Calgary
May 19th, 2011
Wicker Ways
You’ve got the cycling around town in style down, but peddling while you’re packing the work bag, gym bag and a baguette and wine of course, is another story.
It’s time to take the load off with a nifty, and sturdy rear basket from Axiom. Our pick is the wicker Covered Pannier Bagsket (get it?) that is easy to put-on, and take-off your bike and has a hinged lid to keep all things secure and in place. It also comes with a shoulder strap that can be attached and used to carry your belongings, including picnic goodies, to and from the bike.
$129.99 at Ridley’s Cycle, 223 10th St. NW, Calgary, 403-283-1421, www.ridleys.com
March 17th, 2011
Beauty and the Bike
All it takes for us to do a double take is a sexy shot of a pretty young thing on a bicycle, peddling across a New York street.
The folks at Momentum magazine are hoping for many more of the same easy prey with their newly redesigned mag. Published in Vancouver and devoted to bike culture, the magazine is celebrating its 50th issue with the spring edition. In addition to the fabulous cover shot by Bridget Fleming as part of her “Downtown From Behind” series, inside, the magazine looks back at past issues, gives tips on all the newest bike gear, offers a how-to on biking with newborns and includes a feature on the Top 10 cycling destinations in North America.
And best of all, the magazine’s new look makes biking look sexier than ever. —MG
May 6th, 2010
Dirt Devils
If your mountain biking regimen includes a pre-ride prayer asking whoever’s up there to help you make it down in one piece, the Trek Dirt Series is your saviour.
Learn an entire season’s worth of skills (from basic climbing to riding down drops) and bond with fellow mountain bikers at the all-women two-day weekend camps ($315). Participants are split into groups according to experience so no need to fret if you’re still working on the basics. The camps also include bike maintenance clinics, fit workshops and social time to talk shop and show off your new skills. The first Canadian camp runs May 15 and 16 in North Vancouver followed by May 29 and 30 in Whistler, July 10 and 11 in Calgary and August 21 and 22 in Canmore. For a complete schedule go to www.dirtseries.com
March 30th, 2010
Fashion In Motion
French women don’t get fat, and there’s nothing more chic than a Parisienne pedaling down the street.
Calgary may not have La Seine, but at least we’re closer to the look with Riyoko Urban Bikewear. The Calgary-based collection of hoodies, T-shirts and jackets is all about function meets fashion with adjustable cuffs, zippered pockets, longer torsos for added coverage and hoods that are cut farther back for shoulder checking. The blazer-style cycling jacket (pictured, from $235) is water and wind resistant.On y va.
March 18th, 2010
Wheely Cool
Nothing says sunshine days ahead like a new set of wheels from BikeBike.
The boutique-style shop stocks a wide selection of bikes, from single speed messenger bikes to cargo bikes that can carry up to 500 pounds. You’ll also find baskets, bike bags and funky helmets. Stay tuned for organized meet-ups including an ice cream tour where you cruise from shop to shop, tasting flavours while still burning calories. Genius.
BikeBike, 1501 17 Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-457-2453, www.bikebike.ca
July 9th, 2009
It’s Electrifying
There are mornings when a leisurely bike ride is just what the doctor ordered. Other days, a little pedaling assistance wouldn’t hurt.
If you’re in the market for more vroom, pimp out the bicyclette with a four-part electric bike converter kit (from $800) at Power in Motion. If you’re shopping for a new bike, ready-to-go models are also on-hand (from $1,800). Depending on the type of two-wheeler, speeds reach up to 32 clicks per hour.Just try not to get a speeding ticket.
For home installation, buy kits online here. Power in Motion, 176-200 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary, 403-233-8841, www.powerinmotion.ca
June 15th, 2009
Pedal Like a Parisian
Escalades are so over…today you’re more likely to see a chic celebrity like Diane Krueger riding a bike rather than dashing in and out of an SUV.
The Good Life Community Bike Shop in Eau Claire Market has plenty of pocket-friendly pedal options for burgeoning bike enthusiasts. Stop in to brush up on your basics at a weekly seminar, donate your old ten-speed, and get the details on two-wheel events around town. So throw on a vintage floral frock, lace-up your favourite gladiators, fill your bike basket with peonies and pedal your way into Lagerfeld’s inner circle.
Good Life Community Bike Shop, Unit B5, 200 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary, 403-984-4727, www.goodlifebikes.ca
