MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL!

Merry Christmas everyone! Hope all your holidays are as shiny and awesome and ridiculous as this bike. Now go hang out with the people you love!

xoxo.

DNS

NYC IN B & W.

So as always, finally developed my film from New York. This time around I decided to only shoot black & white - which felt fitting for some reason (that, & it was generously provided free from the depths of our buddy Nate's freezer).

And speaking of New York, if you didn't catch it - the lovely NYC-based blog The Bird Wheel posted an interview with us! My favourite, and accurate quote regarding our decision making process, is "it's an anarchist democracy. And just like democracy, when it inevitably fails, love & facebook threads conquer all."

Too true.

Anyhow. A few to start. More in the coming days.

LUMBERJACKS & LOWRIDERS!

Well you can't take just one... right? Check out some outakes from our last shoot. Apparently this is what our potlucks degenerate into...

Photos by kawhitestudios.com!

Make (Den) it for your Mate with the Deadly Nightshades!

Finally, one of the Nightshades is teaching a workshop at The Make Den! I am SO excited to be collaborating with Big Red for an awesome Valentines workshop series happening in January/February. We are going to be making adorable, matching DIY accessory kits - the BEST handmade Valentines Day gifts ever! Wallet-Making, Lined Leather Laptop Covers, Lined Make-up Cases (which also double as awesome shaving kits), Beer Cozies, and Handmade Bowties! Make it green by using recycled leather pants, old denim, unloved leather jackets or vintage wool. Then decorate with applique or reverse applique and Voila! Your status as a DIY Queen is undeniable once you've got these beauties under your belt.

Here's how it works: All through January and February, you can take an accessories class every Friday from 1-4pm or 1-5pm.
Make one, or make all 5! Receive a 10% discount if you sign up for more than 3 classes. Beginners are welcome.
To register, email themakeden@hotmail.com

Wallet-Making
Jan 13th,
1-4pm.
$45~

Laptop Covers
Jan 20th
1-5pm.
$55~

Make Up Case (or Shaving Kit)
Jan 27th
1-5pm
$55~

Beer Cozies
Feb 3rd
1-4pm
$45~

Leather Bowties
Feb 10th
1-4pm
$45~

Christmas Music

I miss Brooklyn sometimes.

My last day in NYC was amazing. The highlight was Cranksgiving. It was a beautiful, sunny, fluffy cloud, perfect temperature day. Big Red was sick, so I showed up to do the ride anticipating I'd see people I knew to partner up with, as riding your bike is always the funnest in groups. Most of the NYC polo peeps that I know were in Richmond and I knew about no one, so I grabbed my package (rider #123, pretty sweet, eh?) and prepared to go solo.

My first checkpoint/grocery store I was adopted by these rad guys:


The New York bike scene is populated by some pretty neato people, Cranksgiving brought out the best of them. Riding all over Manhattan on that beautiful day with these guys, then the Chrome after-party, then the Red Lantern after-after party, then the Wreck Room after-after-after party was the best last day in NYC I could have asked for. Thank you to all who made it special.

So, Andy Chrsitopher is on my right, and Kevin LaVerdiere is after that. Andy runs Fake Money out of BK, and they just put out some Christmas Music. It's amazing, but a sense of humour and parental advisory are strongly advised.



And to go along with our McKenzie brother Chrome contest win, it's Bob and Doug's 12 days of Christmas.



Happy Holidays Errrybody!!!!

So, like, we're the winners, eh?

And I kind of can't believe it! Although we did pull together an awesome last minute photoshoot last week. In about 24hrs we somehow managed to find lights, cameras, 5 (almost 6!) nightshades, and an assortment of plaid shirts, fur hats, axes, wrenches and a sixer of labatts 50. Why?

Chrome, a San Fran based cycling gear company was holding a competition for the best hoser photo. And you know who rocks hoser gear harder than anyone I know? We do. Last winter I had a bad habit of wearing 3 different plaids at the same time. The prize was the Chrome Niko bag, and a Nikon D3000.

So we entered the "I'm a McKenzie you're a McKenzie" competition last week, and within 2 hours we had nearly caught up to the winning photo! We're over the moon excited to be able to shoot more footage on a professional quality camera and can't wait to show you the results. Thank you Chrome and Nikon!!!

#EPIC #FAIL- Canada pulls out of Kyoto

If you haven't seen this amazing animation of the Canadian Parliament swiming in oil money, and giving the head of the UN the finger, you need to watch this!



Mr. Stephen Harper, might I remind you that Christmas is just around the corner, and you've been very naughty so just you wait you'll get a lump of... coal. Which is probably what you want, you dirty energy bastard.

