Doggie on a bike

This morning, on our way to get a coffee Mr R and I bumped into this perfect photo opportunity.
I am sure my friends Jessica and Katie would have probably done a better job and photographing the little dog, but for now we'll have to cope with my first attempt at manual setting.
In the end, this is much better than my previous dog picture attempts in NY or Paris. I only wish I could draw like Jess and my dog love would be complete..well, I guess I should also own a dog (but that's a different chapter of my life!)

Back on two wheels (questions and observations about cycling)

My poor bike was parked outside for almost 4 months, during the rainiest Roman winter ever.
A couple of days ago I decided to pick it up and get it back in running shape. I took her (my bike is definitely of female gender) to the garage.

After a change of tire and and a few minor touch ups (get rid of rust, straighten the handle bar) we were on the road. Rolling down the viale Aventino, heading towards Piramide and via Ostiense I was reminded of the beauty of Rome, of the smell of summer and the craziness of my fellow users of the road.

On the same day I was approached by the friends at Bici Roma, and by a group of urban cyclists organizing an event in Garbatella.
On my way home (you can see my daily route here) I saw many other cyclists, of all ages and styles..and of course the question came to mind: what is the best gear to wear when cycling in town?
How can I get to work by bike and not look like I just got back from a war in a tropical country?
I like to wear dresses , so that my calves are free and can tan a bit, but I run the risk of flashing the whole town..
I shall find a solution soon, before the full Summer heat arrives. In the meantime, I foudn this interesting article on the Times

fix your own bike, and you'll go further in life

We did it, we finally manage to go into the Ciclo Officina in via Baccina (I know, it rhymes).
the place is great, you can walk in the magic elevator on street level, load your bike in the elevator and in a few minutes you are transported in a world of breaks, pedals, chains and tires.
two friendly chaps welcome you and ask if you need help, then you learn how to fix you bike, you can use the tools available on site, chat with other cyclists about the challenge of being on two wheels in a world of cars, or about being a cool person on a bike, etc etc

For more info: http://www.ciclonauti.org