A Collection of Bicycle Bags Suits my Style

 

Because I have five bicycles and I'm a regular rider, I have a broad collection of bags to suit every equation. Ready for a huge grocery shop, ladies night out, or coffee outside? I've got it all covered. A few special items stand out though, for their versatility and ease of use.

The above photos show the value and versatility of small panniers. I initially created these simple, light, and effective mini-panniers for my Dahon to avoid heal strike, but they've easily become my favorite Dutch style - connected - little gems. They're easy to strap on any rear rack, using adjustable buckles and hook and loop fasteners.

I've created a few of my own. 

Stem bags, snack bags, feed bags, stem caddy - whatever you want to call those highly functional tube-shaped bags that secure to handlebar and stem - are hands down my favorite storage device for their functionality. I have one on all my bikes and have used them for storing hankies, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, phone, beer can, thermos, lip balm, tiny purse - you name it. One of the most versatile bike accessories out there - everyone's selling their version.

Again, I repurposed a tech wallet into a fanny pack/bar bag to suit my Rivendell, but it's another highly usable bag, especially for travel. I sling it around my body for safety while handling bike gear, or strap it onto the handlebars while cycling, and/or as a waist pack. I have consistently enjoyed the padded pocket for phone, stow change or valuables inside the zip pocket, divvy credit cards, mask, and cash into the 3 mesh pockets or hand sanitizer and lip balm into the external zip pocket. I especially love the unique rose-patterned fabric.

I picked up a discontinued/discounted Po Campo children's bar bag, and with a sewing adjustment, it's become a tiny purse that easily detaches at my destination. With a pullout strap, I loop it around my body when I only require 3-4 small items.

I don't think you can go wrong with certain multifunctional bags, whether it's for shopping, traveling, attending outdoor events - we all need ways to carry things - that make our time outside more organized and safe.

What special bags are your favorites?

7 Items that are Game Changers for Year-round Cycling

For Spring and Fall, I prefer the Outdoor Ventures Jacket, which provides warmth, windproof and water resistance, and sports a two-way zipper and split hem for on-saddle comfort. It's washable and after nearly 4 years of use is my preference for all-around protection during the shoulder seasons.

I love bike sandals, for touring and everyday cycling, in the summertime. There's nothing like allowing your feet to breathe! Or paired with socks. I'm on my second pair and ready to use my third. Initially a Bike Nashbar house brand, Performance offered them for a while at a discount so I snapped up an extra pair before they were discontinued. In the future, Keen sandals may be a good replacement.

Winter cycling, especially here in Vermont, is a whole other animal. I've found that bar mitts are necessary along with insulated footwear. I like the low cost, thick and fuzzy Mogee Muffs, to keep my hands toasty plus the Storm Chaser insulated slip-on boots. The footwear is grippy and roomy enough for thick socks and, if needed, there's enough space for foot warmers.

For hand comfort, I use Ergon Grips. Terry saddles are another necessity. Both provide relief, especially as I grow older. 

And a wonderful, low-cost solution to protect my eyes - I wear contacts - providing dust-free vision: the simple and stylish Dewalt safety glasses. I purchased my current pair online, but there are many versions at your local hardware store. They're also handy for riding in buggy summertime evenings. My husband loves their version of sunglasses.

What cycling-related things have made a big difference in your life?

Coffeeneuring 2023 - Learning to Paint with Gouache, Rides 5-7

 

#5 - This mug was a hostess gift at wedding shower - the hostess was a potter.

To recap, I'm learning to paint with gouache by completing mini paintings of special mugs used in the challenge. A complete painting usually takes two days; one for sketching and painting a base layer color: the second for completing the mug portion, then adding a complimentary background color. I'm happy with the results - love bold colors - and plan to hang a framed collage in our kitchen.

Coffeeneuring #5 was a special event, heading out for my first ride on my newly built Specialized Hard Rock. I set up the Jack-the-Bike-Rack for immediate utility so I could carry coffeeneuring supplies. 

Stunning afternoon light at Bayside Park.

5. The Place: Bayside Park, Colchester

Date: Sunday, November 12

Drink: English Breakfast Tea with maple sugar & milk
Observation: The maiden voyage of my Specialized Hard Rock. It's fun!

Total Miles: 12

#6 - a 2019 gift from a dear friend. The petroglyph characters are throwing spears at a SUV (out of view)

This was my only evening ride of the challenge. With high winds, I pedaled around a bit and finally found a well-lit, sheltered spot behind a community center. 

6. The Place: Picnic tables behind the Miller Center, Burlington

Date: Wednesday, November 15

Drink: Green Tea with honey
Observation: I rode around for a while, seeking a well-lit spot sheltered from the strong breeze.

