Moday is mixte with a little pink

IMG_2089 mixte with a little pink, originally uploaded by Xander N'Dante.

Looking forward to the rest of the week..

Start thinking pink.

Valentines day will creep up like a Door Prize on a windy day.

Door Prize= when you ride into a car door.

Door Prize + no Valentines present = not a great prize.

Rock the Stop

IMG_2072 not your average stop, originally uploaded by Xander N'Dante.

the fixie balancing act was overshadowed by Mr. Cheval.

giddy up!

ride on...

Vanity vs Danger

I’m not one to get into the safety debate over whether or not to wear a bicycle helmet, so I’ll stop right now.

However, when it comes to the discussion on whether or not some bicycle helmets make you look like an aerodynamic bobble headed two wheeled fashion violation, this is one debate I’ll ride into.

There are multiple styles of helmets available out there from the winterized Bern helmets to the traditional aerodynamic race helmets. However I find that sometimes budget and style constraints prevent me from wearing one. The morning debate over which clothes to dress yourself in is confusing enough, so why would picking out a matching helmet be any easier?

( helmets by Yakkay)

(photo courtesy of FlickrAudioblog)

Some will say,“ its only a helmet”. But if you’ve ever spent time with someone trying to pick out the perfect pair of eyeglasses you’ll understand where I’m coming from. Personal style can be a big factor.

The appearance of style and safety concious helmet and helmet cover designers and manufacturers are starting to seep into the North American bicycle culture, and with abundant choices available to match the personal tastes of individuals, I feel that putting on a helmet can soon be as normal as wearing shoes while riding a bike.

Personal style is one thing, Just stop checking yourself out in every window reflection.

Its vain and dangerous.

For some inspiring and stylistic helmet options check out Helmet Links in my sidebar.

walk, ride, drive, or public transit

walk, ride, drive, or public transit, originally uploaded by Xander N'Dante.

At night the options are all there.

You can just feel the drama in the air.

goodbye January, February here we come.

On the Fourth till Friday...

Window shopping is my obsession, and in this economy it can also be an adventure.With easy access to the internet, virtual window shopping has become an enjoyable and sometimes expensive standard in my household.




On one of my many virtual shopping trips I stumbled across http://www.onthe4th.com/ The wonderful "Fourth Floor Distribution" website is the brainchild behind some popular Local Bike Shops, an imaginative and educational "Bespoke on the fourth " blog and it is a prime example of what can grow out one little Toronto LBS "Curbside." Lucky us!

Today i've bounced from their website, to blog and ended up at their 2010 catalog. Lovely lines and stylish layouts would make for a great coffee table book.

Their portfolio of two wheeled treats combined with their amazing selection of thingamabobs for bikes makes "On the Fourth", the perfect catalog to curl up and daydream with.

Their vision and goal below may soon be a reality. It's time for North American cities to wake up.

"As North AmericAN cities become more dedicAted to bicycles, our goAl is to provide North AmericAN cyclists with dedicAted city bikes"

-Fourth Floor Distribution

Falling Down Fridays & Virtual Vacations

A little tweet from Copenhagenize, has let me know that Google has finally launched their street view for Copenhagen, A few months ago Toronto's street view was also launched, and I was also tagged by the Google camera car. Fortunately I wasn't doing a face plant into the cement. ( no, this cyclist was not hit by a car, for full story click here) My first impression of Copenhagen via Google Street view, was that they have almost as many cars on their roads as they have bicycles, However if you focus on how they have integrated their streets to follow a "complete street" strategy, you'll understand that there is a clear and harmonius integration of a viable transportation philosophy. How sexy is that?

With the upcoming Toronto mayoral election, the debate over bicycle lanes being pushed to side streets instead of main roads is currently an issue being discussed. I can only hope that any makeover of our Toronto Streets can focus on a compromise such as Copenhagen has.

Till then, enjoy a virtual vacation tour of a beautiful city full of cyclists and cars.

Cheers

Never too old, Never too cold

IMG_1897, originally uploaded by Xander N'Dante.

i woke up today to the rattle of wrapping paper and a flurry of a 4 year olds rapid fire kisses. The handmade card which was hiding under my bed with a wrapped can of coke was a clear indicator that i had just turned 34.

If i make it to the age where a front loader tractor has to eat my dust i'll be more than happy.

this photo snapped today on my birthday illustrates that you are never too old to do the things you love.

ride.

Happy Birthday to me.

Turn Winter Fear into Fun

From Catherine Porter over at The Toronto Star comes this wonderful winter cycling post that features our own Yvonne Bambrick of bikeunion.to riding a bullrush clad bicycle through the winter side streets of Toronto. Side streets are a great testing ground for new winter riders as they can be free from traffic and they look very tranquil with a light dusting of white stuff.

photo:Richard Lautens

Apparently the black outfits and red caps are the rage this winter,

for the full Toronto Star article click here.

