It hasn’t always been about spandex and speed. Racing? Training? Those words didn’t exist for me a few years ago. I used to ride around the city to meet friends, get coffee and mash around for no other reason except to enjoy the view. Because I didn’t know much about cycling specific clothing, I subjected myself to some uncomfortable rides from time to time. You live and learn, right?
This week I slowed it down a bit in hopes of passing on my knowledge of casual clothes to you, so I put the Specialized Utility Crew, Levi's Commuter Jeans and Vans Lo Pro (similar version here) to the test! Here in the South it can be rain or shine in a matter of minutes and that's exactly what happened last week. I’m pleased to say that after putting everything through the elements, I highly recommend all of it.
This top was great for function, style and comfort. I kept cool with Drirelease Merino, the relaxed fit allowed me to put my own spin on the outfit by tying it up, and the zippered side pocket gave me a new place to put my keys. I’m wearing this style in Emerald Green, but you can also snag this tee in Carbon Heather for a more neutral look. The Levi's Commuter jeans have a high rise cut, so I don't show any booty, and the water repellant material really helped when it started to rain. Of course, the rain got to me through my clothes, but all of it dried fairly quick! The shoes aren't meant to have any commuter specific qualities, but I find them very comfortable to ride in. However, if I had known it was going to rain, I would have gone with MTB shoes instead. Although the Vans are great when it's sunny, I found my self slipping around a bit when it started to pour.
Wear what you love.
I don’t know about you, but looking good and wearing comfortable apparel/gear while completely suffering on the bike just really does it for me. Up until recently, I preferred an all black design and in the past have found myself ordering XXXS men’s apparel just to avoid butterflies and flowers (I don’t recommend that whatsoever). I personally felt as if the majority of women’s apparel was designed for my “4th grade Lisa Frank loving” self. Then, Specialized released their Replica Team Boels/Dolmans kit and, well, look at it - it’s beautiful.
Ride safe this weekend. I hope you slip into whatever makes you feel amazing, fast and like a total badass.
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How does your work and bike life fit together?
How does your work and bike life fit together?
Do you commute, ride before work, lunch time or after work? Tell us, we’d love to hear how you get your ride in!
I usually ride after work, but love a good sunrise when I can catch it.
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New Kit Day
When fitness meets fashion, I’m one happy lady.
The bib shorts have a hook-up for easy access when nature calls, the middle back pocket has a hole for my headphones, the material features cold fabric technology, the design is absolutely stunning and there is a matching Evade helmet. Check, check and check!
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Chattanooga Adventures
Sometimes you get up on a Saturday morning to take a day trip and meet your best friend in an unfamiliar city for coffee, breakfast and a walk down the Tennessee river. The morning air was crisp and cooler than the summer heat I’m used to in Atlanta, not by much, but enough to enjoy sitting outside for a good southern meal. After we went our separate ways, I pedaled around Chattanooga. I’ve only visited one other time, to watch the US Pro Nationals, so I took a few hours to explore and enjoy a beautiful Saturday afternoon.
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This one is for the ladies!
This one is for the ladies. In a predominately male dominated sport, I raise a toast with my bidon to the badass girls out there who ride bikes.
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Patience While Racing
I’m still learning patience while racing. My adrenaline tells my brain to go, go, go but my legs remind me to wait.
During the road race, one of my awesome teammates did a lot of the work on Saturday and we were able to control the pace for the first part of the race. I managed to get in a break on the last lap, but lost the front two girls once again (I’m really going to work on this because this is twice now). I snagged third during a sprint, but I’m going back and forth as to why I keep getting dropped once I get in a break. Mental or physical? Probably both. Regardless, it’s such a bittersweet feeling to get away from the peloton only to find yourself in no mans land.
Feeling good going into today’s crit (perhaps a little too good), I did not remember patience. Although not a large group, I was hesitant to be in the back incase of a crash, so I stayed up front entirely too much. On the last lap, the girl who won yesterday took off and I responded immediately. I ended up sprinting entirely too early and got swarmed at the last 500 meters. I have SO much to learn, but damn, I love racing my bike.
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New Routes
It’s always worth it to detour during a ride and explore new places.
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