The Simplicity of Nordic Evenings

It's Monday. It's wallpaper day. Værs'go [Here you go]

1024x768

1024x768

Here's a little video poem-thingy using Flickr's new video function:


Here's the laptop-a-doodle versions of the screensavers:

1680x1050

1680x1050

The Cycle Chic Manifesto

We've been discussing for ages the composing of a manifesto regarding Cycling Chic. We coined the phrase, after all, so we thought it necessary to highlight what it's all about. As ever, with a hint of seriousness, a splash of poetry and a dash of playfulness.

With that said, we present to you The Copenhagen Cycle Chic Manifesto.

- I choose to cycle chic and, at every opportunity, I will choose Style over Speed.

- I embrace my responsibility to contribute visually to a more aesthetically pleasing urban landscape.

- I am aware that my mere prescence in said urban landscape will inspire others without me being labelled as a 'bicycle activist'.

- I will ride with grace, elegance and dignity.

- I will choose a bicycle that reflects my personality and style.

- I will, however, regard my bicycle as transport and as a mere supplement to my own personal style. Allowing my bike to upstage me is unacceptable.

- I will endeavour to ensure that the total value of my clothes always exceeds that of my bicycle.

- I will accessorize in accordance with the standards of a bicycle culture and acquire, where possible, a chain guard, kickstand, skirt guard, fenders, bell and basket.

- I will respect the traffic laws.

- I will refrain from wearing and owning any form of 'cycle wear'. The only exception being a bicycle helmet - if I choose to exercise my freedom of personal choice and wear one.

And since it's wallpaper day, here's the Manifesto in two sizes:

1024x768


1680x1050

In addition, if it so pleases you, reader, the manifesto is also available on postcards , a mousepad and t-shirts.

Addendum: Just had to add this, sent in by Claus. The Manifesto in action!

Thanks, Claus! Anybody else?! :-)

Monday's Wallpapers

I am personally quite mad about this shot, above. Great moments in cycling, indeed. It's that moment when the foot pushes the bicycle into motion, just before it leaves the ground and is deftly placed on the pedal. It can look wobbly at times, but it is generally poetry in motion. A urban ballet. Resolution: 1024x768

Another classic study of cycling with style in high heels. Resolution: 1024x768

Below are the same shots in a 1680x1050 resolution.

Quintessential Danishness [and a wallpaper]

It's hard to explain if you've never been here but this shot is textbook Danishness.

Not Copenhagenness - a modern European capital with all the trimmings - but the whole essence of Danishness. That national sensation that exists just under the skin. A national-romantic and idealistic image of what a nation is, sure, but it is almost always makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.

Each country with a long history has their own, unique and simple sensation. This photo is, for me, quintessential Danishliciousness. Stormy seas and wind turbines are Danishness, too. As are the bike lanes on this blog. But this shot is special - because of the rolling wheatfields and the sea - but mostly because of the bike and the girl on the bike.

Made better by the fact that it's Wifealiciousness on that bike, in that wheat field, heading towards that sea in the background.

Taken on the 'Sunshine Island' - Bornholm, just south-east of Sweden in the Baltic Sea.

And I think it appropriate to remember that Danish women and men have been cycling daily down this lane since bicycles were invented.


Monday is Wallpaper Day
Or so I declared last week.

1024x768

1680x1050.

Wallpaper Day

Let's make Monday wallpaper day, shall we?
1024x768, and all that.

If anyone has ideas for wallpapers or needs other sizes, do let us know.

Here's a version in 1280x800.

Classic, Classy, Copenhagener

Classic, Classy, Copenhagener, originally uploaded by [Zakkaliciousness].

"One must never ride into the back wheel of a loved and charming woman, unless one is convinced in advance that one's love for said woman will always be, and must be, unhappy."
Johannes Wulff in "Paa cykle" [On the Bike], from 1930

Why am I quoting literature?

Another Copenhagen supermum in her natural environment. Elegant boots with sharp heels, leather trousers, fur scarf, this winter's popular red gloves, oversized sunglasses and... a chunky old Bobike seat for her kid[s] resting on an anonymous Raleigh.

Oh, and isn't it time for another wallpaper?

Cycle Chic Wallpaper

It's been a while since we chucked a wallpaper up onto the blog. So we're doing it now.
1024 x 768 and all that.

Vintage Bike Poster Screensaver

By popular demand we thought we'd whip up another screensaver. We do like the graphic arts, and we thought it fitting to include historic bike posters featuring the ancestral cyclists that inspired Copenhagen Cycle Chic.

Back in the day it was the impeccably stylish French and Italians who had the last word on chic posters advocating bike brands and usage. What a splendid array of vintage girls on bikes.

The screensaver is 1024x768.