It gets dark now, early. Real early.

You're already armed with blinky lights, why not make something out of it? Grab a camera and a tripod and we'll show you how to capture long exposure light paintings.

1. Find the Right Spot

The darker the better. You can do this in the open air but using a wall for reference can make complicated drawings a snap. 

2. Set Your Shutter Speed to Slow

Like real slow. Like anywhere from 10 - 30 seconds. The longer your shutter the more time you'll have to create your painting, but also the more light the camera will capture. Experiment to find the right balance. And don't forget, a tripod or stationary support is a must.

Got an iPhone instead of a DSLR? No worries, there's an app for that. Check out Slow Shutter, only $2 from the App Store.

3. Get to it

This is the fun part, but expect that it's going to take a few attempts. They more you experiment the better you'll get. Set your light to blinky mode to add some sparkle.

For our photo we chose a multi-step image to animate, but yours can be captured in a single exposure like this one we produced last year. If you want to make an animated GIF as well, this site works the magic for your, for free.

Once your fingers and toes are sufficiently cold, head inside to see what you've got. We'd also love to see your best shots. Please send them to info[at]missionbicycle.com.

Attention Mission Bicycle owners: It's time for the 2nd Annual Customer subMission Photo Contest. Rules are simple, prizes are made of cash. Enter on Facebook or Instagram, click here for full details.

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Turn every ride into a parade with Monkeylectric wheel lights. Waterproof LED's provide dozens of unique images and patterns that animate as you ride. Check them out in video here.

Levi's did their homework with the new Commuter Series. Smart and sexy, these jeans are built for cyclists with a host of cool features like water resistance, integrated U-lock holster and reflective cuffs to keep you looking good and feeling great, on and off the bike.

This 3-in-1 MP3 Player / Speaker / Light will keep your nights bright and your ears happy. Enjoy your favorite music untethered from cables and headphones.

Don't see the perfect gift? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Gift cards are available for shirts and accessories here, and complete bikes here.

Check the table above to make sure your gear arrives on time, and check out our whole catalogue here for great gifts ideas. Happy holidays.

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The holidays are here again, and we all agree, it's the thought that counts. So think about yourself.

You deserve the most thoughtfully designed gear around. We've got exciting new items to make cycling easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Check them out.

Quick and easy mounting allows for hands-free riding. Safely secure a smartphone or GPS to your bike to display a map, track your route, play music - or for the documentarian - even video your ride.

Set the mood, and do it sustainably, with these recycled bike chain tealight holders.

This form-fitting wool long sleeve is the perfect baselayer for early mornings, late evenings and cool afternoons in between. Wool manages temperature better than synthetic materials, even when wet, allowing for comfortable riding in any cool condition.

The worlds most intuitive and effortless bike light is here. Simply slide onto your seatpost and ride, Blink/Steady does the rest.

Using an accelerometer and a light sensor, Blink/Steady knows to turn on automatically whenever your ride in low light, and turn off automatically when you arrive.

Don't see the perfect gift?

Ditch the guesswork with a gift certificate. Available in denominations of $25 up through a complete custom Mission Bicycle.

Happy holidays.

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Over the weekend we received a letter from a Mission bicycle rider in NYC. He wrote to tell us that despite unexpected personal hardship, Hurricane Sandy, and nor'easter Athena, he was okay. He went on to say, with his bike, he knew he was going to be okay. With his blessing, we're humbled to share this story of perseverance and pedaling with you.

photo by B

Dear Mission Bicycle,

Like many people, I fell in love with my bike the day I first laid eyes on her. From zipping up and down the West Side Highway to laps around Brooklyn parks, my single speed was a joy to ride.

Yet, I don't think I ever knew just how much she meant to me until adversity knocked on the door.

The last two weeks have been tough. My relationship ended and I moved out to a crappy sublet, shuttling duffel bags on my bike. I slept on floors with nothing but a toothbrush and my bike.

Then Sandy decided to come and pay us a visit out here on the East Coast. Through storm surges, hurricane debris, whipping winds, gas shortages, and thigh-high flooding, my bike got me to school and home. A week later, Athena decided to dump six inches of slushy dense wet snow on Long Island, as if we weren't battered enough as is.

When an oak tree fell on the commuter train and stranded me 30 miles from home in a freezing nor'easter, I got on my bike and started pedaling. While skinny tires are no bueno for snow riding, she got me home.

I am cold, hungry, tired and alone, and I don't know what else is in store for me. But as I lie in my sleeping bag, staring at my bike, I know I can handle anything the world throws at me.

Just me and my bike.

Thank you Mission Bicycle. Thank you for making amazing bikes, and for getting me home.

Sincerely,
B

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