Shredly's MTB Curvy Line

I was browsing through Instagram one morning not long ago and came upon a promoted ad. It was from Shredly and I couldn't help but pause momentarily. I've been drawn to the fun patterns of their MTB shorts for a few years, and the photo and caption was no exception. About a year ago, after drooling over a pair of their shorts for months, I decided to go ahead and order a pair. It was questionable as to whether or not they would fit, but I thought if I didn't give them a try, I'd never know for sure. Unfortunately, I just couldn't quite squeeze myself in... and who wants to squeeze into a pair of cycling shorts - particularly MTB shorts anyway?

As I passed by the Shredly photo on Instagram that morning, I felt the need to leave a comment -- something I generally don't do on promoted content.  My comment was something to the effect of requesting that they start carrying larger sizes because try as I have, my giant backside/legs just aren't able to squeeze into their shorts. I didn't really expect to get a response, but I thought I should at least put it out there, as I know I'm not alone in my struggle to find appropriate gear. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, right?

*Image from Shredly.com - "The Tina"

Within seconds a response popped up informing me that they have begun a new line of shorts that they thought would work well for me: the MTB Curvy. I was ecstatic! I rushed to the website and discovered that in fact this new line of shorts is running the span of size 4-24. Fan-freaking-tastic! Although I wasn't in love with the idea of a yoga waistband, I thought that I'd give it a chance and see if it could work. I ordered a couple of sizes, just to make sure I'd have options to try as size charts don't always tell the full story in regard to fit, and set to waiting for them to arrive.

This short comes as an outer short only, without a chamois or liner. Liners are available to purchase separately or buyers can use one from another maker that is comfortable for the individual. Personally, I prefer this option as opposed to being forced to use a sewn-in liner, so I was pleased to see Shredly kept this for the MTB Curvy. Because the line is still on the newer side, there also aren't as many pattern options as with the other, longer-standing options from the company (or so I've assumed this is the reasoning). I have no doubt there will be additional choices down the road -- or, at least I will say that I hope this is the case, as I don't have any insider information on this matter.

I'm adding a couple of photos of these on just to
give an idea of fit. My sincere apologies about
the quality of the photos. I am 5'3.75" in height and
these hit below the knee on me.

When the shorts arrived, pretty quickly after ordering I should add, I tried them on and modeled for Sam to get his feedback. They seemed slightly on the long side to me, but I am not a very tall person, so I suppose that's to be expected. Plus, I knew they'd ride up as I pedal. I was also a bit thrown with the "curvy" label, given that the size chart didn't seem to be that of a truly curvy fit (I feel the need to insert a comment here to state that bigger doesn't necessarily mean a person has a curvy figure - one can be larger and have straighter measurements, just as a smaller person can have straight, curvy or somewhere in between measurements. Personally, I would define "curvy" as someone who has at least a 10-inch difference between waist/hip, but beyond that, I consider myself more of a blocky-body type, despite having a large difference between waist/hip). Even with the drawstring at the waist tightened up significantly, there was still quite a large gap at the back of the waist and I felt as though there could've been more room through the hips. Sam thought they looked fine and in keeping with the spirit of mountain bike gear, and his opinion was that if there was room to move and they didn't feel too tight, they'd probably be worth a try.

As it happened, we were preparing to try out a route that was a bit more appropriate for this type of gear than the rides I sometimes take on my mountain bike, meaning more climbing, rocks, roots, and so on.  I have to admit, as we got pedaling, I was grateful for the longer length as they ended up settling in just above my knee as we rode.

Despite the horrible photo, you may
get a sense of the wrinkling/excess
fabric at the waistband.

After a couple of hours of riding, I noticed that the waist had become even looser than it was at the start. Although I never felt as though the shorts were slipping off my body (there is a drawstring after all), the amount of excess fabric seemed a bit much and there was still quite a large gap at the waist, even with the adjustment cord. Personally, I felt as though the fabric used for the waistband could've been different so as to not create so much stretch while riding. It's nice not to have a button or snap digging in, but it's as though this fabric goes overboard with too much give.

I am so grateful to see a company like this offering bigger sizes and realizing that people of all different body types ride bikes, and I don't seem to be alone. The line has been out for a very short amount of time and many of the styles/sizes are already out of stock. I hope other companies take note and realize that there is a market for cycling clothing in larger sizes. I do, however, think this particular version could do with some additional tweaking. Ultimately, I'm not sure the label "curvy" is truly the best descriptor for this line. I think it's more accurate to describe it as a line keeping with Shredly's standard MTB shorts that just happens to have a really stretchy waist with a drawstring and comes in larger sizes than their others. If a person has a straighter lower body waist/hip measurement, these may be a great fit, but as someone with a waist that is about 13 inches different than her hips, I could've done with a smaller waist and a smidge more material in the hip area. I ended up having to go up in size to accommodate my hips and legs, which may have created the issue with excess fabric around the waistband, but if I went down in size, I am certain the hips would be too tight.

The fabric itself is a nice weight, particularly for summer conditions. It seems sturdy enough to hold up over time, yet lightweight enough to allow the wearer not to become entirely drenched in sweat when hot temperatures hit. The fabric does not seem to be as thick as that of the other line I've tried from Shredly, but neither is it as flimsy as some other brands I've experimented with in the past that have felt as though there was no substance at all. I would describe it as a lightweight running short fabric that has another light layer inside to create a very small amount of structure.

The thigh vents are an interesting feature. Both thighs are made with a long zipper that opens to create venting for air flow. I'm not certain this is a feature I will use, but for those who need it, it's great and it didn't bother me to have the zippers present either. Both hand pockets at the hip are functional and while they aren't super deep (meaning, I wouldn't carry things in them while riding), they are suitable for after-ride items when walking around. One deep, snapped pocket can be found on the right leg. It contains a small fabric loop to attach items such as keys. Most phones will likely be accommodated in this pocket as well.

If you are someone who doesn't fit into standard/straight sizes of cycling gear, these could be a great option to check out, or if you fit into standard sizing but would prefer a stretchy waist as opposed to a snap/button, these may also be to your liking. As stated prior, I am thrilled to see sizing options opening up like this new line from Shredly and the idea of making a different shape is also something I must applaud. That said, I believe there is room for improvement, or perhaps it's something that can be considered in a future line -- to keep this model, but offer a truly curvy fit for those with bigger waist/hip ratios. All in all, I consider this a decent effort by Shredly and I hope they continue to grow and expand their options.


*Just a note to say that I have not been paid or gifted any items by Shredly, nor any company for any reviews on the blog unless otherwise indicated. Opinions are my own and may not necessarily align with another user's thoughts/opinions. 

Another Hunt for Cycling Jerseys: Finding Sassy Cyclist

As a consumer, I have noticed that sometimes as a population we can ask for product(s) and then not follow up with support of businesses that try to address the issue by making items to fulfill our requests. Granted, some organizations attach to something because they think they can make an inferior product and turn a profit, but when companies (large or small) are making a good product, I think it's important to buy from them so that they can continue to grow and expand their offerings.

