To Bike in Heels or Not

Apparently, there has been some recent brouhaha over a couple of blog posts regarding riding a bike in heels (although this topic comes up frequently outside the confines of these posts). This isn't typically a subject I'd even wander into for a full post, but since I was specifically asked about it, I figured the easiest way to respond is to write it out here. If you're interested in the original posts, they can be found here and here. In the most simplified form (really, reading both posts is a better reflection of the individuals' thoughts) one blogger is tired of hearing about biking in heels and wants to see more work done to get women educated and skilled in regard to fixing their own bikes; and the other is in response to the original post and discusses her belief in riding in heels and taking her bike to a shop to have a flat fixed (or whatever fixes might be needed).

*Image found here

So what are my thoughts? It's interesting that I'd even be asked this question because, frankly, I don't care. Okay, perhaps it isn't so much that I don't care (I care about anything that gets someone on a bicycle), but rather that it seems like a topic that shouldn't even require so much impassioned discussion. If a person likes to ride in heels and skirts, go for it. If a person wants to ride in full team kit everywhere s/he goes, do it. Seriously. I'm not trying to be funny, or even make light of what is obviously an important topic for each of these ladies, but it really doesn't affect me in my every day life. I have ridden my bike dressed to the nines, and I've ridden in some fairly funky (read: stinky), lycra-ridden clothing over the years, and I don't feel like I am any more of or less than any one else, regardless of how I'm dressed. I wear clothes because they cover my body, keep me warm, etc (and because if I rode around nude it would scare a lot of people, and I'd no doubt be arrested for parading around in the buff - since, as far as I know, it is illegal here in these parts). I wear shoes because they provide protection, keep me warm, etc (and I have actually been on a bike without shoes - it wasn't particularly pleasant - but I can't say I'd never do it again, honestly). Yes, I have heels and I also own "bike shoes" and I have used them both (and lots of choices in-between) when the time is appropriate (and sometimes when it was inappropriate - but I'm just that sort of person who doesn't care what anyone else thinks about it).

*Image found here

I think it's awesome to see men and women out riding in their everyday attire. If it is an easier choice than transporting oneself by bike and having to change when s/he reaches his/her stop, of course it makes sense to just wear the clothes that will be worn at the final destination. If a person is more comfortable biking in lycra and wants to change once s/he arrives at the end point, I see nothing wrong with that either. I view all of this as a personal preference, not a matter that should be decided by any person, entity, government, or anyone else.

*Image found here

In regard to women being capable of fixing their flat tires or doing minor repairs to a bike - again, I think this is a matter of personal choice. If an individual rides in areas that there is a means of having problems easily addressed by a bike shop and they are willing to pay for the service, why have issue with this? We are not all skilled in such matters (and I know plenty of dudes out there who take their bikes in to shops for every little repair because they either can't or don't want to do it themselves - so this isn't a gender-based thing for me), and/or we may not have interest in even learning such a skill. If I choose to not learn, it doesn't mean I shouldn't be allowed to ride a bike.

*Image found here

On the other hand, I also think it's a great idea for every person who rides a bike to at least have a basic knowledge of how things work and can be fixed. As I've stated here many times over, I am one of the least mechanically-skillful people on the planet, so I will be the first in line to have someone else take over such things. However, I also know what to do if I really had to fix something, so hopefully, I won't end up stranded in the middle of nowhere without the means to get myself home. This doesn't mean that every persons situation is the same though and I have no problem or issue with anyone who chooses one option over the other, or any combination of the two ends of the spectrum.

*Image found here

Bottom line: I think any way a person chooses to ride is spectacular (I do take issue at times with those who do things that make it worse for those who follow the rules of the road though - but that has nothing to do with the attire selected for the ride).  More people should be out riding a bike and enjoying such a great activity, means of transportation, and/or sport (depending on the way a person rides). We would probably all be a lot less angry and rage-filled on the roads if every individual knew first-hand exactly what it's like to be on the roads with big, sometimes scary, several-ton motorized vehicles. So, while I try not to get caught up in the banter that can take place between (or among) cyclists, it doesn't matter to me what you choose to wear on your ride, nor whether or not you choose to fix your own mechanical issues - just get out there and ride. Life is too short to worry about what others are wearing (or not) or what they are doing (or not). Do what feels right for you - whether that's dressing like a fashionista, like you're riding the next Tour, or somewhere in the broad spectrum in between.

The Hunt for Women's "Plus Size" Wool Cycling Clothing

Although I truly despise the words "plus size" when referring to a woman's size in clothing, the reality is that it is the terminology most use, so I feel obligated to succumb to that particular wording here. For over a year now, I've been in search of wool cycling clothing for women of substance, and it has been a rather futile/fruitless use of time, I must admit. I've managed to find a couple of tops that are on the fitted side by purchasing the largest misses size I could locate (an XL), but finding pants/capris/shorts of any sort seems to be impossible. While the men's sizes are generally a bit more generous with fabric, the shape is just ill-proportioned for most women's bodies. Following are a few items that have potential to possibly work, at least as layering pieces in cooler weather.

