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!

the Kry Fund - for a young Brooklyn cyclist/bike mechanic/artist

Joe Nocella, owner of 718 Cyclery, sent out the following message about their bike shop mechanic, Krys Blakemore:

On March 15th, Krys was hit by a car here in Brooklyn. After major surgery, she is unable to walk, work or ride her bike. Her rehab period will be extensive, but a full recovery is planned.

Krys was 718 Cyclery's first employee, and is the kind of person who would help others at a moment's notice. She is also the kind of person who would never dream of asking for help... I am not that kind of person...please donate what you can to help offset the costs of her not being able to work.

It is incredibly hard for me to hear when someone is hit by a car while biking. And of course, very sad to know that this young woman has a difficult rehabiliatiion ahead of her.

If you've ever visited 718 Cyclery you know what a wonderful and caring bike shop this is -- so naturally they have set up:
this DONATION PAGE where you can safely give any amount to go to Kry's relief fund.

I hope you can join me in helping out Krys during her recovery.

illustration by Krys from her website

Brooklyn bike-goodness

A nostalgic look back to some things I'll miss about living/biking in Brooklyn over the years.
In no particular order...

The cheerfully painted bike barrier on Flushing Ave.

 A section nearby with designs by Taliah Lempert.

 Mosaics on a bike lane barrier in downtown Brooklyn.

 Biking by his awesome tree in Prospect Park.

 Checking out DARGELOS' latest designs at the Brooklyn Bike Jumble.

 Meeting up with Maid Marian Muffins in DUMBO.

Testing out NYC Bike Share bikes.

Joining in on Park(ing) Day on 5th Ave.

718 Cyclery's new location on the 3rd Avenue bike path

Watching the NYC Marathon from 3rd Avenue.

Outdoor screening of Bike Shorts + the history of the velodrome exhibition at the Old Stone House.

Bike Block Parties

Heading back to Brooklyn after a bike-related event with the stylish Julie of Adeline Adeline.

Spotting the guy in the 'bike lane' costume in Park Slope's Halloween parade.

The view of the Williamsburg Bridge from northern side the Manhattan Bridge bike path (soon to be reopened to cyclists.

 

The view of the Brooklyn Bridge -- and the new jewel box-like Jane's Carousel from the southern side the Manhattan Bridge bike path (soon to be closed to cyclists).

Running into Amy, of the dance troupe Heels on Wheels, with a basket full of groceries one cold winter night.

Pop-up complimentary coffee stop by Brooklyn Roasting Co. and Transportation Alternatives on the Manhattan Bridge bike path.

Being handed a Valentine from Time's Up at the foot of the Manhattan Bridge bike path.

Spotting hot pink handle bars in the snow.

This bike path marker on Kent Ave.

+++ my daily commute along the beautiful Prospect Park West bike lane!

going local: 718 Cyclery

If you haven't yet visited 718 Cyclery's new home in Brooklyn (3rd Ave. corner of Union) you simply MUST! Not only is Joe an incredibly nice guy (along with his friendly staff) but his new shop is HUGE, well stocked, includes a nice sitting area, has rental bikes, is open until 8pm most days of the week, and continues to offer collaborative builds. The new space also home to maintenance and safety classes, a Do It Yourself (DIY) Bench, and bike boarding if you are lacking indoor winter storage. You can even rent out the space for your own event... umm, if I hadn't eloped years ago I would totally entertain the idea of getting married here! 

Seriously, could you ask any more from a bike shop?!

And... with Black Friday almost upon us, don't underestimate how important is it to SHOP LOCAL and support brick and mortars like 718.

While I was incredibly sad when he moved the shop out of his original Park Slope spot (around the corner from my place) -- it was totally for the best.

daytripping: Lefferts Historic House in Prospect Park, Brooklyn

Prospect Park West

These sunny and mild-weathered weekends have been simply amazing. Couldn't believe I had yet to discover something in Prospect Park (having lived in Park Slope for over 7 years) -- but, alas there was! Last weekend we stumbled upon the Lefferts Historic House Museum just off the road/bike path loop, tucked away near the carousel near the Flatbush/Ocean Ave. entrance. If your ever looking for a pit stop while on a leisure ride in Prospect Park, I recommend...

The Lefferts Historic House is one of the few remaining Dutch settlement period farmhouses in Brooklyn. Built in 1783 the house serves as a museum which has furnished period rooms and activities that reflect daily life in the 18th and 19th century. The grounds outside the house includes brick oven, a garden with common crops, and this awesome traditional Wigwam which the Lenape Tribe would use to house 1-2 families (from 900-1700). This one was built by students using local saplings... 

Being a fan of quilting, it was serendipity that our visit to the Lefferts House coincided with their 20 year anniversary quilt exhibition...

You can also check out these quilts, along with many more, when they move to Prospect Park's Audubon Center Boathouse for a reception and raffle on Saturday, December 10th from 4-6pm.

While there, we just had to pop in to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden (across the street) to check in on the magnificent bonsai trees...

tuft love - DARGELOS' new reflective tassel

DARGELOS (my awesome sister) recently added the sweetest accessory to their inventory... reflective Tufts which come in Antique Brass, Gunmetal or Rhodium hardware! They measure 3" in length and would make any zipper pull - be it on your jacket, sweatshirt, bag or purse - that much more special ♥

a transportation theme Hall-o-ween

Last night's Annual Park Slope Civic Council Children’s Halloween Parade was packed with super adorableness and (kid friendly) fabulousness -- but I particularly loved all the transportation related  costumes! Travel by land, air and water... from the kid as the Roosevelt Island Tram, to the terrifying ghosts on roller blades (who were moving too fast to take a photo) and those ghosts soaring above our heads, and the gigantic ship float, however... 'Best in Show' would go to the Brooklyn Bike Lane guy!!! Awesome - even the white lines appeared to be reflective!