Over the winter, not only was I clearing out bicycles, but I also went on a cycling-clothing clean out. What I discovered is that most of what I own, I don't like to wear. I have a couple of older Ibex wool jerseys that still make their rounds into rotation (R.I.P. Ibex - I miss you! Though there's word on the street that you'll perhaps be making a comeback), and a couple of Terry jerseys that I also like to wear, but beyond that, I have a LOT of jerseys that simply don't fit right. The arms are too tight, the hip area is too snug, the jerseys roll at the hem, the chest and hips are too tight or ill-fitting in some manner, the material is scratchy and/or uncomfortable in some way, and on I could go with the ails in regard to various tops.

The thing is, I start to feel like some sort of oddity when I can't find cycling clothing that fits properly. Generally, I can find jerseys that "fit" but they don't really fit the way I would like them to. Why does everything have to be so tight? It's not just the tightness (I realize cycling gear shouldn't be flapping in the wind), but the inability to move the way I would like. Why are so many jerseys so short? I'm not even a tall person, so I can't begin imagine what taller ladies must go through. Why is every jersey made for a woman with slim arms and/or no hips? We're not all professional racers, bike-clothing companies. It's very frustrating, and I'm sure others find similar frustrations with lack of petite and tall sizes, or other needs.

So, when I went on a hunt this winter to find some new options, by mere happenstance I came across a company called Sassy Cyclist. The website stated that they carry ladies sizes XS through 2XL, which isn't entirely unheard of for a cycling clothing company, but what I did find unusual is that the jerseys are made to fit based on normal blouse sizes, not some weird, created size chart for the cycling world. Hallelujah!! I thought, but of course, I was still skeptical because I've seen these statements before, and then when I order there's a completely different experience.

*Image from sassycyclist.com

Still, I was feeling experimental and decided to go ahead and order a long sleeve jersey. We'd been riding on some pretty cold days and I thought that with some extra layers, if the sizing was as indicated, the jerseys I was seeing might be a good option. Typically, I wear an XL in tops, but can sometimes need a little larger (especially for my arms, and in the case of a jersey, my hips), and because I wanted to layer, I decided to go with the 2XL.

The jersey arrived very quickly - even quicker than I believe was indicated in the confirmation email. The product is made in Baltimore, Maryland and I'm in Boulder County, Colorado, so waiting just a couple of days for the arrival of the new jersey seemed very swift, but was welcomed because, as stated above, I have not been happy with most of jerseys crammed into my cycling drawer.

"In Pursuit of Peonies" from Sassy Cyclist

When it arrived, Sam said he wasn't fond of the print. Conversley, it was actually one of the things I loved about it - different, quirky, and not something I see everywhere. But, when I donned the jersey on our tandem ride he changed his mind. "I actually like it when I see it on you and on the bike," he stated, "So, maybe I've changed my mind." Good thing, since he's the one staring at my back for the entirety of the ride.

The real question/concern for me though was how it would fit and function while riding. So, we took it out for a test spin of about 30 miles (48km) to see how it would fair.

When initially putting on the jersey, I was surprised at how much stretch/give the fabric has. It's not that it's too thin or sloppy, nor is it too tight, but there is a lot of room for movement. I have thick arms both from lots of upper body work and from carrying extra meat around on my body, so cycling jerseys can be a complete disaster - both for my psyche and for my body. The fabric, however, seemed to allow complete freedom of movement, so I was excited to try it out on the bike.

The first day we rode, it was pretty cold out so I had two layers of wool under the jersey. It felt like an appropriate level of warmth for the day, and yet I didn't overheat while riding either. I should say, the interior of the jersey is lined with a very soft, brushed fabric too.  I'm not typically a fan of polyester fabric on my skin, but with the brushed fabric, it actually feels quite nice. In cool weather, the jersey works fine on its own without the extra layer(s), but for cold weather, I definitely felt as though I needed the extra pieces to stay warm enough. But, it was never claimed that this jersey was intended to keep me warm in cold temperatures, so I wasn't surprised by the need to layer.

The jersey was always comfortable while riding and it was one of the few occasions when I haven't constantly been fiddling with my jersey. Although the jersey did ride up a bit on me, I think it has more to do with 1) the layers I was wearing under it, 2) the fact that I am very lower body heavy and I've yet to find a jersey that doesn't ride up at some point due to movement on a bike, and 3) My cycling tights don't seem to be able to keep any jersey in place because of the fabric used to make them.

The collar on this jersey is particularly comfortable to me, both keeping the cold and/or sun off my body, but not causing me to choke either.

One of the best things about this jersey (in my humble opinion, of course) is the lack of elastic at the hem line. I have a lot of trouble with jerseys that have elastic or some other thick band at the waist/hip area, so discovering that this was not one of those jerseys was very exciting.  I can also appreciate the details such as the reflective strip down the back of the jersey to provide a little bit more visibility on roads, the roomy rear pockets, and a collar that doesn't choke me while riding. Personally, I prefer a full-zip jersey, but the somewhere between a 1/2 and 3/4 zip has been perfectly adequate.

Despite some riding up of the jersey, I was pretty impressed overall with it and its performance during the ride. The more I wore this jersey, the more I found myself reaching for it because it was just that comfortable to wear.  So, of course as the seasons started to change, I thought it would be nice to try out a short sleeved or sleeveless option from Sassy Cyclist.

When I went to investigate availability, there were a few new prints in stock, but I noticed not all the sizes were offered. I sent a quick email off to inquire as to whether they'd be available in the near future and was told that the new prints wouldn't be offered in the largest size because they weren't selling.

After a short conversation via email, Becky, the owner of the company, stated that she just cannot seem to figure out how to reach the cyclists who need the 2XL size (though she did share that XL is her most commonly sold size).

So, I implore you, if you're reading this and you cycle (or kayak, hike, walk dogs, etc and can use this sort of jersey) or know someone who would use larger sizes, go and take a look at the offerings available and contact Becky to let her know if you'd like to see other sizes in her future stock. She was lovely to chat with and is open to the idea of selling larger sizes, but she also can't sit on stock because she is running a small company that's just getting its footing. Which is completely understandable. The company can also ship to Canada and the UK, so those of you reading in those locations shouldn't feel left out if you find a jersey you love (though keep in mind the size chart is in inches so that you don't end up with the wrong size).

My two selections in two sizes to try out on the bike.

I decided to move forward with an order and chose a jersey in both the XL and 2XL sizes so that I could compare to see how different the two would actually be on my body. I ordered the jerseys on a Wednesday and they arrived on Friday of that week. I'm still impressed with the ability to ship so quickly! Now, I just had to wait for some warmer days to test out the sleeveless options. Fortunately, that wouldn't take long.