Cheers

Bon Voyage by Bicycle

It's a New Year, and with the birth of "Lia Vittoria" soon approaching, the joys of parenting and extended leave from work via Maternal or Paternal leave is a temptation for travel.

My travel blogger sister Jen from "My Folie a Deux" who is also expecting in march is bombarding me with inspiration, I also have begun to focus on traveling with 2 kids.

In 2009 416cyclestyles' main focus was on the fashion sense of the two wheeled Torontonian, however within 2010 I aim to explore the areas of those who have chosen to add the aspect of the bicycle to their own life"style" and how it resonates with me here in Toronto.

The virtual realm of the Blogosphere has built many virtual bike lanes from Toronto to other parts of the world. And as I google and tweet my way to explore these Bicycle friendly destinations i'll share my finds with you. I can't wait to ride my way through all the Bike Share Programs and Bed and Breakfasts.
Please visit the, "Bon Voyage by Bicycle" links on the sidebar to see where i've been and hope to go. If any readers out there have any bicycle and family friendly travel tips, international bike rental experiences or links please leave a comment or send me an email, especially for those cities and countries that are known for their cycle chic and sharing programs.

Cheers and Happy New Year

Just Chill

IMG_1507 JUST CHILL, originally uploaded by Xander N'Dante.

Just Chill. (Cause its -18)

She couldn't fit the helmet under the hedgehog hood.

Loving the Lavender

IMG_1292 breather at the beaver, originally uploaded by Xander N'Dante.

My brother used to live in a loft on top of the Beaver Cafe, which is a great place to chill and watch construction and the "Condofication" of queen west.

We still don't have much snow but the wind chill at -18 is also nothing to brag about.

The emergence of Classic Dutch bikes which are as common now as the Old English made bicycles blend harmoniously into this scene as she takes a breather at the Beaver.

Loving the Lavender...

Toronto FC fan rides the Copenhagen Wheel

With Toronto's growing interest in fighting climate change, Mayor David Miller (the singing guy sporting the Toronto FC scarf) was in Copenhagen with over 100 mayors for the UN Conference on Climate Change. The new MIT bike with motorized support, a.k.a," the Copenhagen Wheel" was launched last week at the conference.

A conversation piece, to spark a global conversation about where to go next. As with Soccer and the current cycle infrastructure we still have a way to go. But at least Toronto is talking.

Bring on the Pan-Am games..

Give the gift of Unity

IMG_1300 bike union, originally uploaded by Xander N'Dante.

A little Tweet from Yvonne the momma bird over at bikeunion.to led me to write this post about a gift that I recently sent myself in the mail.

The bike union is the first city wide, member-based cycling advocacy organisation in Toronto representing the needs and rights of cyclists, and working towards the addition of more and better bike lanes and infrastructure.

Their work on behalf of T.O cyclists is almost entirely funded through memberships, so if you ride a bike, or knows someone who rides in Toronto and like the idea of others working for you to improve conditions, please consider signing up. I get my daily Toronto cycle culture updates by following them on twitter, Tweet Tweet!.

I have to say the amount of support i've recieved from Toronto readers and riders has been great, and since joining the Union I feel more connected to the differences and similarities that unite us as citizens and cyclists in Toronto.

To, "Give the gift of Unity" click here.

Happy Holidays and Safe Winter Cycling

Our Christmas family Cycle Chic wish list

Hey Santa! pay close attention to what I/we are asking for. I've even included Pictures.

Since you know who's naughty and nice you already know another little one is on the way so Mrs. Bubba, Mr Dia and I will be needing some gear.

I'm looking to retire my trusty Trek kid mobile to craigslist and cross my fingers for the following items for me, Mr Dia and my current baby carrier wife.

1. 2 Batavus Personal delivery bicycles in grey, complete with mounts for diaper bags

2. (This is really hoping), A Nihola Cigar utility trike with matching Cuban Cigars.

3. The Bobike junior and mini for those fun family rides.

4. Basil Panniers in some funky colors.

5. Outlier jeans.

6. Brooks saddles with matching wine bottle carriers.

7. His, Her and Toddler Frye riding boots.

8. Sogreni Bicycle bells

9. Lululemon zip sweater jackets

10.iPhone 3Gs 32gb

11.World Peace.



Ho Ho Ho

THE SALMON RUN

0998 your ad and a fish 2, originally uploaded by Xander N'Dante.

Its December 2nd, and the Salmon run is long past, however street art is never in shortage in Toronto, and the cyclists don't seem to be dissapearing any time soon.

I love her bag, reminds me of a dream catcher.

'X