Leather Jackets and Bikes

I love this combination. It's been so long that I forget her name, but the coolness of the shot should suffice.

Destination:
I forget. "Probably looking for a thunder storm to rock out in." -Murray

Location: Crab Park, Gastown, Vancouver

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Moncler Gamme Bleu

Victoria, a photo contributor to VCC sent me this great fashion highlight from the Jak and Jil Blog of a Moncler Gamme Bleu show. I liked it, but I admit near complete ignorance when it comes to describing clothes, so I employed fashion designer Whit Phuong to give us a little breakdown of what we see.

1st photo: "Ivy League" look. Considered convertible clothing with removable capelette. Capri pant with in-seam pocket.

2nd photo: Anorak jacket. Safari or box-pleat pocket shorts.

Thanks to Jak and Jil Blog for allowing me to re-blog this.

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Mad Dog and Powell Street Slim. Now You Know

On a date, I was reluctant to photo anything because I just wanted to not think of my blog for a day. My lady insisted I photo these two guys that rode past us on their cruisers, so on our way out from the beach I asked them for a few shots. Here is what I discovered:

Lesson #1: Blaine, aka. "Powell Street Slim" (bearded one) and Gary, aka. "Mad Dog" are Vancouver cruiser veterans. Any time you see hoards of cruisers tearing up the city you can bet these guys are part of it.

It was an honour to meet them since I started cycling by building up old cruisers and bothering the local cruiser guys at stores and on forums. I recognized these names and now I know who they are--and so do you.

Lesson #2: Listen to your girlfriend once in a while.

Location: Crab Park, Gastown, Vancouver

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London Cycle Chic in our Midst

In Vancouver, you rarely meet an actual born 'n' bred Vancouverite. Most interesting things that this city has to offer is in some way influenced by the diversity here. Today, I met Neil, an ex-Londoner who works here in renewables. We chatted about music, bike culture and Yanks (in a good way). He brought Cycle Chic from across the planet to us and I'm a little embarrassed to think it is such a hot, new topic, but, hey, we're in Vancouver and we've got a ways to go. Thanks, Neil!

Oh, and I didn't bug him for a list of what he was wearing. I can tell you that he is rocking an original Jorg and Olif, though.

While you're at it, check out the real London Cycle Chic.

Location: Pender and Howe, Downtown, Vancouver

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Things I Like Because They Involve a Bike: Red Racer IPA

When it comes to wine, I admit to buying the occasional bottle simply because of a picture on it of a bike, but this... THIS is actually my favourite beer of the summer for more than just the picture. I first heard of this beer at the Alibi Room in gastown (great selection of beer). It is IPA x10 and hoppy as hell. This beer is the thing I think the most about at work next to throwing my clients out of the third story window and, well, biking home.

Check out the other great beers from Central City Brewery.

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Friday Friend Chic: Annalee

I was being a loser and walking my bike down the hill (pictured above) and from the top I could see this cute and vibrant mirage-lady biking UP the same hill towards me. As she passed I realized it was an acquaintance of mine so we paused for a chat. I also took her photo. Meet Annalee.

Destination:
Departing work, going home (I think)

Pieces of note:
Dress from Spank (Vancouver)
Bike is a 1960 Raleigh

Location: Great Canadian Way and Clark, Vancouver

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Things I Like Because They Involve a Bike: This Movie Trailer

No Heart Feelings from ryan noth on Vimeo.

Some great looking Cycle Chic scenes in this preview of a Canadian movie called No Heart Feelings, based in Toronto. Stole this one from Copenhagen Cycle Chic.

While you're at it: Toronto Bike Chic

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Everyday Things

I stop to enjoy scenes like this one everyday on my commute.

Location: False Creek Seawall, Downtown, Vancouver

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False Creek Chic

Location: False Creek Seawall, Downtown, Vancouver

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Dachshund Chic

I met these two on my way back from a long fixie ride to Iona beach. They invited me to the Hawaii themed cruiser ride starting in Crab Park but I opted for some photos instead. I love cargo bikes and she so happened to be cargo'ing two dachshunds outfitted with leis.

Location: Carral and Powell, Gastown, Vancouver

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Spank

Motorcycle boots.

Location, Reef restaurant patio, Commercial and Parker, Vancouver

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Cigars, Women and Bikes

Wobbling side to side, stogie in mouth, wandering eyes. If his wife finds this, I'm sure he doesn't give a shit--he's my hero.

Location: 10th and Main, Vancouver

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Chic Meet & Greet: Kim

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Her name is Kim. I was texting and standing around when she was crossing the street in front of me. One look and it was a no-brainer: photo this woman and interrogate her.

Destination:
Leaving work, going home

Pieces of note:
Belt from ModCloth (Vancouver)
Top from Dace (Vancouver)
Bike from Electra; model Ticino 2010

Location: Broadway and Manitoba, Mount Pleasant, Vancouver

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Complement Your Surroundings

Location: Cambie near Broadway, Fairview, Vancouver

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A Twinkle in Your Wrinkle

If you knew me, you'd know that I don't exactly get thrilled at the idea of seniors and I can be fairly judgemental when it comes to those who drive when they're half dead or they've fallen asleep while crossing the street. I work with them during the day, I can say those things.

