Posted by Les Faber in Many of my fellow Bloggers pooh pooh we Canadians as Helmet-wearing spandex driven cycling zealots (I’ll accept the zealot moniker). True, we do have our share of synthetic apparel etc….
Two of my favorite blogs promote a more relaxed cycling mentality. And I must admit that I have come to appreciate and accept what they have to say.
With that in mind, I have opened my eyes somewhat and began looking for what is termed to be “CycleChic”. The definition may vary. But my view is that someone is CycleChic when they can dress well and look good on any ride (okay you can post rebuttals at anytime – click “Comment” button below)
And to my point as there always must be one.
I have witnessed many examples here in our Nation’s capital. But did not always have my camera at the ready.
Fortune was with me last night! While on our evening rideabout, we came across a delightful young lady who was not frightened of a camera totting Spandex-wearing fellow (me) who asked to take her photo.
May I present Sarah!
Who says Ottawa is boring?
Great bike also. She had just gotten the meanest looking seat I had ever seen.
I’d never pooh pooh any Canadian
Sarah is definitely Cycle Chic, which is not even about dressing purposely well and looking good…it’s about wearing what you’d usually wear through the day, be it classy, casual (like Sarah) or anything else. Combined with ‘normal’ bicycles and anything but spandex, you got an instant hit. The visual result is a non-issue over here (Europe), but the more telling for people abroad. I’m just glad Mikael coined it that way. Good fun.
@ Amsterdamize: So I guess Helen & I should leave our Spandex at home when we come to Holland in September? LOL …..
abso-cycle-lutely! No, seriously, do! You’ll feel so much better
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Le Fille Canadienne Cette Tre Chic et Le Velo C’est Fatastique. A very Beautiful Girl. That Spandex and Lycra and Helmets is OK for High Speed Cycling but not for ordinary People who just enjoy Cycling for Pleasure and transportation. Amsterdamize and Copenhagenize your Life join the Slow Bicycle Movement, smell the Trees and Flowers and dont forget the Coffee Aroma as well.Have a good Holiday in the Netherlands. Dublin Ireland
Well, there are many, many non-lycra clad or helmeted cyclists here in Montréal, some very chic indeed! We have made progress with bicycle lanes and workaday cycling, but much remains to be done!
vive la vélorution
As I was posting, a lovely young Montréalaise rode by the window of my home office, in a black dress and smart denim jacket, hair in the wind, sort of an Amélie bob. But we come in all ages and styles.
@lagatta: What are you waiting for? Grab a digital camera! Send me the pics and I’ll post them,