Ibex Woolies Crew (base layer) side view

Ibex Woolies Crew (base layer) front view

The shirt above is from Ibex but I purchased it on sale from REI locally. It's not necessarily intended for cycling specifically, but could be used for this purpose or even others, depending on your needs. According to their size charts, this shouldn't fit me, but oddly, it works (Note: the fabric is not being stretched out as it would appear, but is rather a base piece, intended for layering, so it is thinner than some wool items. I wanted to show how it fits as a representation for others though). In the summer months, this weight of fabric seems to work well without a need for multiple layers, and I'm sure in the winter it will be great for a base (though I've yet to wear it in cold weather). I guess this just goes to show that you do have to try everything on, because even if there's a size chart, it doesn't necessarily mean it's accurate. I would also note that the color is less pajama-y looking in real life, but I believe it's a good base piece regardless.

Ibex short sleeve Echo Sport T
This should be a looser garment, but is more fitted on me

Admittedly, these tops aren't loose on me, but I'm also not hiding my size by wearing oversized garments either, and many of these weren't intended to be loose fit articles of clothing. While I'd prefer that this was available in a larger size, for now, it will have to do. According to Ibex size charts, the bust measurement on the XL size is a range of 40.5-42.5. While my chest measurement actually falls beneath the low side of this (measuring around the rib cage, just under the bust), my bust measurement is larger than the stated size, so it was a bit confusing. I'm glad I took a chance and tried these though. I will say that they do seem to give some with wear and become a bit looser fitting, and I can wear them several times before washing without the pieces starting to smell (which never happens with any kind of workout wear I own). One of the fabulous properties of wool! It also means that you don't have to purchase tons of these if you ride daily because you can wear it multiple times before it requires laundering (wonderful news, since wool isn't inexpensive). The short sleeve wool shirt pictured above is pulled down to show its length. Again, this shirt is a very light fabric, and is fitted on my body, but I tend to prefer this when cycling for sport/distance. I don't have to worry about loose things getting caught on bike parts, so it works.

Ibex Giro short sleeve jersey from the side

Ibex Giro short sleeve jersey from the rear (Kinda cool that the Ibex logo is reflective!)

I also ordered an actual bicycle jersey to try out: the Giro short sleeve jersey. It is made of a thicker wool fabric (I'd say more of a mid-weight), and fits very similarly to the tops above. At the moment though, I'm still debating whether or not to keep this one, as I am not sure about the look/fit on my body. The photos above are for additional reference purposes, as well as showing the back side of this with the cycling pockets (which can be handy, depending on how one rides). Again, I'd love to have a bit more wiggle room in this jersey, but it is what it is.

As for pants, knickers, or shorts in wool, I haven't been brave enough to even attempt to order them, as the size charts are far off the mark for me on any of the brands like SmartWool, Ibex, Icebreaker, etc, and I carry a good deal of my weight in my legs, so they likely wouldn't work. So, what am I wearing right now when I ride? I actually have a couple of options. One choice is my active pants that I purchased from Lands End a few years ago. They're almost a close-fitting yoga capri, and have held up incredibly well. They do begin to smell though after wearing for a very short time, which isn't ideal. I also have a pair of bike shorts without a chamois that I purchased about 6 years ago, however, I don't typically wear those because I prefer to have my knees covered when I ride.

Out of frustration and curiosity, I have been in contact with multiple distributors and manufacturers of wool clothing in hopes of finding a line that will work for ladies with a bit more meat on their bodies. Most of these companies have sent me a canned response stating that they are "unaware of any company that manufactures wool cycling clothing in plus sizes at this time", to which I want to respond, "Yes, that is why I'm contacting you - to change that." I can't help but shake my head when I get this sort of response. There was some light in this process though. When contacting Ibex, they said that though they do not currently carry larger sizes for women because they are still a small company, they do have hopes of doing this down the line. While I have no way of knowing how long of a wait "down the line" is, it's nice to know that at least one company realizes there is potential for money in manufacturing sizes for larger women. If you'd like to see larger women's sizes, I would encourage you to email or call Ibex and request this, so that they realize there is a market for this line. And, if you have another manufacturer/distributor you've contacted that seems open to the idea of a women's line of wool clothing in larger sizes, please leave info in the comments or e-mail me, as I'd love to contact them as well. Has anyone else had success with getting a company to start selling or making a different type or size of clothing? I would be very curious to hear about it.