To the rest of the world, like most governments, our current administration doesn't really represent us. They make tons of cash risking our future, then turn around and wonder why our generation is choosing to protest, riot, and occupy? But then again, if our generation and political leanings are so smart, then how are we letting them get away with this? Are we the ones who are epically failing?

LOUIS VUITTON BIKE POLO?!

And so it begins.... kinda rad though. And really it's just a matter of time before a larger audience starts figuring out about polo. Read more about it, and this spread in France's Intersection Magazine here.

Toronto Street Fashion on Hiatus

We are going to miss all of the lovely fashion posts, street fashion shots and tips from Toronto Street Fashion, while they take a lil break. For the 1069th post they sent along some favorite fashion blogs to keep us all entertained. One, being this one!

"Also if you need ANY help with your fashion business – ANYTHING, contact the girls – they can help."
-Rachel, TSF

Read here to find out more awesome Toronto Fashion Blogs and people to get your fill while TSF is taking on the world!

PORTLAND PHOTO RECAP.

Back in September a couple of Nightshades hit up Portland. We had some epic adventures on our bikes, (those which you can never quite capture in photos). My only regret is not marrying Namtron at the Church of Elvis... she's such a catch. And as always it takes me forever to develop my film, but here are some of my favourites.

BBC News with the Deadly Nightshades:

A few months ago, on our final Style Spin of the season, Fast Track's Theopi Skarlatos came along and showcased the Deadly Nightshades in a piece for BBC World titled: Toronto's Competitive Vintage Scene

CLICK HERE TO WATCH!

Thanks to Kealan from Vintage 69 for lending us such awesome outfits!
(Too bad we don't have more pictures of them)

SEVENTEEN EVERGREEN.

This is why DNS loves thrift stores the most...

Cranksgiving is Tomorrow!!!

Big Red and I are going to do the legendary Cranksgiving Ride tomorrow!

I'm so stoked to be participating in a great charity and NYC bike community tradition. See you tomorrow at registration NYC!

Cranksgiving celebration from Washington Square News on Vimeo.

Love, Love, Love... xoxo

LADIES ARMY 4!

Look out Lexington....

Remembering Jenna Morrison

Incredibly sad week in Toronto. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.

Polotastic!

YO DOODS

check out laura's poster on the LOBP !!!

there's a little competition going on now, for the top 3 designs.

if you're a polo player, vote for her!!! Northside Qualifyer!!!

http://leagueofbikepolo.com/best-poster-2011

Dear New York,

Thanks!

Remember to leave the camp site as you found it.

~DNS

BFF TORONTO 11 VIDEO RECAP.

Thanks to Snow White for editing this little video recap of the BFF in Toronto this year. So fun, as always.

Williamsburg Bridge Photos

We met up with Justin "Rev" Barnes from LA on the Williamsburg bridge. He got some rad footage of us just, you know, hanging out, and shot some rad pics. Knog had just given us some goodies to play with in BK, and it was fun to see how rad it all looked in the fish eye.

Horse Cycles

Living in Brooklyn for the past two months has really introduced the Nightshades to some of the radest bike people. One being Thomas Callahan of Horse Cycles. Located right off broadway, a short cycle from the Williamsburg bridge is this huge shop with stacks of tools where beautiful handmade bikes are born.

The frame building process is a collaboration of rider and builder. We do a complete rider intake including full body measurements, rider preferences and riding style. After making all design decisions materials for the build are ordered.

Each tube set is hand picked for the build process based on rider requirements and care is put into every detail.

Building the actual frame takes 1-2 weeks.
Paint is chosen and the frame is sprayed.
At this point components are chosen based on rider measurements and requirements, the bike is assembled, and off you go….

A full bike will run you about two grand, but damn, it's worth it!

Also, Horse Cycle has just finished a collabortation with the ultrahip Ace Hotel. So now you can borrow one of these beauties while you're in town!

ACE HOTEL+HORSE CYCLES = this ... from Matt McClain on Vimeo.

This Saturday's Rad Party!

Heads up #Toronto! Great party with top TO artists for the coolest of causes!

DNS loves, loves, LOVES the About Face Collective. Their wholistic, positive, fun approach to change making gets our seal of approval anytime, everytime, all the time.

The About Face Collective and Fresh City present Greenhouse Gallery, a fundraiser for the Everything Roof

Saturday November 5th and Sunday November 6th, 11am - 6pm

Fresh City Greenhouse at Downsview Park

70 Canuck Avenue, Downsview Park, Toronto, ON M3K 2C5

We have collaborated with our urban farming friends at Fresh Citywww.freshcityfarms.com to turn their greenhouse at Downsview Park into a gallery for the weekend of November 5th and 6th. The event will feature outstanding local food, beer and wine, music and art. We will be showcasing original pieces for silent auction and prints for sale from a selection of renowned local artists. The adjacent greenhouse will be set up with workshops and kid-friendly activities offered throughout the weekend.