Total Miles: 10

#7 - a pottery mug adorned with three dimensional maple leaf, a gift from my brother.

On the last day of the challenge, I rode to the nearest beach at lunchtime and sat for a moment on a log, sipping tea and admiring the view. It was very peaceful.

7. The Place: Rossetti Park Beach

Date: Monday, November 20

Drink: Tulsi Tea
Observation: Lunchtime scamper to the nearest quiet beach, avoiding a cold, dark evening ride, just making the event deadline.
Total Miles: 3

MoGee Muffs - a Pogie for Beginners?

Trying MoGee Muffs on my winter commuter bike.

I hadn't given a thought to using pogies before - those chunky-looking mitts attached to handle bars, seemingly made for brutal winter weather - until an Adventuring Cycling newsletter appeared in my inbox with a link to an article Geared Up: Falling for Autumn. One of the reviewed items were MoGee Muffs, a brand of inexpensive pogies. With arthritis creeping into my hands and several numb fingers, the timing was fortuitous. Last winter - my first with studded tires - I primarily used insulated mittens, which worked out reasonably well, though I couldn't stop for long at 10F. 

The mitts are designed for upright - or slightly curved handle bars as is my case - with a drawstring enclosure to cinch however you want, and easily removed once at your destination. There is ample space to insert bare or lightly gloved hands, but be able to grasp thumb shifter and brake levers. After several rides of 1-2 hours in 20-40F, so far, I'm impressed at how warm my hands are!  It's interesting that even with some air allowed past the closure, allowing cables to freely move, the mitts still provide incredible warmth. I'm looking forward to toasty hands as we sink further into winter.

Our son used the MoGee Muffs for days before he "let me" have them back. Guess who's getting a pair for Christmas?

The only unnecessary feature, in my opinion, are the four exterior pockets. Mitts are interchangeable, right and left - pockets designed for cell phones or goodies. I prefer to store my phone in my jacket pocket to protect it from the elements and from cold potentially draining the battery. I have storage options with panniers. I considered removing the pockets altogether, but since they're unobtrusive and the logo is fairly small, I'll leave them as is for now. 

From my experience, it's easier to extract hands versus inserting, which requires minimal wiggling as I reposition hands back onto the bar. I ride mostly rail trails at this time of year, so I have little use for hand signals and interactions with traffic. I have yet to test fast extraction if there's an emergency, like if you are falling and want to catch yourself, so that aspect has yet to be reviewed. As a one size fits all mitt, my average sized hands are fine. If you have large hands, you might have trouble. 

For instant warmth, especially if you suffer from aching, cold hands, these affordable bar mitts might be the answer. Unless, of course, you have battery heated motorcycle gloves like my neighbor!

Pannier Repair, Camping Kit Additions, and Looking Ahead

Flimsy pannier hooks slowly uncurling under repeated use.

Winter is when I tend to catch up on projects in general, and so I finally got around to updating my newer panniers. Two years ago when I toured on GAPCO, I noticed the inexpensive panniers' single flaw: the hooks are cheaply made. Still, I continued to use the panniers on more bike overnights, but when the bags were stressed by adding wine bottles to an already full load while touring in Quebec, it became apparent that I should replace the hardware before I set out on any adventure in 2016.

My husband and I collect bike parts, knowing there will be a use, someday, on our own fleet, if not to fix something on our children's bicycles. So, when panniers eventually fail, we also strip the hardware and put the parts away for any future repair. Such was my luck when I eventually found a tuna can—my husband's idea of storage—filled with four beefy, lightweight hooks.

I removed each nut and washer on inside of pannier then located longer screws to fit the lock nut.

I love this simple awl, acquired from my grandfather's tool collection. It gives me great pleasure, knowing his hands touched the tool and, from years repairing his own bicycles, has burnished the wooden handle.

I am learning to keep a couple used tubes on hand because they have many uses. In this instance I cut four to encase each aluminum hook, which will protect the bike rack from scratches. Afterward, I punched each hook with an awl to allow longer screws to fit the opening plus accommodate the much thicker and stronger hooks.

Now my panniers are all set for any upcoming tours.

Santa stuffed my Christmas stocking with outdoor items, primarily socks, but also with a nice lightweight bowl and plastic wine glass. I wonder if Santa knew I'd been using a waterbottle cap for nightcaps on camping trips. Both items will come in handy, especially if I head back to the Canadian vineyard region later this year.

This time of year I start thinking about vacation possibilities so I have something to look forward to. I'd like to return to Acadia National Park again. My husband's dropping hints of returning to ride the C& O Canal. And, I'm pondering local bike overnight destinations, something that I've grown to love for their easy preparation and ability to leave when the weather is fine. Plus, I can't beat a bike overnight for a rejuvenating mini-vacation. Just pack the bags and hit the road.