When trying the two sizes on back to back, I have to admit that I didn't notice a whole lot of difference between the XL and the 2XL. The XL fit better through the chest and waist, but of course, I have my hips to contend with so I think the biggest difference in fit for me personally is this area. Since I didn't think I could live without the print in the XL size, I decided to keep them both and try out both options as a test to see if one rode up more than the other or if there were other bits I noticed between the two different sizes while the garment was in use.

I have several sleeveless jerseys and one of the nice things about the Sassy Cyclist options are that they actually cover everything that I want covered. Meaning, the arm holes aren't gaping and huge and the edge of the "sleeve" comes right to the bend in my shoulder. The body of the jersey fit identically to the long sleeved version that I already owned, so there were no surprises there either. That same brushed, soft fabric also lines the interior of the sleeveless jersey too - something I honestly didn't expect to find.

My first test was with the 2XL size on a 40 mile (64km) out-and-back ride with about 2200 feet (670m) of climbing all during the first half of the ride. I was incredibly whiny on this ride, but I think having a rotten attitude can be a good litmus for cycling clothing. If I'm already cranky, that typically means I'm unhappy in my gear too, but thankfully, that was not the case with the jersey. It still rode up mildly, just like the long sleeve version, but again, I can't fault the garment as I know my proportions are not typical.

What I really love about these sleeveless jerseys is the fact that they have the full zipper. I realize it's not a huge thing most of the time, but it really does make me happy (and makes putting the jersey on a bit easier, especially if I'm layering underneath, I've found). The day I rode in this jersey the temperatures ranged from bordering on hot all the way down to almost cold during descents off the mountain, and I was comfortable throughout the ride (perhaps a little chilly -given that it is a sleeveless jersey - during the downhill portion).

Apologies for the bad photos... you all know how much I love [insert sarcastic eye roll] putting pictures of myself up... but, I think it's valuable to see the jersey on an actual body. This is the XL version, and while it looks as though it's constrictive, there's actually quite a bit of movement and stretch in the fabric and it's not fitting as grotesquely tight as it appears, if that's helpful. Additionally, although I didn't take photos, the 2XL fits similarly, except that there's just a smidge more give all over (and a bit of extra fabric around the waist area).

The next test took place wearing the XL size during a solo ride. That ride was about half the distance of the first test, so it's not the best comparison necessarily, but I found it strange that the smaller size actually seemed to stay in place a bit better than the larger one. Perhaps it was my imagination (I was wearing different shorts, so that may have played a role as well), or the fact that the distance wasn't as far and lacked the climbing, but I was comfortable and content wearing this jersey throughout my time in the saddle just as I'd been with the other two versions.

All in all, I've been pleased with the purchase of these jerseys. With the exception of the riding up, I haven't found a jersey that was as all around easy to wear and move in, and the features absolutely meet any of the needs I may have while riding.

So, what are the down sides, if any? Well, cost is always a factor. At a price of $95-110 (USD), these are definitely not the least expensive jerseys I've encountered or purchased; however, given that the product is made in the USA (not entirely common these days) and that the company is more of a boutique seller, I don't think the prices are necessarily out of the range to be expected. Still, it's a decent chunk of change to plunk down for a piece of cycling gear.  I only splurged because I had a bit of money earmarked for this purpose. I have learned over the years though that sometimes it's worth it to spend a little more and have fewer items than to spend less and have items I'm unhappy wearing. Your mileage may vary.

I should also note that during the winter there was a sale on some of the older styles, so this may be something to keep in mind for those looking to try without quite stretching to the current price point. As with any brand, at some point discounts usually occur to be able to clear out older items and bring in the new - though I obviously cannot guarantee that discounts with the company will take place in the future.

The only other down side for me personally was the shifting of the jersey over my hips. I frankly cannot (as stated earlier) fault the garment for this though as I have never owned a jersey that doesn't move up while I ride - the curse of being disproportionately meaty on my lower half. Even with the jersey riding up, I find myself choosing this jersey over others, which I believe speaks to the level of comfort provided.

As for the goals of Sassy Cyclist, Becky writes:
The whole aim is to make garments women, regardless of size, love to wear. The jerseys are very comfortable and in my mind, very fun, stylish and very different from the run of mill stuff! They're also great for many other non-cycling related activities, such as running, hiking, dog walking (baggies in the back pockets), tennis, golf. In terms of the future, I've got plenty of ideas for new products, particularly tailored to women, but I've got to grow slowly and not try to move too fast. Besides the actual bike riding, designing is my favorite part. 

So, again, if you are a rider who has interest in a new jersey that doesn't fit like a sausage casing and that has unique prints/patterns, this could be a fantastic company to buy from; and if you are a cyclist who wears sizes XL or larger, I would strongly encourage you to get in contact with Sassy Cyclist and ask Becky to continue to offer, and perhaps even expand, the larger sizes available. I am always one to encourage companies that do offer larger sizes, but a solitary voice does not bring about change.

Plus Size Women's Cycling Clothes: An Update (sort of)

*** Note: This is probably the last time I'll be able to request your assistance here on the blog before the contest ends, so if you have yet to vote, please take a very brief moment and head here to the Pedal the Plains contest page, click "like" (on 'Steeling a Ride'), or make a comment on that specific photo. If you have voted, I thank you so very much. If you have friends/family/neighbors/strangers on the street you can talk into liking the photo too, that would be amazing. You can also vote on Twitter or Instagram using #steeling AND @pedaltheplains. A bit more info can be found by clicking here.Voting ends this Friday at 5p (I presume MST, but don't wait until the last moment). Thanks! :O) ***

Occasionally, I write here about my frustration with finding appropriate fitting cycling clothing. As someone who does not meet the societal expectations of the typical-bodied cyclist, it's frustrating to look for comfortable, decent looking, well-fitting cycling clothes. For every day riding, I find wearing my regular clothes to be sufficient. Most of my wardrobe consists of wool or cotton, both of which breathe well and are easy to launder. However, when it comes to distance cycling, there are just realities to what is needed to be comfortable. Padded shorts are a necessity to keep from bruising of soft tissue and wearing super loose fitting tops just causes excess flapping of material against the skin. Wearing every day clothing to participate in more sport-type riding has not been horribly successful for me, so I'm always on the hunt for things that work.

There are a few brands/companies out there that stock larger sized women's cycling apparel. However, what is considered "larger" by cycling standards is not what is typically thought of in every day clothing as bigger. In every day clothing, I often fall in the middle of the spectrum between what is considered misses sizes in the U.S. and plus sizes. It is beneficial in that I can shop both sides of the aisle, but when it comes to cycling clothing, most items run snug (to put it nicely), so looking at plus sized options is often my only choice. Therein lies the problem.

