Who says you need spandex to cycle like a pro? Certainly not the stylish cyclists of Amsterdam. And while you don’t need to go so far as to adopt their wooden footwear, you can take a little inspiration from the Dutch guys and gals of yesteryear and hop on a city cruiser while looking sharp. I say frocks and gentlemanly attire should absolutely be embraced while cycling—If they could pedal with panache in the 1950s, we can most certainly do it now.
If you find yourself feeling a little sweaty or constricted in your dapper duds, you’re cycling too fast or too hard. Slow down and enjoy the scenery. It is also recommended that you rest intermittently—perhaps with a picnic. Stay hydrated with plenty of fruit wine and fuel up on healthy bits of things like baked brie and french bread. You can store all of these necessary cycling supplies in the handy-dandy basket adorning your bicyclette.
To get the most out of your workout, choose a path with some challenges. Uphill, downhill, through rush hour traffic—anything to get the heart rate racing really.
Have kids? Strap the babes onto the frame as well and add a little extra weight training to your ride. Unlike the folks in this gem of a video, however, be sure to invest in some helmets for your entire family. Luckily, there are plenty of fashionable buckets out there that will make up for the inevitable helmet head.
If you don’t have your own, plenty of city cruisers can be found at Bike Bike, 1501 17th Ave. S.W. Now get pedalling.
