Irrefutable evidence
My camera is in for repair, and rather than bore you with camera phone pics, I'll do what any student with more cunning than clever does.
Rip.
Stolen from Tracko who stole it from TO
The survivor
Two broken ribs didn’t stop Sarah Miller from riding, but the injury did change her taste in men.
WHEELY CUTE Miller, shown here at West Town Bikes, thinks considerate cyclists are hot.
Photo: Ben Reed
Sarah Miller collects bikes like Hugh Hefner collects blonds: over time, and in her boudoir. “I have four bikes in my bedroom,” says the 24-year-old bike-mechanics teacher. “But I like to keep the bikes a secret, by keeping them in my closet, as opposed to having them be the centerpiece. There’s room for guests in the bedroom as long as they don’t mind.”
The self-professed bike nut spends 75 percent of her time with cycles: fixing them, riding them and teaching how to repair them, both at West Town Bikes in Humboldt Park and Tilden High School on Chicago’s South Side. Even when she’s not at work, Miller’s still getting some two-wheel play.
“Everyone I’ve dated is way into bikes,” says the Logan Square resident. “I’ve typically dated four types of guys: artists who use bikes for transportation, messengers, mechanics and bike-mechanics teachers.”
The biking bug bit Miller in college, when a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison urged her not to own a car. Since moving to Chicago in 2005, Miller’s remained car-free—and suffered the, er, car-sequences.
“I had an accident on Halloween 2005 where I got a collapsed lung and two broken ribs,” she says. “I wear a helmet now, and I look over my left shoulder all the time. It definitely changed the way I ride.”
It also changed the way she dated—after the crash, Miller says, she became more critical of potential mates. “I judge guys by how they ride,” she explains. “Do they wait for me at intersections? Do they wear a helmet? Can they keep up?”
Miller, who possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of Chicago’s bike paths, says her perfect date would involve a picnic at the South Side’s Rainbow Park. That, and maybe a dude with a cotton candy–colored bike.
“I once dated a guy who rode a pink Cannondale,” she says. “I was, like, That’s a man right there who can do that!”
TIMEOUT also had a piece on a courier, cause they're so HOT right now. They even break it down on how to accesorise like one.
I found an old picture of a New York Bike Messenger that I knew. They're the coolest, cause everyone LOVES New York.
Someone should have told him those bullhorns are gonna break one day, and it won't be pretty - and to wear a helmet no matter how cold it is.
Hot wheels
Fit, punky—and smokin’, TOC’s bike messenger has an effortless, sporty style that’s definitely drool-worthy.
By Liz Plosser
Photograph by Lisa Predko
Jeff Perkins, a 25-year-old bike messenger for 4 Star Courier (fourstarcourier.com), spends his days dodging traffic and riding 30 to 70 miles while delivering parcels around town, including our magazines. We won’t lie: The competitive racer with the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew is easy on the eyes, but we always wondered how he manages to stay stylish while pushing pedals all day long. Turns out his “style” is really about practical, comfortable gear, which also happens to be badass. Here’s how Perkins brings new meaning to the phrase sweet ride.
Turn-ons
Other bike messengers “You can talk to them immediately; we’re all geeked out. You have a place to stay no matter what city you visit.”
Chicago “One thing I really love about this job is the personal connection you make with your city. When I travel, I am Chicago; when people come here, they are Minneapolis or Portland or NYC or wherever. I love it. No one learns the city like we do, and it’s incredible all of the nooks and crannies this joint has.”
Turn-offs
Inclement weather “The worst riding weather is 30 degrees with sleet. It’s slushy and slippery—I prefer snow.”
Crossing Congress Parkway “I don’t enjoy any of the intersections along Congress. You have to know what cars and pedestrians are going to do before they even know.”
Gotta-have-it gear
Sunglasses “With the snow, sleet and rain, you have to have them. These Oakleys are just badass…the interchangeable lenses mean I can wear them after dark.”
Jersey “This is the new jersey my racing team wears.” Champion System custom order, prices vary (champ-sys.com).
Watch “I’ve had this [Timex Ironman] since I was in high school. I just keep replacing the Velcro band when it wears out.” Timex Ironman, similar to one shown, $70 at Fleet Feet (1620 N Wells St, 312-587-3338).
Belt “This is a thrift-store pickup. I like leopard print—sometimes too much.”
Lock “You can carry this lock around your waist and you’ll hardly notice it after a while. It can wrap around telephone poles and get [your bike] locked up in areas you wouldn’t normally get to lock up.” Kryptonite New York Chain lock, $90 at Village Cycle Center (1337 N Wells St, 312-751-2488).
Key “The key around my wrist is for my lock. It saves a ton of time and stress because I have to lock and unlock about 50 times every day. The one thing that will always be a telltale of a messenger is the key around the wrist. I’ve gotten to the point where I’ll sleep with it on; it’s become an extension of myself.”
Gloves “If you wipe out, you scrape up your hands and it’s a bummer for a week or so. Gloves prevent that. It’s bad to have too much padding, but these Specialized gloves have the perfect amount of gel in them to keep your hands from cramping up.” Specialized BG Pro gloves, $10 at Turin Bicycle (1027 Davis St, Evanston, 847-864-7660).
Pants “The [polyester and cotton blend] is good for all weather conditions. They’ve got double the material at the knees, which protects my legs during tiny falls. I buy them at 30-inch length and then cut them off.”
Shoes “I wear clip-in mountain-bike shoes because they’re easier to walk around in. Sidi is a big name, one of the best brands—I learned quickly to go higher grade so it doesn’t bust on me.”
Socks “These are made of a sweat-wicking material instead of cotton. I like that you can’t really see them, because with normal cycling socks, the tan lines get pretty bad.” Under Armour athletic socks, $5.99 at Marshalls (locations throughout the city, marshallsonline.com).
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