In 2010, together with Unity Finesmith (of Auckland Cycle Chic fame), I took over coordinating Frocks on Bikes from the fabulous Jasmine Cargill. Jasmine was one of the founders of the Frock Flock – Aucks (an off shoot of the Frocks on Bikes Mothership in Wellington) as part of a climate action event in 2008.
At the time I was very hesitant about taking on the role as I didn’t have a frocking bike and didn’t feel like a “frocker”. However I soon came to appreciate that Frocks on Bikes is just about getting on a bike what every your style and wardrobe. It is about your destination as much as your journey. It is about fun, convenience and freedom. And over the years I like to think Frocks on Bikes has inspired a whole range of women to give cycling a go for the first time. I love how many more women there are now out there frocking and helping to make Auckland a much better place. Tonight we have a Frock meet up to establish a new crew to take over coordinating Frocks on Bikes- Aucks so we can build on past successes and keep the Flock active. All welcome (or get in touch via FOB website to get involved)
Here are a few of my Frocks on Bikes highlights:
- Frocks day out – part of Ponsonby Market day in 2009. It felt so wonderful riding for the first time in a big group down Ponsonby Road
- Becoming the proud owner of my Velorbis bicycle after it was loaned to me for 6 weeks by the Urban Bicycle Company to help promote FOB
- The first ever Cycle Style Auckland in 2010 – thanks to an amazing crew we managed to pull off an awesome show (I still love watching the video)
- Try my bike wine and cheese evenings – fabulous combination to encourage women to give cycling a go on frock friendly bikes
- Winning the Cycle Friendly awards in 2010 for Cycle Style
- Appearing in Next magazine all glammed up
- Pecha Kucha presentation on Frocks on Bikes on a hot summer night in Gisborne
Bespoke at Silo Park in March 2013 – officially my last Frocks on Bikes event
Thank you to everyone who has been such a huge part of Frocks on Bikes- Aucks and helped to make it so much fun.
Special mention thanks to Unity (co-coordinator until 2012) , Hilleke (our mothership support person) and Jena (Cycle Action Auckland)