A Weather Station is Perfect for Bike Commuting

Homemade weather station set into entryway cabinet, complete with animated scenery.

I've always been a weather junkie. Like anyone else who bike commutes, it's prudent to check the forecast before setting off for the day. Should I pack a rain coat, warmer mitts, hat, etc.? In recent years, I've taken this weather monitoring to an extreme: I follow wind speed and direction, moon phases, anticipated rainfall, chance of participation, barometric pressure trends, etc. Visual representation is best, and the more graphics, the better. I love charts that display high and low temperatures too. And if any of my readers noticed the weather app on my blog's sidebar, well, you can tell where I'm coming from. Let's just say that Weather Underground is a good friend.

At work it's easy to click on a website, but at home where morning routines are a bit frantic, I put my efforts towards getting ready for work and not online viewing, nor do I own an easy to use cell phone for quick reference. In my rushing around, I press the speakerphone on our land line, call the local weather number, and listen while preparing breakfast, making my lunch, or all too often—and, I realize, not ideal timing—while tying my shoes just before heading out the door.

So imagine my delight when our tech-loving son offers to make me a weather station for Christmas—the only catch being he needed my unused netbook, a computer I had recently replaced with a new laptop. And so, the wonderful weather station couldn't have come at a better time as I vacillate between bike commuting or not as the wacky, warm December is finally teetering towards colder, snowy and more typical Vermont winter. I refer to the online forecast now, complete with fantastic graphics, of course!

Embarking on a New Adventure, New Commute

A holiday gift from my old employer: a fun costume jewelry rendition of a step through
 bicycle. After 15 years of employment, plus parking my bike inside their garage, 
you might say they knew me well!

I'm teetering between employment opportunities, about to embark upon a new challenge, and with it—once the weather starts to warm—a totally new commuting routine.

Like a friend mentioned, it's the beginning of a new era. And I couldn't be more excited!

A pretty birthday card. Get your own at Trader Joes.

I leave behind an 11 mile (each way) commute. In its place will be an easier 5 mile one-way jaunt with multiple route options, which includes a mix of separated bike path, bike lane, and neighborhood streets. Best of all, I can extend the commute as I wish, pedaling along Lake Champlain's waterfront path, or snaking through woodland parks. It can be a "loop commute", going to and from the office.

And it gets better.

Another advantage: because of safer road conditions—90% off road route, and what minimal interaction with traffic I encounter, has an ample bike lane—I should be unaffected by Daylight Savings Time. Using lots of lights, I look forward to a longer commuter season, riding before late March and well after early November.

Ill be sharing this year's ride aboard the Mount Saint Helens. With shorter distance involved, it's not necessary to shave time, riding my speediest bicycle. And instead of standard black panniers—since saving weight is not an issue—I may explore using alternative baggage options: floral pannier and/or upcycled messenger bag. I made these bags: might as well put them to good use!

Goodbye long commute; hello sweet, early spring riding.

To my new co-workers: I hope to see you on the road!

Thoughts on the ultimate commute length
I've often thought that five miles is the perfect distance. (And I speak from experience.) Five miles is long enough to feel like I get exercise, but short enough to endure riding in almost any weather. A side benefit: less time involved means arriving home at a reasonable hour.

What is your optimal commuting distance?

Retro Bike T-shirt

Months ago I won this beautiful shirt from MG at Chasing Mailboxes What's not to like about sunflowers and bicycles?

Trolling for Miles

A metal "A" and a special troll are two objects that personalize my office space. The troll has been my friend for many years. Her dust-flecked pink hair is showing her age and her helmet straps are losing their elasticity. Perhaps she needs a little attention.

What kind of bikey objects sit on your desk?

Look What I Won!

The advertising and message is okay by me. I went on this VerMontreal 2011 ride,
 but never wanted to pay for the jacket. Funny how things turn out...

I was pretty tickled to win this cycling jacket in a raffle. It's a little flashy for my taste, but then again I'll be lit up like a Christmas tree when I start cycling to work this spring, which does have it's merit. What I love is the artsy pattern and—go ahead and laugh—it wasn't until I tried on the jacket that I noticed the apple graphic. And, I'd like to think it's a Macintosh. We're proud of our apple orchards here in Vermont, especially the iconic Macintosh, which thrives in our climate and when pressed into cider, well, my mouth's watering just thinking about it.

It's not too shabby from the back either. It has underarm zippers for ventilation and two-way front zipper. From a touring standpoint, I'm digging this jacket. It's lightweight and folds compactly. Considering I could've won a horn, blinkie lights, or beer glass, this is the best prize!