MUSIC

Saturday:

12-1 Isla Craig www.myspace.com/islacraig

2-4 Far from Rich www.myspace.com/farfromrich

4-5 A Yellow Field: www.ayellowfield.com

Sunday:

2--3 Loom www.myspace.com/owleyescrowsfeet

3-4 Carnival Moon www.myspace.com/carnivalmoon

4-5 The Holy Gasp: www.facebook.com/pages/theholygasp

FEATURED ARTISTS

Adrian Forrow, Alex Kurina, Childface Sausage, Claire Hall, Danielle Hession, Darlene Huynh, E V Mary Stephens, Emily Stoddart, Erica Brisson, Eunice Luk, Josh Raskin, Juliana Neufeld, Justin Broadbent, Justyna Werbel, Kathryn Macnaughton, Laura Mensinga, Lauren Pirie, Lisa Visser, Mahmood Popal, Mark Harris Sherman, Rodrigo Marti, Rose Broadbent, Sarah D'Angelo, Srdjan Segan, Talia Shipman, Tammy Yiu, Virgil Baruchel

plus

jewelry by Kate Schwan: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fierce-Deer-Jewelery/182722618434845

hand-knit accessories from Muttonhead http://muttonheadcollective.com/

WORKSHOPS (ongoing from 11 - 3 each day)

Nutrition Workshops from Eating Pretty and Back to Abundance

Seedbomb workshops

Foodshare Workshops

COST:

Suggested donation of $10 includes one complimentary beverage

ABOUT THE EVERYTHING ROOF:

Everything Roof is a community rooftop garden and learning space on top of the new Centre for Social Innovation, Annex location. The creative structural elements of the garden will be designed and built by local artists using recycled and reclaimed materials. In collaboration with the Centre for Social Innovation, Sketch Working Arts for Street Involved and Homeless Youth and Skate4Cancer, The About Face Collective will create a unique, inspiring, visually exciting platform to promote urban farming, nutrition, green lifestyles and integrated community engagement.

We were recently granted $75,000 from Live Green Toronto toward our capital costs and need to raise the remaining funds by December 31st.

Join us to support and find more info at www.aboutfacecollective.com

ABOUT FRESH CITY:

Fresh City is a social enterprise empowering people to farm organically in Toronto. Fresh City offers a year-round box service with home delivery featuring produce and products from our farmers and other local partners.www.freshcityfarms.com

BIKE KILL 8!

Despite being Canadian - I still rarely welcome snowstorms in late october. Somehow, despite the lovely weather we've been having here in New York, last saturday had a devilish mind of it's own, when snow mixed with pouring rain drenched the city. And consequently Bike Kill 8: Snowpocolypse was born in a Bedstuy parking lot.

Yet, despite the horrific weather (resulting in wet everything and multiple trips to home depot to warm up & buy more dry things) we still had an amazing time, rode some mutant bikes (like Big Red above), then donned lots of spandex (true to form) and danced our faces off in some warehouse with a bonfire out back.

Days later everything still smells like wet dog and campfires. Gotta love Bike Kill... and these rad photos by Tod Seelie.

Not Far From the Tree

Laura and I spent the golden hours of yesterday taking a very civilized stroll through Brooklyn's historical Botanical Garden, talking about rose breeding, this year's crops, the state of the nation, eligible matches for mawidge, and the nature of climbing the social climbing... socially.

Well, we weren't very good at imitating Jane Austin, but we did liberate some of the garden's fresh herbs and munched on some fresh kale. Gather ye rosebuds while ye may. Although NYC has provided the Nightshades with a spectacular Indian Summer, you can feel the chill in the air and winter will soon be upon us. No point in the sage growing all summer to not be enjoyed, right?

Our walk and gathering looked a little something like this. Yes, we were barefoot in seafoam dresses.

Talk of city harvesting then ensued, with Laura and I exchanging various stories of Toronto and Vancouver's various fruit picking spots. In Toronto, only a minute from Much Music is the most spectacular apple tree in an alley way that will give you bags of apples just when school starts and you are at your poorest from supply buying. Vancouver is just ridiculous, with blackberries everywhere (I lived off of Blackberries most of August and September), and networks of friends sharing the locations of various fig trees that are untended and ripe with fruits to be plucked. FIGS!

Anthony Westenburg from Evergreen Toronto tipped me off to Not Far From The Tree, and amazing Toronto organization that mobilizes volunteers to harvest fruit in Toronto that would otherwise go to waste. And they do it all by bicycle. Check them out, because stuff like this is awesome!