Wearing a wool Ibex jersey and Terry cycling knickers in 2012 at the start of Venus de Miles

It's been three years since I wrote about my hunt for plus-sized wool cycling clothing for women (and four years since my original rant), and I am sad to say that nothing seems to have changed. Well, my body has changed a bit, but not enough to make this a non-issue. At this juncture, it would be nice to be able to find any material in cycling clothing that isn't unattractive and fits well. I know that all things take time, but I also hold on to similar beliefs that I had years ago... there simply must not be the demand or someone would be making these items. Still, I find that my post from three years ago gets a decent number of hits from Google, so I know I'm not alone out there on the roads. In fact I see me (and my brethren --  or sistren -- Okay, now I'm just making up words) quite regularly even here in one of the fittest states in the U.S.

My biggest beef with all of this is that no one should be punished for trying to work out - regardless of his/her size - and not being able to find appropriate clothing is punishment in my eyes (sometimes physically in that it can be painful to ride in ill-fitting/inappropriate clothes, and definitely emotionally when frustration sinks in from too many searches and not enough results). Clothing that can be found is sparse at best. Instead of having endless options for chamois thickness, materials, or lengths, there is often 1 to (if lucky) 3 choices to be found. The gap gets worse the larger a person's size too.

*Image from Road Holland

Complaining about this on a blog obviously does nothing to resolve the issue, so I did put together a small list of a few places that offer some solutions - even if it's still not exactly what I'd like to see.

Pearl Izumi stocks up to size XXL in women's cycling clothing and seems to run more true to size (generally speaking) than most cycling apparel, but they do not offer any extended options beyond.

Team Estrogen has sizes up to 4X in their "plus size" specialty shop from a variety of manufacturers, but fit has been very iffy for me on most of the brands they stock (from being far too baggy and/or too long to being too small to simply not sitting right on the body) including Terry, Canari, SheBeest, Moving Comfort (though the items I've found with M.C. have no padding and are more basic workout type clothes). Additionally, much of what is stocked is non-cycling specific gear, and the items that are cycling-specific tend to be unappealing aesthetically and/or ill-fitting.

When visiting Terry's plus size specific pages, the options are all-too-often few and far between. I have found the larger sizes in the regular sizes can have an acceptable fit for me personally (but this varies quite a bit and is always a gamble), but why isn't there a cross over to include the same options in larger sizes?

Aerotech offers a few items for both men and women who require larger sizes, but for women, much like Team Estrogen's site, the same brands are available (from Terry, Canari, etc) and are limited.

I was happy to learn from one of the owners himself that Road Holland offers shorts and jerseys up to size 3XL in women's (and I even wrote a bit about them - women's and men's, if you're interested). I do love these jerseys, but am still hoping they'll make bibs for women again and even branch out into possibly a sleeveless version of the full-zip jerseys.

My understanding is that at one point Icebreaker offered women's sizes up to 2XL, but I have not seen anything over an XL size on their website for some time now, and cycling jerseys and shorts seem to have completely disappeared.

Many of the women on cycling forums who run into sizing issues seem to head straight to men's clothing as an option, but clothing is definitely cut differently for men and women, not to mention that larger men have a difficult time finding options, which is to say that there is still often a limit in sizes for men's cycling gear as well.

Although I could rant on about the injustice and difficulty of finding the right items, I'm actually pondering the idea of making some sample items myself. I am by no means a seamstress and about the best I can usually manage is a half-way decent hem on a pair of pants, but I figure it's worth a shot - even if it's just a test for myself. In fact, I even have a couple yards of merino wool on its way to me to experiment with (since that is my preferred fabric). While I realize nothing will likely come from it, I feel as though I have to do something to ease the frustration.

If you've been on a hunt for larger women's cycling clothing, what has been your experience? Do you have brands to add to the list above? If so, please feel free to comment. When I wrote a few years ago, I had been in contact with a few different cycling gear manufacturers who had spoke about the possibility of extended sizing, but that doesn't seem to have happened (and goodness knows if history is an indicator, there won't be much variety available). Has anyone else had better luck?

**I'm editing this post to add SprintDesign to the list. When I made the original list I'd completely forgot about them, but I appreciate that they offer sizes from youth all the way up through size 6XL (both men's and women's). To be fair, I have never ordered from them, and they are in Australia, but they have an extensive collection and lots of options, so it is possibly something to check out as well. If anyone has ordered through them, please feel free to chime in. I'd be interested in hearing your experiences.

Sweet Spot Skirts: A skirt to ride, run, or play in

From time to time, I run across (either accidentally or because someone directed me) something that I can't believe I'd never heard of or seen in all of my bicycle-related activities and searches. One random day, I was on the REI website (I may or may not have had some dividend dollars to squander) and came across Sweet Spot Skirts. Having not heard of the company (or at least not had awareness of it), I went on a hunt to see what I could find. I will preface by stating that I am not typically a person to work out in a skirt. Even though I have large thighs, legs, hips, rear, etc, I really could care less what anyone thinks about me wearing spandex (or some other stretchy facsimile). It's always seemed ridiculous to me to wear a skirt over something that works perfectly well on its own. My statement has often been, "Why would I spend extra money on something pretty just to sweat on it?" That said, a lot of bike wear is stretchy, but when it gives it also becomes more transparent. I have to admit, I have a few bike shorts/capri tights (Read: nearly all of them) that could do with some extra covering, particularly when bent to reach the handlebars. In addition, I have also been out for a run, only to return home and know that I need to quickly leave for errands without changing. It's always nice to just be able to throw a skirt over my running tights so I feel a bit more covered.

Image from Sweet Spot Skirts illustrating the cover provided

If you've read here for any length of time, you will also undoubtedly recall a few posts in which I have ranted about not being able to find appropriately sized bike gear (this remains an issue, but I think it's starting to improve). The majority of women's cycling gear is sized for women who fall below roughly a size US 8, possibly 10, and I have (on more than one occasion) read over size charts that claimed a 2XL in women's cycling apparel is a size 12. Disturbing, to say the least (both that a 12 could ever be considered a 2XL, and that this is the largest size being made by some manufacturers). 

The first thing I noted about Sweet Spot is that they have an entire range of sizes for women between a 0-26. Impressive, especially for a company that would typically cater to women of a smaller size. To be fair, not every selection comes in each size range, but they seem to have at least a few choices for those who need a larger size and they will do custom orders as well and deliver those within a two-week time span. Pretty exciting, I thought. 

Sizing/Fit

Their sizing breaks down as follows:

- Size 0-6

- Size 2-14

- Size 10-18

- Size 18-26

I was leery. How can something fit a woman who is a size 10 the same as it would fit someone who is a size 18, or someone who is a 2 vs a 14? This is not even taking into account all the different shapes that women come in. The idea just didn't seem logical. The secret seemed to be in their two-layered snap system around the waistline of the skirts. Still, it seemed that either one size of the spectrum would  be bagging in extra fabric, or one would be squeezed into something that doesn't really fit. I had to give it a try though, and figured that because the company offered returns, how could I not see what would happen?

