LADIES ARMY 6 IN TORONTO

3, 2, 1 POLO. The ONLY all women's/trans tournament in the world is coming to Toronto June 20th -22nd, 2014 at Dufferin Grove Park. Come out and support the very best lady slayers from all over the globe. Bike Polo Toronto put out this awesome little ALL CANADIANA teaser and is currently looking for your SUPPORT ( click to see awesome fundraiser ) to make this the best tournament possible.

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMAN'S DAY!

On international woman's day, it's good to remember the connection the early 20th century's woman's movement had to bicycles. They got us out of the corset, provided mobility and independence, and were a symbol of freedom and modernity.
 
Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom by National Geographic. I haven't read this book myself yet, but I want to, especially with the author Sue Macy giving rad answers like this:

Q: Why are bikes still important to women?
A: I think that Leah Missbach Day does a great job in the foreword to Wheels of Change of explaining how bicycles are still important to one population of women--those in developing countries who are able to increase their mobility astronomically with the bicycles they received through World Bicycle Relief. But today in the U.S., bicycles are important to everybody. They allow people to do errands without using fossil fuels, to get great cardiovascular exercise, to see their surroundings in a whole new way. My neighborhood isn’t great for cycling--too much traffic and too many hills--but I try to ride at least once a week in the spring, summer, and fall, usually stopping at a nearby farmers' market to restock on fruits and vegetables. It’s a healthy way to live.  

Here are three rad rad female and bike related videos for your eyeball and ear pleasure.


This week at the National Bike Summit, Veronica Davis, the founder of Black Women Bike, gave this inspiring talk about her background, community and passion. I took away many tid-bits of insight and wisdom on unconventional engagement and breaking down barriers, along with being inspired by her incredible work ethic and dedication.

Ladies Army 5 from Geoffrey Tomlin-Hood on Vimeo.

Next up- Ladies Army 5. This year it's in Vancouver- sorry, EastVan. If you can get your gears to Vancouver, do so. It's beautiful, laid back, and beautiful. But watch out, the beauty is going to cost you. Rent, food and alcohol are more expensive in Beautiful British Columbia. Some say BC stands for bring cash. So plan ahead ladies.



Last, but not least, the incredible Jenna Marbles on "Why Girls Hate Each Other." Don't think it belongs in with this other list of awesome I just put above?  Let's be real here girls. Jokes like this don't take over the internet for no reason. We got to address some things. In throwing off the shackles of oppression, it's good to throw out the BS that came along with it, like comparing, competing and judging each other. When we do that "...we can just be b*tches together... you know, vaginas unite!"

Think about it. If you disagree, the comment box bellow is a safe space to say so.

xo

LADIES ARMY IV FUNDRAISER PARTY = SUCCESS!

A HUGE thanks to everyone who came out to the Ladies Army Fundraiser on saturday night! We had a packed house, ridiculous amounts of fun, and I even won at gold sprints (#fiercecompetition)!!

LADIES ARMY IV FUNDRAISER PARTY!

Don't know what you're doing saturday?

...well now you do! You're coming out to dance your face off and help BPTO get down to Lexington KY, to compete in the 4th Annual Ladies Army tournament! It's totally that time of year again!

So get over to Bike Pirates for cheap beer, goldsprints, raffles, & ridiculous dancing! Not only that, but it's Bench Minor & Bike Smash this weekend, so there will be lots of Montreal, K-dub & Ottawa kids kicking around. So expect general hilarity & hooliganism. For more details about saturday go HERE!

BIKE PIRATES / APRIL 7 / 9PM-LATE / 1292 BLOOR ST

LADIES ARMY 4!

Look out Lexington....

BIKE POLO BABES.

Better late than never right? I guess that's what happens when you only shoot film and forget to develop your photos. But although Ladies Army in Austin was over a month ago now, I still have to say that it was really amazing to meet women from all over Canada & the States who ride hard and love their bikes. In such a male dominated sport and I suppose bike culture in general, it's nice to remind yourself that there is lots of awesome female cyclists out there.

Ladies Army IV? I'm so there.

AUSTIN BIKE PROM!

This Saturday I made it out to Austin's Bike Prom hosted by Fast Folks (who is really awesome in general, and at attaching water bottle holders & chatting on stupidly hot afternoons on east 6th). It was a fantastic night, in the midst of a fantastic weekend.

But seriously... Austin is OUT. OF. CONTROL. AWESOME.

More about Ladies Army coming soon, I promise. Still have to find my way out of Texas and into a photo developers before that happens. But for now, a HUGE congrats to Maija for taking home the win! And to Emily for being so rad. Yay Toronto Bike Polo! (But good luck getting that scary looking bike chain crown onto the plane).

AUSTIN BIKE POLO!

almost.....!!!

heading out on the I-35 today with my bike in the trunk & windows down!

LADIES ARMY III.

Booking my flight home from Texas today! But, any suggestions on getting from Dallas to Austin with my bike for this? Carpool anyone? I can promise witty banter & mix tapes for the ride.

Also, clearly the Nightshades were meant to be at this tournament. Check out that colour scheme.