Costa Brava Cycle Chic Party

This time tomorrow I'll be attending a Cycle Chic party on the Costa Brave, north of Barcelona. Looking forward to it! Txell, from Barcelona Cycle Chic, is arranging it and it's going to be fun. Pop by if you're in the neighbourhood.


Probably just as fun as the last time Cycle Chic rocked Barcelona... if not more.

Floral Background

Continuing on the theme, here are some more photos featuring cycling Copenhageners framed against a floral background. Carrying stuff home.

Okay... it's not ALL bicycles in Copenhagen. Here's a 12 wheeled supermum on the bike lane.

And another typically Copenhagen activity: snacking whilst bicycling.

Helsinki: Vintage Bicycle Eldorado

We're popping back to Helsinki Cycle Chic for a moment, so bear with me. There were many things that amazed me about the city - bikewise and otherwise - but one thing that I found quite fantastic was the amazing number of vintage Nordic bicycles under the bottoms of Helsinki's Citizen Cyclists. You don't see many in Denmark anymore but take a trip across The Sound to Malmö, in Sweden, for example and there are many more to behold.

But Helsinki seems to be a magnet to which all these gorgeous old bicycles are attracted. Not surprisingly, the fashionable crowd have adopted these old bikes from the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's. They are undeniably aesthetic and cool. But in every bike rack I found examples. Like the Norwegian 'Norrland' in the top photo and the Finnish 'Tuntari' just above these words.

Many of these bicycles were in exile around Scandinavia for many years, hidden away in summer houses - like these ones at ours - but with the reemergence of the bicycle as transport in our cities, these old workhorses have been given a new lease on life. Above is a 'Union' bicycle from Norway.

Another Finnish 'Tunturi' and a Swedish 'Monark'.

This old 'Tunturi' was quite beautiful. There were even remnants of a knitted skirtguard and the contents of the toolbox under the backrack were vintage, as well. Including an old school Danish bike repair kit called Jylland Special. I even have one of these vintage kits here at home.

All in all it was a real treat to see so many cool, old bicycles on the streets of Helsinki. I learned that the price is rising on them - at the moment it's about €150. Just like the rebirth of the Mini Bikes, it's safe to say the there's no school like the old school.

I didn't get to ride a vintage pearl around the city, but I was more than content at riding this bike, above, graciously provided by the new Finnish brand, Pelago. With my recently purchased bag from Ortigiano strapped to the handlebars. Pelago's designs are true to the vintage style, so it was perfect for my visit.

Viva Helsinki!

Flowers and Beans

Nice graphics on the urban landscape.

Copenhagen Rock Star

Like every other country, we have our rock stars. Thank goodness for that. Imagine not having any at all. I spotted Steen Jørgensen in the city centre the other day, riding his bicycle like any decent Copenhagener. He is the lead singer in the band Sort Sol [Black Sun] which was a legendary punk band before moving into post punk, goth, and industrial music.

The man is, in my opinion, outrageously cool and everything a rock singer should be. The fact that he only has one arm doesn't stop him from riding around Copenhagen on his bicycle, smoking a cigarette.

The Spokes in Copenhagen

Had a visit from the UK a couple of weeks ago. Kat and Becca were travelling about and ended here in the World's Cycling Capital. They are both members in the rather fantastic dance troupe The Spokes. "The only all female bicycle dance troupe in the UK". They didn't dance on their rented bicycles - not as far as I saw anyway - but they enjoyed cycling about the city. On 'an explore' as Winnie the Pooh would have put it. That's Kat, above and here's Becca, below. Becca is resting her foot on the cyclist railings we put up in this city to spoil our cycling citizens.

Becca blogged about their time in Copenhagen on her blog.

You can check out The Spokes on their website and be sure to check out their films.
Lovely to meet you!

Sunshine Pauses

Enjoying the autuman sun whilst waiting for the light to change.

Regarding one's city whilst waiting for the light to change.

Sipping a frappucino whilst waiting for the light to change.

Copenhagen - We Love Bikes

Check out this new promotional video for Copenhagen! We Love Bikes!

Viva Helsinki - Olli Finale

I knew these photos would be appropriate for the grand Viva Helsinki Cycle Chic finale. Here's Olli. Dapper as hell and charming to boot.



And here's Olli with his family. Simply smashing bunch.

Viva Helsinki - Urban Planning Bicycle Ride

There was also time in Helsinki for a bicycle ride with focus on urban planning and redevelopment of the city's harbour areas. Sunshine, good friends, bicycles.

Can't beat it.



Among the things we visited was this lovely urban garden where a number of people grow flowers and vegetables.



Here's me giving the talk at the festival. Yes, I was hungover. :-)

Viva Helsinki: Potpourri

A potpourri of shots from Helsinki.

Viva Helsinki - Sweet Smile

Helsinki Week here on Cycle Chic is slowly rolling to a close. What a town. I've been saving my personal favourites for the tail end of the ride.

Viva Helsinki - Elegance

Simply elegant.

Viva Helsinki - Classy

So very classy.