THE LITTLE BIKE SHOP @ The New Amsterdam Bicycle Show THIS WEEKEND

via DARGELOS

DARGELOS's lightning vest, belt pouch and awesome convertible backpack/tote (above) will be among other accessories for sale at THE LITTLE BIKE SHOP - a pop up shop at The New Amsterdam Bicycle Show THIS weekend!

The New Amsterdam Bicycle Show is taking place 10am - 7pm this Saturday and Sunday at the Skylight SoHo, 275 Hudson Street between Spring and Canal. This year their hosting a slew of bike centric exhibitors (over 50!), offering a chance to win some incredible door prizes including a trip to the Netherlands or a new bike, beer, and valet bike parking.

THE LITTLE BIKE SHOP is a collaborative by Adeline Adeline and Velojoy which looks like they'll have some well curated and mighty attractive offerings...

custom designed saddle by Kara Ginther / Poka Cycles Chainguard via Adeline Adeline 

Spinlister catching my attention

This bike in SoHo caught my attention for two reasons... (1) the bike's awesome colour scheme - especially like the yellow pedals matching the Ulock and (2) the seat cover ad by Spinlister, a new online marketplace where you can rent/rent out a bike...

via Spinlister

Doing a few quick searches I found a real range of bikes (even one with a kids seat), per day prices (ranging from $10 to $60) with per week options, pick-up locations, though found the majority listed as fitting 5'6" or taller. It was also interesting to see that along with individuals listing their bikes, I spotted a couple rental companies like Bike and Roll on there...

via Spinlister

Before considering renting out on of my bikes, I'm going to spend some time reading through their Terms & Conditions. But it does seem like this site is a pretty brillant way of scoring some wheels for a few days -- especially if your an out of towner - or - making some extra $$ from a bike collecting dust in your tight living quarters. I just know if I were renting, I would be mighty careful locking up! 

If you've used Spinlister, do share your thoughts!!! 

an April bike commute

After Sunday's all day rain came... this balancing driftwood sculpture. Love coming across random things like this on my bike commutes.

making NCY bike friendly: air stations

Two nights in a row this week I helped out people on the West Side Greenway with flat tires -- yes, I always carry a bike pump. But it got me thinking back to visiting Stockholm years ago where they have 'cykelpump' stations scattered around the city offering free air to all since after all, lots of flats are a result of low air pressure.

With the growing number of cyclists (including the upcoming launch of NYC's own Bike Share) and the city pumping $$$ (no pun intended) enhancing its waterfront with an eventual continuous bike path around the island... incorporating some free air filling stations would be nice!!! Here's my dreamy scenario of installing air pump stations along the waterfront every 2-3 miles around the city since gas stations and bicycle shops are few and far between...

Additional pump station add ons that come to mind: presta valve adapter, PSI control so you could fill up your road bike tires to 100+PSI(!), and attached wrench and set of Allen keys.

Torch, a new cycling helmet

FTLOBs reader Nathan Wills sent over a helmet he's been developing which integrates front and rear lights into the helmet itself. You can check out more about the Torch, including a video of the design in action in the pouring rain, on his Kickstarter page (where all funds raised will go towards tooling, initial production, packaging, and domestic shipping to backers).

I'm not sure of the overall weight of the helmet but like the idea of gaining visibility from the sides and since its an all-in-one product --  you won't have to worry about forgetting your lights at home!

is that seat talking to me?

Its not the first time seeing a company giving away free waterproof bike seat covers as a form of advertising, but I spotted this one in Brooklyn -- not Europe! With the increase in cycling and thus bikes parked outdoors - bike seats appear to be the next available (mini) billboards in waiting.

Timbuk2's Soggybuns campaign (above) is offering 20% off your next purchase on their website and is hilariously collecting your "photos of clever alternate uses for your bike seat cover" which so far includes a shower cap, beret, and a fruit bowl. Too funny!

sweet 3rd generation ride

Laura's grandmother was given this adorable bicycle as a 4 year old living in France in the 1950's. She held on to it and passed it down to her three kids who rode it in the '70s and '80s.

Jump to 2012, on her recent 4th birthday, Laura became the proud owner of the little bicycle with original details still intact (like that cool rear rack) along with a couple new accessories (new bell and tassels). LOVE that she's already got mud on the tires!

Thanks for sharing, Michelle!

Minimergency (tiny care) Kit

I came across these tiny (measuring at just 3.5" x 2" x 2") emergency kits 'for her' in a gold pouch at JCrew today. The Minimergency® Kit are made by Ms. & Mrs. and include these seriously small -- yet totally practical -- items that I admit to often finding myself needing in a bind: Clear Elastics, Sewing Kit, Double-Sided Tape, Stain Remover, Deodorant Towelette, Pain Reliever, Tampon, Breath Freshener, Dental Floss, Adhesive Bandages, Hairspray, Clear Nail Polish, Nail Polish Remover, Emery Board, Earring Backs, and Lip Balm

The little kit would be at home next to my bike commuting pouch...

redefining age + totally inspiring

photograph by Aaron P. Bernstein for The New York Times
Philippa Raschker age 65

photograph by Aaron P. Bernstein for The New York Times
Jeanne Daprano age 75 

Michael Appleton for The New York Times
Kathy Martin age 60

I loved this article about Kathy Martin and other 'master' athletes from yesterday's NYTimes Sports section. Kathy, who started running as an adult, broke more than a dozen American Running records in her 50's. Jeanne Daprano (top) began entering masters track meets in her late 40s and became the first woman to run a seven-minute mile (6:47.91) in her 70's! Such inspiring stories about strong women -- regardless of age.

On a more personal note, I feel fortunate to having grown up with a wonderful female role model: my mother. She has kept active her entire life, keeping her yoga practice an essential part of each day, and at 69 continues to join hikers half her age to climb the Adirondack Peaks. It is wonderfully refreshing to let go of preconceived notions of 'getting older'!