My first hurdle was figuring out which size to buy. Since no actual measurements are provided, and knowing the way most cycling gear runs, I was tempted to go with the largest option; however, being an optimist (or perhaps simply just not thinking it through), I opted to try out the 10-18 range, and hoped for the best. 

When the skirt arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it fit and even had a bit of room to spare. Being closer to the higher end of the range, I was concerned that if the sizing was not true, there could be problems. The skirts are made to be worn at the hip (not the waist), which I believe helps keep the look flattering on a variety of shapes, but for those of us with larger hips (and in my case, legs too), it also can mean having to go up in size. I was surprised, but happy that the size range seemed to be true, but I couldn't help but question if it really would fit someone who is a size 10 just as well? Sure enough. It really does work for people on the lower end of sizing, and they have the option of going down a size range to avoid the extra fabric (and also to get the length just a big shorter).

Material
The skirts are made of cotton with two rows of 7 snaps to fasten the skirt. The makers recommend being able to fasten at least three snaps on each of the rows, which does not seem to be an issue when following the sizes stated. At first, I wasn't sure how I'd feel about the material being cotton rather than something more capable of dealing with sweat, but honestly, if I'm wearing my already wicking shorts/tights/etc, this doesn't seem to be an issue. Plus, caring for the material is easy (cold wash, hang dry). The snaps also seem to be very secure (and they offer a lifetime guarantee on the snaps - which is very reassuring when using something for physical activities). As I've pointed out (and as the pics below will indicate), I'm bottom heavy and had some concerns about the potential of the snaps breaking open, but they have (thus far) remained securely fastened at all times and stay comfortable throughout my activities (e.g. no gouging into my abdomen or other body parts).

Functionality
The most concerning issue for me was whether or not I'd actually wear this skirt, and if it would work as intended. This is the point at which I set off to do experiments of my own. Noting the picture from Sweet Spot at the top of this post, I was concerned about getting the material caught on the nose of my saddle when dismounting and mounting. I've admitted numerous times that I am definitely a bit klutzy, so I don't need to add to this by putting something on my body to get caught. I took the skirt on an around-town ride on my city bike and was thrilled to discover that there was no catching on the nose of the saddle and there was plenty of freedom of movement for my legs to pedal with as much force (or not) as I chose.

At a later time, I tried it out on my road bike on a little 20-miler. For the most part, it was a klutz-free ride, except for one stop at a signal at which point I managed to actually get the bottom of the skirt caught on the rear of the saddle. It was a little scary because I wasn't prepared for it, but I survived without a fall. I'm still not entirely sure how this happened, nor if it would be a regular occurrence, but it was easily resolved by not leaning forward as I stopped and instead lifted myself up just a tad first before moving forward. This also may not be an issue for those who opt for the 2-14 size, as the length is just a bit shorter. It's worth mentioning that some of this could have to do with my height and the fact that I'm on a small bike that doesn't have a ton of room between the saddle and handlebars, so it's easy to get caught on things. If you're a more standard height, this may not come into play at all.

Extras
It's always nice when something unexpected is received in an article of clothing. I like my clothes to be able to do multiple-duty, as I don't always have time or the desire to change. One of the best "extras" with this skirt is that it is reversible, basically giving the wearer two skirts for the price of one. I've tried wearing mine both ways, and it looks great on either side and allows me to feel like I have an alternative if I'm not into the particular pattern on a given day.

The first time I wore the skirt in public I was on my way to an athletic event at which people were dressed in all different sorts of clothing. I had a small portion in the activity, but not enough to justify full-on workout gear, so I decided that I'd ride my bike to the event as I normally would and see how I felt just wearing it a bit more casually. Within the first 15 minutes I received half a dozen comments regarding the cuteness of the skirt, which definitely made it easy to wear. After the event, we all met up at a local bar and I didn't have time to change, but I have to say, I didn't feel as though I looked out of place, and again, I received comments from ladies passing through the bar about the skirt. I think these seem to be unique enough to cause people to stop and ask about them, but not so unique that one feels out of place in various casual situations.

Another great feature is that every skirt is made in the U.S.A. In fact, the owner of the company is located in the state of Washington and the business happens to be run by women. They also take the time and effort to support local charities, which is always a great thing in my book.

Price
I can be a very picky and yet still cheap person when it comes to clothing - particularly workout clothing that I know will never last as long as I'd prefer. I want quality, but I don't like to pay for it (which I think is true for many of us). I also prefer breathable clothing as much as possible, sticking to primarily wool and cotton when at all possible. Yes, often wool is more expensive, and I've just made my peace with buying a few things that will hopefully last longer than other items I could buy (which sometimes are nearly as much anyway).

Sweet Spot Skirts retail for between $69-99 (U.S. dollars), dependent on size range and length of skirt. I will admit, it's a tad on the steep side for a cotton wrap around skirt, but I have to say, the quality seems to be there. I'm particularly impressed with the snaps and what has thus far been decent durability/reliability. I'm not always easy on my clothes and these snaps appear to be something that will continue to hold up to my unintended abuse quite well. The price is also like getting two skirts in one, so when I think of it in those terms, the cost doesn't seem quite as painful to the pocketbook. Adding to that, the clothing is made in the U.S. by people being paid a livable wage. Because I have found that I seem to be living in a bygone area of prices for clothes, I've attempted to factor all of this into my purchase (and feelings regarding price) of this skirt.

Overall Thoughts
Although I haven't entirely changed my opinions on wearing skirts to work out, I can see the usefulness of this product and that there are times when it's nice to be able to cover up or not feel as though I have to change my clothing. I love that there are so many colorful (and not as colorful) options available because we all have different thoughts on what is appealing. It still seems that there is an inherent possibility of getting this skirt caught on the saddle of a bicycle, but this could be something avoidable for most. While I personally might wear it on a charity ride, I don't know that I would choose to don it for every training workout. I find I like its usefulness more as a cover up after a workout, but I have worn it far more than I expected thus far, so there is something to be said for this simple, yet comfortable and fun garment. Ultimately, I understand this skirt is aimed at those who like to feel a little more stylish or flirty when working out (and there's nothing wrong with that), and I know that it definitely has a market. Even for me, as someone who frequently protests such frivolity, I have to admit, it's a fun thing to wear during and after working out.

Platform Pedals: Is a Stiff Cycling Shoe Really Necessary?

I've written fairly extensively over the years regarding my inability to make peace with clipless pedals. It's not that I can't use them, that I don't understand how they operate, nor that I don't comprehend the benefits they are supposed to provide. However, I just do not like them. I don't like the idea of being attached to the pedals, and even though I've gone back and forth with them on my road bike(s) at various times and for a variety of test periods that stretched from a day to several weeks and months, I just can't seem to get comfortable with the idea. I can use them when forced to, but I find that I don't enjoy the ride and I'm constantly worrying about forgetting to unclip. Ultimately, it's just not worth the stress it creates. I also realize that I am in the minority and that nearly all individuals who ride for long periods of time on the road most often end up using some sort of clip mechanism on his/her pedals.

