you outside the area). The photobooth was super fun!

a lady DJ spinning the night away

- - - -
The excitement to be featured in a non-biking magazine (as I have also previously expressed in BUST's article post from last year) is to be able to be part of the exposure and once again show that you don't need to be in great shape, wear specific clothing or items and in particularly, show that San Francisco is completely bikeable and no hills, nor myths, nor train tracks should stop someone from at least trying it out. If that could reach and potentially inspire or motivate anyone of you out there, or if it already has by looking around you and grab a bike to use it as a tool to get around town -- then that is just pure joy.

I love fashion and I like to dress up even if I'm picking up a pizza around the corner. I've always said that one should ride in whatever one is comfortable with and what feels natural to you. If you are happy and comfortable whether it is a dress, boots, sportswear, lycra or jeans, or whatever it is, then do it.

You will conquer any bike route and see your confidence blossom to a different level while at it.

After almost a decade of bicycling in this foggy-steep-hills-fine and fantastic city, there is tremendous room for structure improvement, but the large increase of bike ridership in the recent years has shown that it is possible to ride the hell out of this city. Women, more women, more women!! let's be represented.

Anthology editorial ladies, many gracias
+thanks for reading my blog and adventures
♥xxo.meli

Now get off you computer and go ride, and get a paper cut from an actual paper magazine!! =)

Los events: the weekend starts today!

2010-12-17T05:05:00.000-08:00

TGIF TGIF TGIF TGIF TGIF TGIF!!!
Friday: Bike Share Technology Showcase 10am

Mayor Newsom and city officials will be showing off San Francisco’s own bike sharing program, thanks to a $7.9 Million pilot program. Come see the future of commuting.

10am-3PM Civic Center. via sffuncheap.com
+info here: link

Saturday: Heist gallery 7-9pm

 +info: mike giant + heist gallery

Saturday +Sunday: Renegade fair holiday sale 11am-7pm

"Join us for the 2nd Annual Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Sale in San Francisco on December 18 + 19, from 11am – 7pm in the Concourse Exhibition Center’s East Hall (620 7th St.)"
Free event
+info here: link

Sunday: Endangered Species Big Year Bike Tour 9:30am

This sounds really outdoorsy cool!
Sunday, 19 Dec 2010, 09:30
Meets at the Bazaar Cafe - 5927 California Street
+info here: link

Sunday: Annual Holiday/Christmas bike ride

From SFbike.org/chain

'Tis the season! Don your Santa hat and join the SFBC's annual two-wheeled tour of some of our favorite city's festive light displays. This year's route is a moderately hilly 8 miles with a special surprise picnic destination. So bring your granny gears and a tasty snack to share with other hungry cyclists. And if you've forgotten the words to some of those old Christmas carols, well, we'll remind you.

Free event. Heavy rain cancels
Meets at Panhandle statue on Baker/Oak+Fell

This ride was printed with one of my photos from the 2009 post!!
and also digitally published on SFgate/96hours by city wheelwoman Anna and other of my fabulous peeps (CTX+V!) were quoted. Awesome!!
See article here: Bike about town | Holiday Lights Ride: Viewing the best of S.F. cheer

With love from: Eindhoven

2010-12-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Eindhoven by sindändùne

Meanwhile in Europe, mi amigo in Amsterdam Álvaro took this photo in Eindhoven, Netherlands while visiting his friends.
He makes fun of our sunny 38°F/3°C winter here in Northern California, but I still interwebs-love him =)

He tells me this shot, is an underground-style bike parking structure. Someone get me to Europe soon, I need to party with some cute boys and roam around on bikes all day on that side of the globe. kthx.

Photo del día: winter dreaming

2010-12-16T05:10:00.000-08:00

Good morning, at 39°

2010-12-16T05:05:00.000-08:00

Because it does feel insanely cold after a heat wave of mid-70°s spoil Fall season treatment, oooookay!!!
Last night after finishing butterlap, I saw the temperature had reached 40°. It didn't feel too cold, but my cheeks were nice and crisp. I love that feeling.
One of the mornings before the Thanksgiving break, my girlfriend Muffin and I got together for another one of our early morning coffee sessions. We try to chose different locations around town from time to time. The weather indicated 39° that day and it was also pretty windy. As a whimpy native Californian, I knew it was remarkably cold when my fingers got a little numb while riding.

See, it wasn't that cold if this guy was roaming in shorts. So was I, but with my tights under.

Getting some sunshine on Market.

Layered.

This cute guy was spotted near the Ferry Bldg.

Downtownlands

Well that was before 8am or so, after I caught some warmth and got rid of that jacket after taking this shot that morning. I almost that silly jacket which is not really functional but to feel like a mix of a Michelin-man and a human burrito at the same time. This jacket is not even water-repellant, a total FAIL in the lands of fog maximus. I never wear it, but I can almost say it was nice to wear it that morning and my friend loves to tease me since I have been saying for almost a decade that I will soon donate it. So I wore it to make her laugh about it. Soon...

We split ways and off we go.

Til next time! --- Chauu!

With love from: Manchester

2010-12-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

"Greetings from a slightly snowy Manchester China Town brrrrrrrrrrrrrr"

- - - -

Winter snow parking in Manchester, shared by long time blog reader Georgie

♥Gracias/thanks for sharing!!

Behind the scenes: the SF bike expo 2010!

2010-12-15T05:10:00.000-08:00

Bike catwalk list

It is finally here! Another MEGA fun behind-the-scenes post, for the day we were all fashion bicycle models for Pedal Savvy at the SF Bike Expo in the Cow Palace, November 6th.
This was fun, we modeled, got tons of hairspray and fancy stuff on our hair, got our make-up done and off we went.

getting lots of hair spraysssssstsssssss

cheeeeeeese

here I am!!

