Calgary Cycle Chic at Hub and Bespoke

Designer Kristi Woo of Ontario Canada, and founder of Riyoko, is doing some great urban bikewear for women.  We are excited to offer her Riding Blazer.  Created and built to provide stylish, comfortable and functional bike attire specifically for the female cyclist.

Kristi is a woman trying to solve the same problem we are:  making cycling work like just any other mode of transportation.

Yes, there are some design demands for cycling, but they can be met stylishly.  Riyoko has accomplished just that.  The Riding Blazer features a durable waterproof finish, venting, convertible wind collar, secure pockets and cute.  Just get dressed, jump on your bike, and get where you need to be in town! 

Come check out the Riyoko Riding Blazer and be sure to tell us what you think.

 

Slow Ride Speed Date is back!

Back by popular demand, our speed-dating-by-bicycle event is happening again next month. Since last year’s ride, many people contacted us asking when we’d do it again. Well, we’ve got an answer for you: June 12.

Like last year, we’ll gather at the shop and then head to an area in Fremont where bikers and bikes can line up. Each participant will go on a short bike ride along a pre-set path with a participant of the opposite sex.* After everyone’s “dated” everyone else, we’ll collect match cards (kept private) and head to a nearby bar for drinks.

If you are a single cyclist looking to pair up or maybe just meet some new bike-loving friends, sign up by emailing hubandbespoke at gmail.com with your name, gender, and age. We had more than a few follow up matches last year, and participants said they had a great time. There are a limited number of spots so reserve yours early! Oh, and I think it goes without saying, but you must have a bike to participate.

*Because of logistics, we have to do separate speed date events for heterosexual and homosexual groups. Last year we announced a gay and lesbian Slow Ride Speed Date but didn’t get enough folks signed up. If you are interested in doing a gay and lesbian speed date event, please email us your name, gender, orientation, and age and we will host a second round if we reach a critical mass. Thanks!

Bike-to-Work Day, an important survey, and free bus rides for cyclists(!)

It’s Bike Month, and we wanted to let you know of some exciting things happening around town next week:

- Bike-to-Work Day is next Friday, May 18. Fingers crossed for good weather! Once again, Juliette and I will be in Fremont that morning with little gifts for those of you on bike that day. We’d love to see you.

- Bicycle Block Party and Fashion Show: On the evening of Bike-to-Work Day, Cascade Bicycle Club is hosting its annual street party in Ballard. At 6:30 pm there will be a “Share Your Style” fashion show presented by Cascade and Hub and Bespoke. Are you a fashionable cyclist? Sign up and strut your stuff! Do you know someone who adds style to cycling? Get them in the show’s lineup so they can be recognized! This is sure to be a fun event and a great way to see many versions of bike style.

- Important survey: The Seattle Department of Transportation is asking for feedback on where you ride, what you think the city needs to make biking more accessible to all, and on which infrastructure projects the Department should invest funds. I took the survey yesterday and found it well thought out, so I think they’ll get great data if you share your responses. Took me about 6 minutes to complete.

- Free bus rides for cyclists! Stephanie from Cascade Bicycle Club came into the shop yesterday and mentioned in passing that King County Metro and Sound Transit are both offering free bus rides to cyclists next week (May 14 – 18). How cool is that?? Great for cyclists, but Stephanie also pointed out that this could be a great way to encourage bus riders who are thinking of adding biking to their commute. So spread the word to your bus commuting friends and maybe some will hop on a bike next week.

We hope you can get involved in one or more of these great Bike Month activities. Happy riding!

Critical Lass – Mother’s Day Ride

This seems like fun so we had to tell you about it:  an easy, social ride for woman.  This Sunday (Mother’s Day, in case you forgot!).  Leaving from the beautiful Ballard Library at 2pm.  

Here’s their Facebook page, if you want to learn more.

ArtWalk tonight, featuring Emily Alice Peck

We’re thrilled to feature artwork by Emily Alice Peck at the Fremont Art Walk this evening. You may remember seeing Emily’s beautiful encaustic paintings at the shop last year. Well, she’s back with several new works that harken to the simplicity and elegance of riding a bike.

Over the last year, I’ve seen Emily’s art displayed all over town. More than once, I walked into a gallery or café and immediately recognized Emily’s work; her distinctive style is easy to spot. I was always happy to see that she was still producing great pieces, and that others were becoming aware of her talent. I’m excited to have her back at Hub and Bespoke!

Come by tonight and see Emily’s work for yourself. 6 to 9 p.m.

 

Pedaler’s Fair – cycling arts & crafts

Seattle’s first bicycle arts and crafts fair featuring local artists is coming up — Saturday, April 21.  Pulled together by the folks at Swift Industries and Go Means Go and Sonia McBride.

Cool!!

You can learn a little more about it here.

I can’t wait.  See you there!

SIFF’s Giving Cyclist a Break

The folks at SIFF (Seattle International Film Festival) thought you all might want to know about a special discount they are offering:  Ride to SIFF Cinema Uptown to see the film Kid with a Bike and get   $2.00 off admission (in person sales office, valid for regular full price  admission and matinees).  The film screens now through April 20th.

SIFF says if this discount works they would consider doing special cyclists for the 2012 Film Festival, May 17-June 10!  Kinda cool to get extra-credit for something you would do anyway.