*Image found here

Not only is it challenging to find pedals that aren't extremely large and/or heavy platform pedals, I've always struggled with the type of shoes to wear when riding. I can quite easily wear every day shoes to ride my bike, but when the rides are longer, or for fitness/exercise, the cycling is simply different and more extended and it's a challenge to find appropriate gear for my feet. What has typically taken place is that I find a cycling shoe that is intended for mountain biking and simply do not put the clips in the shoes. It works, but it's not ideal as I find myself slipping because there usually isn't enough grip between whatever pedal I'm using and the bottom of the shoe's surface.

My understanding from reading and talking to others has always been that a stiff shoe is nearly a requirement for long distance/road riding, but I've never entirely believed in the benefits to the rider.  Some research I've been doing as of late has brought to light another idea when it comes to platform pedals (whether a rubber block pedal, a touring pedal, or something else - basically, any flat pedal that doesn't require the rider to clip into a small surface that doesn't support the foot). It has been suggested that the only need for a stiff shoe when riding is because of the clip factor and the small surface of the clip mechanism, and that if one is cycling on a platform pedal that supports the foot, more damage can actually be done to the foot when using a stiff shoe because it isn't allowed to move the same way it would in an everyday shoe.

I decided to experiment with this a bit just to see if it rang true for me. I went on a ride with my typical cycling shoe and another ride in shoes that I'd generally just wear around to see if there was any difference. Granted, it's a limited scope for a test, and certainly not the most scientific, but I was interested to see if anything would feel different. I'm not in prime cycling shape at the moment due to the chaotic nature of weather this season, but it was worth it to me to see what results would show. One of my biggest complaints when I return from long road rides is that my feet always hurt. It's not the shoes (they're actually quite comfortable), but once I cross the 20 mile barrier, my toes become numb and my feet just begin to ache. I couldn't help but wonder if some of this had to do with the shoe choice and pedal combination.

So, what happened? I suppose my results were more inconclusive than anything else. When riding in the cycling specific shoe, I experienced what I typically do while riding: my feet tend to slip off the pedals (because I'm not clipped), after several miles, the outter rim of my foot goes numb as well as my toes, and my feet began to ache (almost like a muscle spasm). When I wore my everyday shoes to ride, my feet didn't slip off the pedals, however, I experienced similar (though not exactly the same) pains in my feet after a longer distance. It could be possible that simply riding in a fairly non-squishy tennis shoe could be the best route, or it may be that my issues with all of this have nothing to do with the pedals or my shoe attire, and there are other things causing the problems. Additionally, my "everyday" shoe is not one that I would choose to use for a long ride more than likely, if given a more appropriate option.

I'm continuing to experiment because I am fascinated by the idea that the stiff cycling shoe when riding on platforms isn't really the best choice, but I am curious what others have experienced. I know that I am really an oddity when it comes to road riding on platform pedals, but I'm curious if anyone has noticed any difference between shoe choice and the pains and aches of your feet - Even if you just use platforms around town, I would be interested to know if you have different experiences when using various shoe types.  I think the theory makes sense - if you have the platform to support your foot then a stiff shoe is potentially doing you a disservice - but I am interested in the more practical application and whether or not this has been true for others. I suppose, if nothing else, I'm learning that I really do have to do my own experiments rather than relying on the information that is so readily accessible on the web, and truly trust my own experiences and findings.

{Part 2 - Women's} Road Holland Review: Cycling Clothes for the Rest of Us

Recently, I wrote about the men's jerseys available from Road Holland, but I wanted to take the time to write separately about the women's product. If you are interested in some background information, or are in the market for men's cycling gear, please see this post first. In addition, I am going to do my best to get through this short review without chastising myself or my body. Also, please forgive any cheesy smiles/poses along the way. I generally ride alone, so having pictures taken brings out my inner-ham, apparently. But, on with thoughts on Road Holland.

The first thing I took note of with Road Holland is their sizing. By most cycling clothing standards, they offer generous options for women, ranging from XS-XXXL (from a 32.5" - 47.5" chest). I will be the first to admit, however, that this does not meet the needs of every cyclist on the road; but it is nice to see that effort has been put in to offer sizes outside the typical range (which is generally up to an XL, or a 39-40" chest measurement). In their shorts/bib offering, the sizing is pared down even a bit more, going up only to an XL (31" waist/37" hip max). Being a "bottom heavy" gal myself, I would love to see this extend as well. As with the men's section, I hold out hope that the sizes will extend even more in the future to include those who require larger sizes.

Road Holland's, The Harlingen

As for the actual garments, I was able to test out two different styles of the Road Holland jersey. The first is their long sleeved version, The Harlingen. This option is currently available in road black or royal orange. Because of dog hair issues in our house, I went with the orange, hoping that it will allow me to keep it (at least appearing) more fur-free over the long term. It's not that I roll around in their hair, but it manages to find its way on to most things we wear. But, I digress...  The Harlingen appears to have solid construction and is made of 61% polyester/39% wool (the garments themselves are made in Miami, FL). It feels soft to the touch and is easy to wear, zip, and remove when needed. Yes, foolishly I tested out a long-sleeved jersey in the midst of summers' heat. Call me crazy. I actually found a cool morning to wear it though, so it wasn't as bad as it seems. Come fall/winter, I think it will be a nice option to have in the cycling wardrobe.

The oranges don't quite work together here, but I suppose they are different enough to not appear
as though I'm attempting to match the bike?

This jersey comes equipped with the standard three-pocket design in the rear, and also comes with one smaller zippered pocket on the right side. The pockets are deep enough to hold snacks, maps, and so on, and things seem to stay securely in place. The one thing I really found myself wishing for with this jersey was thumb holes. Maybe I have short arms or I've grown used to wearing long sleeved items with thumb holes sewn in, but I really think this could be a good addition on future iterations of this jersey. It's a nice option to have, even if one isn't going to use them every time the jersey is worn. I would also love to see additional color choices. I definitely love black, but due to the hair issue mentioned earlier, I do my best to limit it, and despite the fact that I seem to have a lot of orange items in my cycling closet, I'm not really the biggest fan of orange (apologies to both my much loved Miami Dolphins and the local Denver Broncos).

As far as sizing goes, I am wearing an XL. I fall squarely into the size range for this size, but I think I could have easily gone up to the XXL to have some extra room. The fit is not uncomfortable, however, if one prefers a looser garment, I would suggest sizing up.

The Aalsmeer

I was also able to try out The Aalsmeer. It comes this year in three different colors: road black, bright white, and nantucket red (I opted for the nantucket red, and again, it's in the XL size). This short sleeve jersey is very similar to the long sleeve option described above with a couple of differences. The first is that the short sleeve jersey has two rear zippered pockets. I think both left-handed folks and those who want to secure more items on their body will appreciate the extra spot on this top.