Coffeenneuring Prize

Mary included an appropriate card too. Doesn't the espresso look delicious?

Look what came in the mail! It's my prize for completing 2013's Coffeeneuring Challenge: a delightful embroidered patch. I plan to sew this one and the golden star from February's Errandonnee onto my new panniers. Trouble is, I'll need to sharpen a needle and my patience, hand sewing numerous curlicues is one more challenge in itself.

Thank you Mary, for these unique opportunities that encourage us to ride.

Spoke Beads - for the Kid in Me

As a kid I remember when I clothespinned cards in my spokes. We made quite the buzzing racket, especially as a group, spinning up and down our neighborhood street.

Then came multi-colored plastic straw-like ornaments that we pressed onto spokes. They were without sound, but the whirling color was divine!

This holiday I received a packet of reflective spoke beads. Imagine the fun I'll have this Spring. Should I get bar end tassels to go with them?

Bookmarks the Spot!

Santa put the coolest thing in my stocking: a stainless steel bookmark with a cutout of a bike. And, one end says "commuter". How sweet is that?

Pillow Talk

Orangey circles with sagey green background -- very hard to photograph.

Surprise, surprise! I discovered this flannel remnant at my local fabric store.

Happy ending: a new case for my camping pillow. And—oh happy day—I have fabric left over. Should I line a handbag, a basket, sew a hankie?

I also created a better stuff sack. I may take this pillow along on a week-long tour in September. Or not. If I run out of baggage space, I could leave the pillow behind, but tote the case. That way I can have the soft flannel beneath my head and garments can double as filling.

I love it when I weave style, fabric, bicycles, and camping—my favorite things—into my life.

A Gold Star for Me?

Love the card that came with the gift, also.

I'm tickled to receive this nice embroidered gold star for completing the Errandonnee Challenge put on by chasing mailboxes d.c. Actually, I'm honored that the host included me at all. I finished the mileage and prescribed categories, but failed at pedaling after dark.

The star is approximately two inches in diameter. I'd like to place it on a pannier or bag. I just need to figure out where it will look nice.

My ride entries:
Errandonnee or Cycling as Usual?
Errandonnee, Cold Feet
Errandonnee, Third Time = Success!

Ring the Bell!

I noticed these bells in a shop window—and it wasn't in a bicycle store either, which made it all the more curious. It's another sign that bikes are entering the mainstream. While the red Bike Alarm bell would coordinate well with my Trek, I rather like the Free Parking message. Mmmm...green, black, and white are my Ross's current colors...and it is my commuter bike...saving a parking space.

It's so easy to justify new bicycle accessories!

Documenting Memories

I sent a similar group of framed prints to Patty.

I'm pretty good at taking photos, eventually ordering prints and labeling each in a photo album. But every once in a while I decorate the walls with special memories. I like how this collection of European photos turned out. Ah, the sunshine and warmth of that wonderful time in Provence! While I wielded hammer and nails, might as well tack up the Chocolate & Wine sign, plus update our family photo frame.

Recraft Earrings

I received the earrings last Christmas and have worn them a few times. Unfortunately, they aren't very interesting, other than they're fashioned from half a chain link.

The star is porcelain, or possibly made of pottery. This is a bookmark, which is pretty nifty, with the swirls of copper wire, although not very practical—the thing kept falling out of the pages, losing my place.

Not ready to toss the earrings or the bookmark, I held onto them, contemplating how they could be reused. I was willing to sacrifice the bracelet for the beads. I love purple jewelry, especially earrings. I thought I'd combine these things to spruce up the earrings. If I failed or didn't have the patience or dexterity I knew I could rely on a neighbor to help; she makes earrings for craft fairs.

I shouldn't have worried. Copper is easy to bend, as it turns out. I used needle-nosed pliers for the tight curves, but otherwise hands were good enough tools for the job. I planned, initially, to only loop a few beads around the bottom hole of the link, but I continued wrapping the wire around the middle to tie in the color better. I think it turned out well!

I kept going, suddenly inspired by the beautiful star. I simplified the coil in the center, adding beads, and twisting the thin copper wire (leftover from my kids' electrical kit) until I liked the nonsysmmetrical design. I'll eventually glue a pin back on the reverse side.

I must admit, the three-dimensional aspect is appealing.

I have no idea what the copper finish will look like in a year. It may tarnish. Or it may turn that lovely greenish patina seen on roof flashing or bus stop shelters here in Burlington.

I have gobs of purple and blue beads left, plus lots of thin wire. I'll save these for some other project.

I guess this goes to show that anything is possible, so go ahead with that project you've put off. It just may turn out to be spectacular.