Waiheke Island Santa parade

The 'city' Frocks popped over on the ferry to meet up with our Frock cousins on Waiheke Island for the island's Santa parade ...

The wearing of skirts by the men-folk is often customary on Pacific islands - but I'm not sure about the skirt and work boot combination!

The ladies of the island turned out in fabulous cycle chic (that's chic, pronounced 'sheek', as in European stylishness!)

... including the little ones!

The gents were also pretty nicely turned out ... red bow tie, tres chic!

... and some gorgeous floral shirts

... and flowers

A classic gent here, sporting a very festive button hole!

Flowers ...

Baskets ...

and flowers were recurring themes

And then we were off! Dashing through the snow (sun) tra la la ...

There were also a couple of tiaras in the mix!

And flags ...

As you can see, we had a very relaxed 'Christmas theme' for the ride!

Queen Street upgrade?

I just had to put this up on my blog ...

The road layout described early in the video would be perfect for Queen Street! Same capacity but sooooo much more pleasant!

Dear Santa

Dear Santa

Please could I have one of these ...



More details here

Christmas Cycling

You just gotta laugh when Aucklanders say they don't cycle because of the weather ....

Onwards to Waiheke

At the end of the Planet Earth Ride we caught our breath and then headed off for event number two on Waiheke Island ...

This is handlebar safety taken to new heights - a helmet for each handle!

Nice cardy

Yours truly giving my helmet creation another airing - I felt that it just screamed 'Christmas Santa Parade'!

Then off we went to Waiheke ... catch the next episode of 'December 5th Cycling Adventures' coming soon!!

Planet Earth Ride 2

Some more photographs from Saturday's Planet Earth ride ...

Now that's the way to be noticed!!

Some teenage girls DO ride bicycles - and they look uber-cool doing it!!

Mark from CAA ... with clothes on!

Nice bicycle - did you get it in NZ?

I do love that shade of green

Green was all the rage for the Planet Earth ride!

Barb proudly showing off her new bicycle

Ready to go

A couple of dedicated Frockers here ... and don't tell anyone but that's Santa in disguise!

Planet Earth Ride 1

Last Saturday was the Planet Earth ride ...

We clustered at the Winter Gardens in the Domain - on bikes, wearing bikes, and 'sporting' our cool sunnies! We hoped the weather would hold ...

T-shirts were worn optimistically

A couple of Next bikes joined in the fun

Interesting picture - either this lady is very small or this gentleman is extremely tall!

The Frocks were well represented with plenty of stylish summer outfits on display

And the gentlemen also cut a dash in some pretty fabulous shirts!

His and her matching bags - orange is so 'now'!

The sky was a constant entertainment as we watched it threaten to drown us - but it held off - thanks planet Earth!

Here's a video of the ride.

Ride Planet Earth (Auckland) from Su Yin Khoo on Vimeo.

Christmas Shopping

I had to traipse around the bicycle shops in Auckland last weekend looking for a very illusive inner-tube, so it occurred to me that I could use the time productively by surveying the stores for Frock-friendly equipment - just in case I am asked what I would like for Christmas!

T.White's Bikes was first on the list ...

Jackpot! ... they had some VERY nice bicycles for sale

For great prices ... don't quote me but I think both of these were around $800 each ... and this one has 7 gears!

Pack and Pedal in Newmarket was second ...

Spotted these Raleigh bicycles - had most of the essentials (basket, step through, mud guards) but unfortunately no chain guard ... HELLO, what are they thinking!!

They also had some cool accessories - wicker and wire baskets, child seats ...

And this really cool trailer for kids and other stuff!

Then on to R & R Sports in K Road ....

Wow, I'm now so famous that they've made a saddle with my name on it!! COOL!

Again, wicker baskets ...

And front and back wire baskets were available

And a range of helmets that are probably the most 'dork-free' variety available in NZ

And I have to admit to having a soft spot for tassels!

During my expedition, I popped in to a couple of stores that were decidedly frock-unfriendly but they will go unnamed, in the spirit of Christmas - but come on guys, you really need to get your act together!

I also happen to know that Rode at Pt. Chevalier has 2 Pashleys for sale at about $1600 (but again don't quote me). They are red/cream and blue/cream, and I think they're Sonet Bliss.

If you are looking for a new bicycle for Christmas, you should also check out Urban Bicycles for what else is available in NZ.

Christmas (Critical) Mass

Encouraged by the fabulous 350 ride, I joined my first Critical Mass ride last Friday. Riding upright in my skirt and heels (my usual 'cycling gear'), I was a little anxious that I may not fit in. So I was very relieved to find that 'massing' is very relaxed, everyone was really lovely and the ride was enormous fun!

A couple of other ladies in skirts

Matching shoes, helmet ... and baubles!

There were some technical difficulties encountered as the sound system in the rubbish bin needed to be attached to a trailer ... apparently bicycle music is essential!

This ride had a Christmas theme so tinsel was the order of the day

And of course reindeer antlers are a must!!

We had some Santa impostors ... good, but the lack of facial hair gave it away!

But we were very lucky that the real Santa did manage to make an appearance! This recession has been very hard on all of us and Reindeer are expensive to keep ... luckily, as we all know, bicycles are a very cost-effective transport option!!