As you can see, I've crammed things into the pocket - quite typical for me

The other difference is that the short sleeve version is made of 100% polyester mesh, rather than the partial wool blend. I have to admit I was hesitant about this because I really love my wool jerseys for breathability and comfort, but this truly wasn't a bad option. It feels just as soft as the wool/poly blend and did a good job with keeping me cool while riding.

The neckline is somewhat typical of most jerseys. I found that I actually had a significant amount of room to spare, even having it fully zipped up (unlike the men's version Sam tried - his fit, but there wasn't a lot of wiggle room). In other words, I didn't feel the need to unzip the top as I have on some other jerseys I've worn. I really love the color of this one too.

In addition, I have discovered a very small slit that is sewn into the inside of the middle rear pocket. I suspect this could be used to run earphones through the back of the jersey as it's just large enough to get a very small ear bud through. Perhaps this is not the intention at all, but it's actually rather nice to not be strangled by iPod wires (if one rides with headphones) or have them precariously dangling around the handlebars, making for some interesting braking situations (not that I would know anything about that sort of thing).

My one actual riding issue (and it's been the same issue with every other "grippy-bottom-banded" jersey I've ever tried) is that it does not want to stay down while riding. For quite awhile, I've just assumed this is due to my excess girth, but when talking to Sam, he said he has the same problem... they just don't stay put. Perhaps one day there will be a material available that actually keeps the jersey in place? I don't think this is the fault of this specific jersey, but rather an inherent problem with movement on a bike and the materials used for cycling gear.

Overall, I really like the product Road Holland is making, and I hope that as they move forward they will continue to incorporate sizes for larger folks. It's still early on in their business, and these things take time, but if you'd like to see additional sizes or other items, I would encourage you to drop them a note and let them know your needs. In the mean time, I'm getting out on my bike. After all, I have a century (okay, two) on its way and seemingly never enough time to actually ride.

**Quick edit to say that Road Holland is currently offering 20% off to those who would like to purchase any of their gear/accessories through the end of August 2013 via this link, so if you've been wanting to try it out, this could be the time to save.

*As with the men's review, I was offered a great deal on these jerseys in exchange for a photo. However, no request was made to write about Road Holland or their products. Any opinions, thoughts, etc that are not stated to have come from Road Holland or their website are my own.

{Part 1 - Men's} Road Holland Review: Cycling Clothes for the Rest of Us

If you don't happen to be an individual who's into the typical riding kit/jersey's found on many U.S. cyclists, you may already be aware of a company called Road Holland. I first found out about this company last year when one of the owners, Richard, sent a note in regards to a post I'd put up regarding plus-size wool cycling clothing.  Beyond being happy to hear about a company making cycling clothing in some slightly larger sizes, they are probably better known for their more classically styled, high quality jerseys. Admittedly, this may not be for everyone. I know plenty of cyclists who enjoy wearing the typically found jerseys (I live with one of them), but there are others who like to have the option of something high quality that isn't going to read like a billboard for various companies around the world (I fall into the latter group).

Since our household is split regarding what to wear while riding (though neither of us are horribly extreme in any direction), I thought it would be interesting to see what we would each think about the jerseys from Road Holland.

First, however, I just want to say that I love the philosophy of this company and the two owners (Richard and Jonathan seem like great people)! I can only hope that others - even in other businesses - will follow suit. Here is a snip-it from their "About Us" page:

In 2009, without a lick of apparel experience between the two of them (actually Schneider means tailor in German so Jonathan thinks his family was "in the business"), they started Road Holland.

The goals were simple:

- Make the kind of cycling clothes they and their friends not only needed (i.e. serious) but that they would also want to wear and not be ashamed of to be seen in post-ride (i.e. stylish).

- Be good guys in all they do. Whether that meant making things in the United States, treating each order as if it were the most important one in the world, or sponsoring local events, "doing good" would be the pillar of the new company.

Looking around for inspiration for the name, they drew upon experiences with close friends from the Netherlands and time spent visiting them. In the Netherlands, riding is more than just about the cliche of "suffering." In the Netherlands, everyone young and old rides whether for sport or for transportation. it's a way of life. People are also exceedingly nice in the Netherlands and Jonathan's favorite color is orange - the national color - so it all just seemed to fit.

But, on with thoughts about the actual jerseys we tried out. I'll start with the men's jersey that Sam tested for this post. The Hilversum is a full zip, short sleeved jersey, currently available in three colors: road black, summer white, or nantucket red. Knowing that Sam sweats profusely while riding, I immediately tossed out the idea of a white jersey, and ended up going with the black simply because I figured it would be the easiest for him to like and enjoy. The difficult part with black is that we have some very hairy animals, so keeping the black jersey hair-free may be challenging.

The Hilversum jersey from Road Holland

Honestly, I was a bit surprised at Sam's immediate reaction to the jersey. I assumed he wouldn't be horribly excited because he actually enjoys the flashier, bright jersey's he typically wears when riding (you'll note he still got in his fun gloves for the ride), but when he picked it up and put it on the first thing he said was, "I like the way it feels; it's soft, but it feels like quality. It reminds me of a mountain biking jersey I wear sometimes." What do you know? Score 1 for Road Holland.

Sam is wearing the size small (according to Road Holland charts, it is a 37"-39" chest range), but men's jerseys are available from size XS-XXL. According to Sam, this size fits well. It's not the race tight fit of some smalls, but it's not too much material either. From my estimation, he could probably wear an extra small, but obviously that would take away some of the room that he likes. He also has a good deal of muscle in his arms and shoulders, so that could create some discomfort there as well.

Fully zipped jersey. Lovely details at the zipper ends (both here and on the back pocket zippers).

As you'll note in the photo above of the full jersey, Sam had partially unzipped the front to keep it from "choking him." He wasn't horribly comfortable zipping the jersey all the way up, but I suspect this is typical for most men (though I could be wrong). It zipped up just fine, but I think he was uncomfortable having it up against his neck.

The rear portion of the jersey is pretty cool, too. It comes with a fairly standard three-pocket design, but also has two zippered outer pockets that can hold a key, a credit card, driver's license/identification, etc. The zippers tuck nicely behind their tabs and don't seem to get stuck on anything along the way. The three main pockets should be plenty deep for most, and could hold snacks or a number of items if the wearer so decided. While Sam is not one to typically use the rear pockets on jersey's, I think it's great that things will stay where they are put.

Since I had trapped Sam just before he was heading out for a ride with a local group, I asked him to just let me know what he thought when he got home. I think the greatest thing he had to say upon his return was that it was good. Meaning, there was nothing to complain about. It wasn't riding up in weird places or being a nuisance in any way. He wasn't too hot (and it was a really hot day), and everything went well. It was "good," which I think means he will actually continue to wear it.

In the end, for someone who isn't naturally drawn to the more subdued colored jerseys, Sam really liked this one. I think, if nothing else, it will certainly help him stand out in a group of typical cyclists. In addition, he's comfortable riding in it, and I think that's what really matters to anyone.

