Laissez les bon temps rouler! 

The good times were indeed rolling at the Tour de France/French tour of Calgary put on by the lovely folks at the Bike Root and the UofC French club. The ride was an ideal way to soak up the bright skies that we've been missing so dearly lately. It was also a great excuse to fill the streets with stripes, a few berets and a certain je ne sais quoi. 

Getting a rundown of the ride and an intro to the Tour de France from Olivia, who came prepared with a baguette in tow!

Colin and Olivia from the Bike Root

Jeff definitely had one the night's best costumes

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Before the ride, we caught up with Barbara:

What do you like best about travelling in your city?

For me, biking is the perfect pace. It allows me to get to where I need to be quickly but it's also easy to stop into a shop or to visit with friends I see along my way. 

What do you never leave home without?

My water bottle and sunglasses.

What is your philosophy?

Always be on the lookout. There are adventures around every corner. 

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Sisters - Barbara and Natalia gearing up for the ride. 

This is unrelated to the ride, but we just had to share it. In the parking lot where we gathered, there was a man encouraging people to try to ride his pennyfarthing. It was awesome, we so wish he could have joined us for the ride!

Merci bien to the Bike Root gang and the French Club for organizing such a wonderful night. Quel plaisir!

<3 riyoko

To kick off Cyclepalooza, Kristi and Ellie put on another awesome Cyclofemme YYC ride- a picnic and ride along Calgary's beautiful river pathways. And yes, that did include a jaunt along the Peace Bridge. It was so much fun to hang out with all the fantastic people who showed up, despite the rainy weather. 

Group shot, yeah!

If you're interested in joining future Cyclofemme YYC rides (they will be monthly!), find the group on Facebook and we'll keep you in the loop! 

We took the chance to catch up with Rita:

What do you like best about travelling in your city?

I love cycling around my hometown of Calgary because I get to see firsthand all the changes in the city. I think the city now has more spirit than before. I'm enjoying the focus on the arts in Calgary right now, and I love meeting people from all walks of life as I bike to various art events.

What do you never leave home without?

My cellphone and a photo of my niece that I keep in my wallet.

What is your philosophy?

Don't let your mind be immobile. Keep evolving your thought.

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A bike (and some legs) ready for adventure!

<3 riyoko

In Calgary, the month of June is almost synonymous with Sled Island Festival. The jam-packed event brings a plethora of new music, art and film experiences to the city each year. Our streets become alive with excitement and are filled with the flow of cyclists making their way from one venue to the next- as they try to see and do as much as they can possibly handle. 

We were lucky to get a few minutes to chat with the very busy Festival Director Lindsay Shedden, who we're proud to call our June Sister Cyclist! Get to know a little bit about Lindsay and what she's been hard at work with for Sled Island.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm Lindsay and I'm 31 years old. I'm the Festival Director of Sled Island and I'm Co-Owner of Prohab Helmet Society. I love animals, my bicycle, my man, my friends and summertime. Oh, and getting rad. I also love that...and playing baseball. 

What do you like best about travelling in your city?

I love how flat Calgary is since I'm not in especially good shape. It's a super pretty city and the bike paths along the river are beautiful. I always see lots of animals- eagles, deer, prairie dogs and beavers when I take the paths. And, there are a lot of parks that are bike accessible to play baseball. 

What is your favorite riyoko piece?

The arm thingies [a.k.a three-way armwarmers]. I'm kind of prone to being cold so they keep me warm when the wind is ripping.  

What do you never leave home without?

My computer. I'm on my computer so much these days...Sled Island is a week away! Usually though, my bike, helmet, sunglasses, and a smile. Oh, and money for beers and snacks. 

What is your philosophy?

Hahaha- Smile, help others, learn from everyone and party often. 

What's new with Sled Island this year? What are you most excited about?

It's just so huge! We have more bands, more shows, more art, more film and more comedians. We partnered with the City of Calgary to install a ton of temporary (and a lot more permanent) bike racks to make it easier for people to park bikes at venues. We've partnered with some great companies like The Good Life to offer bike rentals to out of town guests and artists, and we're campaigning for people to be safe on the road. Don't ride wasted, wear a helmet and respect the traffic. Be safe out there, people. Sled Island loves you!

<3 riyoko