As for the ones who are cool and keep it real (i.e. fit, happy, healthy, stylish), especially on a bike, I will always and forever more watch, listen and learn from my elders.

Location: False Creek Seawall, Downtown, Vancouver

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Edmonton Chic (Yeah, I Said it)

These two, Cora and Erin, were biking past me and I stopped them. They are only three days into moving here from Edmonton and have yet to really dig into this city. I suppose they can't be considered Vancouverites until they snowboard down Cypress, hike up Grouse, zip line down Whistler, stumble to Pride and do Tai Chi hungover in a park but importing your sweet Dutchies from Winter Hell Land is a damned good start.

Looking good while biking is the new Vancouver.

Location: Carral Street, Crosstown, Vancouver
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Stanley Park Chic

Damn you Stanley Park. You're one of my all time favourite places to bike but man are you ever friggin' busy with tourists and families of 20 learning to bike and rollerblade for the first time. It's so funny, sad and endearing all at once. I want to photo everywhere and include you but, damn, it's really hard to spot the chicstas in that sea of helmets, rental bikes, surfer shorts and Old Navy 3-for-1 tank tops.

But I found three of you! And, sir on the Amsterdam, sorry to delay you.

Location: Stanley Park Waterpark (no cycling zone), Vancouver

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Unrest and Outright Defiance

A peaceful statement of slow, visually pleasing and graceful transport.

Location: Adanac and Commercial, Vancouver
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Hen's Teeth

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I'd like to continue reminding you that for the purpose of my blog I aim to capture people on bikes that are taking things slow and easy and wearing everyday clothes (particularly stylish, if possible). Helmet debates aside, these subjects are hard to find, so please savour these fine moments.

Location: 10th and Main, Mount Pleasant, Vancouver

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Cool, Calm and Handsome

Stopping people and asking to photo them is always interesting. They usually ask, "What should I do?" and I tell them to do whatever they want. These two in particular kept it cool, calm and, most importantly, handsome.

I brainfarted and didn't ask about their outfits so WYSIWYG.

Location: 10th and Main, Mount Pleasant, Vancouver

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Friday Friend Chic: Bianca

I think on Fridays I should spotlight a friend! Sadly, my Friday posts might run out after next week.

Bianca is a long time friend and cycling buddy of mine. We've conquered many locations by bicycle and under that elegant facade is a squeaky pedal that has plagued us forever. She's a jewellery and fashion designer.

I've bought necklaces from her in the past. You can find her stuff at Dream Apparel, Twigg & Hottie and online at Etsy.

Outfit:
Vintage boot sandals and leopard print skort
Black top from We-3 (Vancouver)
Reworked leather bag and raccoon tail from Erin Templeton (Vancouver)

Destination:
Leaving work, heading home

Location: 10th and Manitoba, Vancouver

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Gala Chic

You: Biking elegantly
Me: Taking some photos of you for the blog
You: Going by a second time
My friend Colin: Taking another photo of you while I'm in the washroom
You: Yelling, "Hey!" at him
(later)
Me: Drinking with Colin at a nearby bar
You: Hunting us down to find out what the hell we were doing shooting photos of you
Me: Slightly scared but talking up the blog
You: Allowing me to live

Her name is Gala and she was kind enough to let me use her photo. *Update* Turns out she is also a benevolent superhuman.

This is Colin, he helped me: http://www.illustratemoore.com/

Location: 10th and Main, Vancouver

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Missing Kitty

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On this cloudy morning on my way to work, I accosted this colourfully dressed lady while she was posting flyers in search of her missing kitty. With guilt, I asked for some shots but I also offered to post her missing kitty in exchange. If you are in the East Vancouver area near Trout Lake, keep an eye out please!

Location: 18th and Commercial, Vancouver

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Bike Love

I received a shout-out by a fellow Vancouverite blog, Decorate it Darling. I found this in one of her posts and I had to have it.

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Downtown Peloton

Location: Hornby and Helmcken, Downtown, Vancouver

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Red!

I was biking and saw this girl. I totally interrupted her with some guy. Oh the power of having a blog!

Me: "May I take your photo?"
Her: (hesitance)
Me: "It's for a cycling and fashion blog."
Her: "Oooh, oo kay."

Pretty usual dialogue.

Location: 47th and Victoria, Vancouver

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Happy Pride!

It was Pride Week in Vancouver. I caught these two turning left at a light (with excellent etiquette) and giving the scenery some colour.

Location: Hornby and Helmcken, Downtown, Vancouver

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Gentlemen Gastown

Location: (top) Water and Cordova, Gastown, Vancouver; (bottom) Bayshore and Cardero, Coal Harbour, Vancouver (but we were pretty much near Gastown)

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