I would also share that just as I was getting ready to publish this post, I got an e-mail from Richard - just to check in and see how the jerseys worked for us. I have to think that a company that goes through the effort Road Holland does will be successful over the long term. Everything from shipment tracking numbers, order receipts, and contact e-mails has been pleasant and easy - and not pushy or annoying, as can sometimes be the case with businesses trying to get sales. I appreciate the efforts and I think many customers will as well.

I will be writing up some thoughts on the women's version of this jersey soon as well - hopefully, in the next few days. In the meantime, if you haven't heard of Road Holland, feel free to head over to their site to check it out. They have long sleeve versions, bibs, and a couple of other items to check out while you're there. Though the choices are limited, I think the products are quality, and in the end I'll take quality over quantity any day.

**The women's jersey review can be found by clicking here.

*In the interest of full disclosure, I was offered a great deal on these jersey's in exchange for a photo. However, no request was made to write about Road Holland or their products. Any opinions, thoughts, etc that are not stated to have come from Road Holland or their website specifically are my/our own.

To Chamois or Not to Chamois

With all the riding taking place these days, I have found myself pondering the idea of cycling shorts or pants with some sort of padding. In the last six years, I have tried padded shorts only one time, and swore that I would never ride in them again because they were doing more harm than good.  However, when putting more time in on the saddle, even the best of leather saddles cannot seem to protect me from saddle sores and discomfort.

*Image from Ibex

Typically, I ride in lycra/nylon blend capri's or shorts, and these normally work just fine for trips under 20ish miles. The longer rides taking place have brought about new sorts of pain though, and while my saddle is very comfortable, extended mileage can still cause me to recall that I had similar inclinations to purchase padded cycling gear last year when miles on the bicycle increased.

*Image from Team Estrogen

I'm concerned that perhaps it's a bit too close to the ride to make this sort of decision, however, I am curious about what others have found helpful. I haven't decided yet what I plan to do, but part of me thinks this might be worth a try. While I understand that much of this is a personal opinion/decision kind of item, when you ride longer distances, do you wear some sort of chamois or padding, or do you find that going without this works just fine? If you don't wear cycling specific bottoms, do you do anything else to assist with discomfort on long rides? Your thoughts are very much welcomed and appreciated.

Wide Load

At one time or another, almost every human has felt ostracized from his/her peers, or felt as though they were too different to fit in with the masses. If you ride a bicycle for transportation, this can be a regular occurrence.  Various statistics point to slightly more than 2% of 1 mile or shorter trips by American's being taken by bicycle. The figure is a tad higher for slightly longer voyages by bike, but it's easy to see that bicyclists are the minority in a car-loving society.

A few weeks ago, I was reminded that I find myself in an even smaller statistic: women who are severely overweight AND cycle. This reminder came through various sources and on different days. One of the reminders was a post by Lovely Bicycle! that resulted in a fairly lively discussion of cycling apparel. Though I was already aware of this fact, overweight women (and even women larger than say a size 10 or so) have a very difficult time finding cycling wear. To top it off, the few sources that are available for those of us who fall into this category are not all that exciting. Even places like Terry and Shebeest that offer some relatively cute designs, don't make all of the styles in larger sizes.

Lambswool sweater in the misses section of Terry: cute, looks comfy, would definitely
keep me warm in the winter months

To top it all off, women like myself our forced into a 'special' section of clothing, which in the course of my lifetime I've discovered means 'limited.' I've sent emails and even made phone calls, but I have sort of felt the need to resign myself to a harsh reality: most larger ladies don't ride a bike, so why would manufacturers produce the clothes for them?

The closest, even remotely equivalent find at Terry for larger ladies -
Not anything close to the above design

The next reminder of my size came when I found a photo online, taken by a journalist, who was documenting the Venus de Miles ride I participated in a few weeks ago. As if it's not enough to already have body image issues, I have to discover a quite revolting photo of myself, mid-ride, third chin hanging to my knees. When seeing such a sight, I couldn't help but be reminded that I was likely the largest person on this ride.  I was pounded with the vision of just how large my thighs and legs are in general; I was reminded that I should never wear sleeveless shirts in public - ever; I was beaten over the head with the thought that I am alone in a world full of 'fit and trim' cyclists. True, the photo is extremely unflattering, and, yes, I've tried to keep this in mind; however, I can't help but look at the picture and think that I look as though I'm going to break my poor Sam Hillborne!

Good lord, why am I posting this?

The third time that I was reminded of my largeness was while reading another website. I enjoy following Simply Bike's adventures with her bicycle, and this connected me with the RAGBRAI website. Since Sam and I had visited the Midwest this past summer, and did a bit of casual riding while there, I was interested to see what RAGBRAI is all about.

Sam with the bicycles in Madison, WI

While reading a post by one of the trainers, I found, what I consider to be a rather rude comment by someone who stated, "... How come no one jogging could be {in} such poor shape as some of the bikers I see. Truthfully, some would go by me doing 20 mph and looked like their back tire would explode with all the weight it was handling." The response by the trainer was this: "One of the reasons you don't see a lot of heavy joggers is because their joints won't handle it. One of the beauties of riding a bike is that the bike supports your weight and you just have to provide the power to propel it. When running your body has to do both functions.  This is one of the great things about a bike. It allows people who are heavy a means to exercise and hopefully burn of some of that excess weight." I can't even begin to describe my annoyance with both the original comment and the trainer's response. While I do understand what the trainer is saying, and agree that cycling is much easier on the joints for anyone, I have no issue jogging, and I am no light weight. Sam and I actually completed a marathon a few years ago, so I don't enjoy being lumped into a category that adds to a very strong stereotype that already exists in the minds of many. The real plague to my head at the moment though is just because I run/jog, lift weights, and cycle, doesn't mean I'm going to weigh 100 lbs. The idea that someone is large because they are lazy or don't do anything throughout the day is not necessarily true, and it also isn't true that the person is 'out of shape' because they are large. I know many individuals who are quite thin and who also thought I was insane for even attempting the 26.2 mile marathon, as they knew they wouldn't be able to complete it.

So, where does one begin with changing the minds of the public? While I would love to be the size 2 that some are, it's honestly not in my DNA. My mom is large, my dad is large (and so are a slew of ancestors before them). While I can lose weight, it's minimal, and despite all the begging I've done with the doctor, he assures me there is nothing to do but what I am doing, and have done for the last decade or so of my existence. My life has been filled with the obnoxious football players making fun of my chubby cheeks, snooty cheerleaders giving me the 'once over' because I wanted to try out for cheerleading, and the comments from complete strangers, such as one of my favorites while visiting the Beverly Hills library: "Oh, dear. You have SUCH a pretty face... if you'd just lose a few pounds." I have to wonder if these individuals feel badly about themselves, and so they feel the need to bring others down as well? I honestly don't have the answers, but I have also realized that all I can do is to enjoy the journey. What else is there to say?