I love this photo of KT, while she wasn't looking =)

make-up session. and I was ready for mi second dose of coffee!

"...Shall we read the following chapter..."

sssssup

the show isn't complete without Gwen's mom around =) We love her!!

Patricia

Katie super star doing some finishing touches on the bicycles.

The bikes included brands like Felt (mine came with a coffee cup holder...how apropos) Public, Electra, dutch bicycle, Globe, Dahon, and even a bamboo bike!!

bisous for everybody

Gwen at work

Gwen and us --- HAAAAAAAY

There was some review around the interwebs, blabbing upon how this stuff was so hip, unnatainable and how much it didn't represent the bicycle community across the states. You know what ---- this is San Francisco and it is a world-class city with all its flaws, beauties and struggles. We were all there because we opted to do so, opted to support our friend Gwen and the SF Bike Expo team and we are ALL riders between the ages of 18 to 40+, and although we don't represent everybody, we do our best to do so, work our ass off either in school or jobs, and bike every day. We also had two young children to model for the evening show with their dad, so cute!
Know that the companies and tailors, many of them locally-based, that provided their goods to be shown off, were more than proud to do so. We all don't buy an entire outfit, nor buy the latest and greatest to ride -- we are here because is fun, we are city people and if you don't like to see us having fun and enjoying our day off by being here all day in this fabulous bike fashion show, then don't get caught up judging against it. I'm also not about to promote the mentioned site link, which is in no big city, but somewhere in the east coast and probably snowed in. So that's that and that said..

Let your body move to the music, hey, hey, hey.

Come on, vogue.

We had our favorite paparazzi and friends in the house!

we all love Richard

Dustyyyyyyyyyyy

…and then, the camera loves you

JD scored some rims

the we had a brush-up session

we are readyyyyyy to go!

Robin's finishing touches

triple troubles!! =))))

Matching reds - I hearts Joe!!

amour de ma sunglasses -- mi amiga KT of VéloVogue

KT et moi had way too much fun back there!

We had a huge bike pile going on, so here are most of our bikes. It does a body good.
----

And what is a bloggera to do, asides drinking coffee and taking photos....

Richard caught me right-handed doing both, here is me and below the shot I took from the stage:

and here is, once again a shot from the bikecatwalk shot from the stage! =)))

the crowd!!!

+++can't get enough?! Here are more goodies

Photographers were Dusty (set not up yet) and

Richard (with assistant Ivy and friend!) of cyclelicious whose set can be viewed here: link
Adrienne recently posted a cute SF Bike Expo "tribes unite" post at CYLRAB here: link

Just this week, the video sprung out from the blogesphere, was so happy to see the clip, which quite sums it up. +Eeek and whose legs are those sans tights?!? The videos sum up so much fun!!

Gracias y thank you to everyone that dropped by +enjoyed the show!!feed the models. and bring all the coffee to me!!
♥xxo.meli

The 2010 SF Bike Expo roundup

2010-12-15T05:05:00.002-08:00

Cow Palace -- Saturday, November 6th 

The SF bike expo was a long but super fun day of everything bikeuniverse.
We had a break between the fashion shows at around 1PM and later that afternoon, so we got to wander around and enjoy some bike action. Was nice check out the booths, meet up with my peeps, super fun to see the cyclocross races and the butt-kicking women, and the awesome BMX/dirt jumping events. SO RAD.

And so it goes, the day began like this:
KT, Kevin and I in the morning. We met for coffee but I don't think I was fully conscious yet - I certainly needed lots of my beloved caffeine that morning.

Dave, Ed and their schwinn crew. These peeps of ours are always such early birds, love it!!

The scraper bikes from Oakland, were in the house. The always bring a freshly made soundtrack/CD and sell it for about 5$-10$. Sweet!

Scraper circles

I got 5 on it.

Lots of people were outside checkin out the events, races and Etc.

A stylin' lady stikes a pose with her classy blue bike

And then, a tremendous hour of pure awesomeness:

- - - -

meanwhile back inside, miz Sara Murder and team at the Pushbike booth

Pushbike to go, that bright pink Bullitt rocks!!

I got to hang out for a bit with cutie patootie Eva-Lu from the other sunny side of our Golden state. watsuppppp!

hallo!

Nan and friends at the b.spoke tailor booth.

Momentum magazine's Mia all the way from Canada!

Dan and the Public crew

The pretty Christine and company at the Rickshaw bagworks booth.

- - -

Riding back

And then, after a long day of bikes and fun, we were ready for some food and then, more party!! A few of us from the fashion show, Dan from Monkey Electric, Mia and many other of our peeps, oined the Bike Savvy pedal ride back into the city. Good times!

I'd say we bike about 8-10 miles on the way back (Geneva> Alemany> San José> Valencia --- Etc.)

Evening savvy ride crew

Monkeylectrique of monkeylectric.com

A mid-size ride is not complete without a flat. This is in the Excelsior, on Geneva and Mission

We. Are. Traffic.
Riding on San José in its entirety.

oh hai.

FOOOOOD!

Lucky charms

Sad face our new fixie friends didn't get into the after party, which was 21+.
They had the coolest bikes. KLaw got to ride the one without brakes. Insane -- Maybe next year!!

"how the hell do I brake?!"

parking our bikes at the afterparty

--
The afterparty was fun, but all good things come to an end. And this concludes the blog post for this year's SF Bike Expo 2010.
'Til next time!!
♥xxo.meli