It’s no secret to anyone who knows or reads me that I love my bike. It’s my way around town. Upon acquiring a Brooklyn Cruiser last year, everything changed. I sat upright, relaxed my shoulders and took out the headphones, taking in the city around me as I pedaled around town.
One of the best parts of this new bicycling model (at least new for me) was that I no longer needed a separate uniform for taking a ride. In fact, I no longer needed to change clothes at all. A city bike, i.e. a non-racing, Dutch-style bike that allows the rider to sit upright, has a very “ride as you are” je ne sais quoi about it. I ride in suits, jeans, chinos, sneakers, brogues… whatever.
Just when I was about to start exploring aspects of bicycling with style in a new section of this blog, I was approached by Ryan, founder and head honcho over at Brooklyn Cruiser, who graciously invited me on board as “Contributor-at-Large” for the Brooklyn Cruiser blog. I was humbled, floored and honored.
And the timing is perfect.
With all the press about hundreds of miles of added bike lanes and increased ridership in New York City, it sounds like this old-school way of getting around is being embraced as the modern way to maneuver about the metropolis. And with the coming bike share program here in the city, the launch of which has been unfortunately pushed to March, bike lanes and ridership is bound to increase further. It’s an exciting time for urban bicycling, and a great time to be writing about it.
I’m absolutely thrilled about this new adventure as contributor-at-large, and I invite everyone to join me in the dialog at the Brooklyn Cruiser blog, where I plan to share ideas, stories, anecdotes, frustrations, joys, photos and more about the smartest way to get around.
Here is a link to my first post, which was published on August 21st, 2012:
Greetings from a Brooklyn Cruiser Contributor-at-Large
See you all on the road. Until then, ride consciously…
G
5 Comments
We are honored and delighted to have you contributing George. Je ne sais quoi indeed.
George:
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed dropping by your site after reading your review of Grant’s book.
While you and I inhabit very different worlds, we share a love of pedaling and style, although unlike you, i appreciate style from a distance. And yet Goodwill style is style all the same, no?
And dogs, also.
That piece on your father deserves a broader audience.
tj
Thank you so much, TJ! And, yes, the Goodwill route can be riddled with infinite style possibilities. Some of my favorite things came from all kinds of thrift shops. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Thanks again!
George
I came for Paul Ryan. I stayed for those red laces.
Terrific! Thanks!