Where has the summer gone?

This is the worst summer ever! No really, it's a fact. According to a report I read this morning, 
last month was the wettest June since records began! Can it get any more depressing?

Funnily enough, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Sky Umbrella, designed by Tibor Kalman for the New York Museum of Modern Art's Design Store. In celebration, MoMA is reaching out to reintroduce the umbrella to a new generation of fans and they've certainly found one in me! 

Top: Havainas in: Green, Blue Sky, Citrus Yellow. Bottom: Hunter Original's in: Spring Green, Turquoise & Citrus
 

In desperation to brighten up my dreary mood, I've even considered trading in my flip flops (thongs) for a pair of these brightly coloured wellies (gumboots). It's hard to ignore the similarities in Hunter's 'summer' colour palette, but does anyone really buy them at this time of year?

Cath Kidston Bike Seat Covers

You heard it here first folks. Cath Kidston bike seat covers are coming to a store near you. For those of you that read my post in November entitled 'Rain coat for bicycle seats' it looks as though or friends at Cath Kidston were listening. Due to popular demand, bike seat covers have been added to the collection. Here is a sneak peek of the very first design to hit stores next week.

This 'Be A Good Sport' bike seat cover will be available for purchase both in store and online from the 17th of January, so you can say goodbye to your squishy-just-been-rained-on bicycle seats. Tuck one of these bike seat covers into your bag in case of unexpected showers and stay 
dry in style.

Cath Kidston 'Be A Good Sport' Bike Seat Cover £3.50

Winter riding tips

Aside from red noses and frozen fingers another common problem for Oxford cyclists in winter are frozen bike cables. You’ll know if your cables are frozen if you can’t apply your brakes - Not something you want to discover once you have begun riding as I did, so always check your brakes before setting out!  

Frozen brakes are caused by moisture collecting inside the brake cables. The quickest remedy is to give the cables a gentle pull, however this will only offer a short-term solution. To get to the bottom of the problem, you'll need to buy some bike lubricant and wait until the next time your bike is completely dry. Lubricate your brake levers and cable housings making sure you get the oil all the way through the housing. This will act as a barrier for any water that would otherwise find its way inside and freeze the housing.  

For more winter riding tips, check out The Oxford Fresher's Guide to 'Buying a Bicycle'. 
Photo: Drybike brolly holder. 

Raincoat for bicycle seats

There’s nothing worse than sitting on a squishy-just-been-rained-on bicycle seat. So rather than tie 

a tatty grocery bag over your saddle, keep your bottom 'beary' dry with this adorable bike seat cover by German designer Tilo Ahmels.  Other 'saddle animals' in the collection include a dog, fox, goat, cow and horse and are all guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of passers by.

I'm sure Cath Kidston generated a few smiles when her prints appeared on bike seats around Oxford in a clever promotion earlier this year.  However, they may have left a few shoppers feeling a little down hearted - Made especially to celebrate her Broad Street store's first birthday, these brightly coloured bike seat covers, so distinguishably 'Cath Kidston', were a promotional item only and not available for purchase.

Perhaps with a bit of luck and gentle persuasion Cath Kidston bike seat covers will make it into production but in the meantime, try a patterned shower cap! They're far more convenient than a plastic bag and perfect for the job. For more winter riding tips check out, The Oxford Fresher's guide to 'Buying a Bicyle'. 

Photo: 'Cath Kidston Bike Seat Covers' taken by Oxford Daily Photo