Here is a great video they put out. Enjoy! 1LOVE!

SEPTEMBER IN SF.

Last month I met Matt Reyes at the BFF in San Fran - great rider, as well as videographer. Here's his latest edit with some footage from the Street Party from the festival. I always like weird little snapshots like this.

CHROME PARTIES NYC!

So the Chrome store here in NYC keeps throwing parties, and we keep going to them.

Check out the rest of the set here.

GIVE ME THY PANTS

this is the real face of polo

NIGHTSHADES VS. NYC

So one week ago I joined into the Nightshades bonanza going down in Brooklyn at the moment, where 5 of the 7 of us have been living large in Bushwick (or rather in an overcrowded apartment = neverending sleepover). Sadly we had to say goodbye to Namtron tonight, but next week we add Snow White to the ranks. Highlights so far include:

a) dancing in the Chrome store.

b) running into Die Antwoord while gallery hopping in Chelsea (and Yolandi was wearing children's pajamas).

b) sneaking into a private VICE party where we danced our faces off to a DJ set by Erykah Badu (where we ran into Die Antwoord again. Weird.)

c) playing a ridiculous game called Stump, involving throwing a hammer and summersaults and talking in a variety of accents.

d) roof picnics at sunset.

e) and some EPIC BIKE RIDES, obviously.

It's been an amazing start to my time in NYC, but in reality, I'm just counting down the days til Bike Kill. EEK.

BELLE STARRS.

So in the vein of promoting amazing women on bikes, if you haven't heard of the Belle Starrs from Fort Collins, Colorado, you really should have. They are a group of women who came together to foster community, wellness, and empowerment through bicycling. Sounds about right. They do everything from group rides, to bike camping to being super rad. You better believe the next time we're in Colorado, there will be some serious lady crews happening.

They also just put out an awesome calender last month, and if you haven't picked up a copy.... you probably should. We're just sad they beat us to it. A DNS Calendar has been in talks for a while. Ha. But seriously. They're BABES!

SOLIDAGO RIDERS!

Back in August, we had the privilege of meeting the Solidago Riders, an awesome group of five women, in the middle of what I can only describe as an epic distance ride circling the Great Lakes. They were fundraising for youth led, non profit, Grand Aspirations - as well as filming a documentary en route. They were even travelling with a silk screen of the great lakes, and made us a rad print. We caught them mid route in Toronto, and got to show them a bit of our city, and hear about their travels. Now two months later, they've just arrived home to Saint Paul, Minnesota.

So, we just wanted to say a huge CONGRATS LADIES!

On A Bicycle with Amy Walker

Amy Walker used to be my boss at Momentum, although she hated me calling her that. Amy left Momentum and has been pouring all her amazing creative talents into her recently published book, On A Bicycle, which is amazing and I wanted you to know about it.

"Amy Walker has been at the forefront of this trend as cofounder of Momentum magazine, which chronicles and inspires urban bike culture and transportation cycling. In On Bicycles, she gathers a wide-ranging group of cycling writers to explore the ways that biking can change, and is changing, people’s lives. From utility bikes that are becoming the primary mode of transportation for entire families to the artistic creations of freakbike riders, On Bicycles has something for everyone who has ever ridden a bike.

Topics include:

* cargo bikes * bike parties * a history of bike advocacy
* the bike-craft boom * folding bikes * recumbents * biking with kids
* handmade bikes * car-free streets * relocalizing * bike style
* collective bike shops * women and bikes * and many more..."

Now go buy it, read it, enjoy it and pass it on.

Love, Love, Love....

SUBMIT TO THE BICYCLE!

Velo City 2012 is gearing up for another fabulous conference in the soon to be bike-capital of the world, Vancouver. They are currently seeking abstracts for presentation proposals for their amazing conference next June.

"The conference theme, Cities in Motion, will spotlight communities that are enabling and encouraging people of all ages to choose cycling as a daily form of active transportation and recreation. We encourage all cities and regions around the world - small, medium, and large - to share how they are creating healthy, livable, inclusive, vibrant, green communities through cycling and enhancements to the built environment that are both supportive of and enabled by embracing cycling as an integral component of combined, sustainable and smart mobility"

Maybe you'll see DNS there presenting about the 3B's and how they encourage active and healthy transportation? (That would be bikes, booze and babes.)

FAST CO. SF!

Having just been in San Francisco & surrounding areas myself, I have mad respect for anyone who rides that town. And any crew of girls on bikes is obviously in the Nightshades good books.

Nightshades in Bikinis and Innapropriate Polo Photos

Here are some shots from Sepetember.

Beach time!






EastVan Polo Party!


Tim in his heavy metal costume.

Tee hee.

Then we danced!