Women and Bicycles {throughout history}

I came across an article today that I found quite fascinating. It's actually an excerpt from a book that I think I may need to check out. Its topic centers on women and bicycles, and specifically, women throughout history and their attempts to master appropriate clothing while riding bicycles, so I couldn't help but stop and read. While I highly recommend popping over to read the entire article here, my favorite portion reads:

*Image from renekmueller.com
John Kemp Starley's "Safety Bicycle" 1885

     "Yet bicycles did not give women the vote. There was no miracle; no suffragettes freewheeled through the House of Commons or D-locked themselves to the Downing Street railings. By the time women were finally given the vote in 1928, bicycles were as much a fact of ordinary life as underground trains. But by offering women a chance to see themselves as free, to take possession of their own physical health and to claim their independence in the workplace, the bicycle had done something extraordinary. It had changed the world and made it a better place.
     In some ways, it’s still doing so. A century on, cycling’s impact on both fashion and politics continues. The huge rise in the numbers of commuter cyclists in the past few years has led to a corresponding rise in cycle-related clothing. Not all of it has been beneficial. No one could claim that hi-vis does much for a sensitive complexion.
     But in mainland Europe, where cycles have been part of the general cityscape for decades, people adapt their cycles and their speed to suit what they’re wearing rather than the other way round. Instead of racing to work on a road bike as many do in London, they ride in exactly what they put on that morning. Sites such as www.copenhagencyclechic.com make it plain that on a bike with a skirt-guard and a step-through frame, it’s perfectly possible to pedal across town with stilettos, two children and several large items of kitchen furniture.
     A bicycle still offers freedom, but this time from cars and queues, from oil, from rising prices and a life inside. It gives us back the landscape and makes us part of nature again. It belongs to everyone – every age, every class, every race and religion. And, most importantly of all, it’s fun. A century on, and bicycles are still liberating us all." -- from Bella Bathurst, Bicycles: The Chains that Set Women Free

**Note: It looks as though Bathurst's book, The Bicycle Book, can be purchased here. I can't seem to find a spot here in the U.S. quite yet to purchase, though I'm sure it could easily be shipped from the U.K.

Connecting to the Past

Over this past weekend, Sam and I were browsing a local thrift-swap-mercantile sort of store that has various booths within the establishment. Each booth sells their own wares of various sorts, but one in particular caught our eye as we strolled through the building. This particular booth had a basket full of old photographs.  As we browsed the photos, it became apparent that the photos were from a particular family or individual, but we were curious how they'd arrived here. We happened to catch the booth owner (which is not a typical happening here) who stated that the photos had come from an estate sale in Loveland, Colorado, and that many were from WWII. I think we saw just about every photo in the basket (which was no small feat), and even walked away with a handful for potential use in art projects. But, I thought I'd share a few of them here, as they were entirely interesting to see.

One of the pictures I thought was kind of interesting, was one that showed a bustling city square kind of area with bicycles all around. It was as though they belonged there and everyone was going about their business.

This photo was taken somewhere in England, and was likely taken during the summer of 1944 (based on the other photos I've found in the bunch). There were others similar to this one, such as the one below, which shows a woman pushing a stroller through town and bicycles all about.

I love the black and white imagery and it's a shame that I've had to take photos of photos, but I think that, even despite my poor photography skills, it is easy to see how much fun these pictures are.

A few of my favorites of the group are of a few friends who were traveling about England on their day off from their Navy duties. This one shows three friends riding through town. They happened to stop by a store and peer into it. I couldn't help but giggle, as this is such a "girlfriends" kind of thing to do together.

There's something entirely Lucy and Ethel about the photograph, I think, but I absolutely adore it. There is also one of the three friends who had stopped for lunch in the physical training clothes one day on an adventure through town.

I cannot believe these are the clothes these women worked out in during their Navy years! At least they were able to wear shorts beneath their dresses, as you can see if you look closely under their legs.

Another adorable shot is of two friends standing in front of a bicycle. The caption on the back of the photo indicates that the woman on the right had her dress caught on the seat and was trying not to show it in the picture.

There were so many other pictures in the basket of this flea market booth that I had hoped to take them all, but because of the era and subject matter (WWII military, and women nonetheless), they weren't exactly giving them away. However, I was happy to take my little piece of history to share with others, and I look forward to possibly utilizing these for a final painting project.

A Voting Reminder

In honor of our day to vote, I thought I'd post a little history of women's right to vote. It's a story of our mothers and grandmothers who lived less than 100 years ago, and though some may have seen this particular information in the past, I think it's an excellent reminder of how we need not take advantage of our rights, and honor those who paved the way in the past.

Remember, it was not until 1920 that women were granted the right to go to the polls and vote.

The women were innocent and defenseless, but they were jailed nonetheless for picketing the White House, carrying signs asking for the vote.

Lucy Burns

And by the end of the night, they were barely alive. Forty prison guards wielding clubs and their warden's blessing went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of  'obstructing sidewalk traffic.' They beat Lucy Burns, chained her hands to the cell bars above her head and left her hanging for the night, bleeding and gasping for air.

Dora Lewis

They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her head against an iron bed and knocked her out cold. Her cell mate, Alice Cosu, thought Lewis was dead and suffered a heart attack. Additional affidavits describe the guards grabbing, dragging, beating, choking, slamming, pinching, twisting and kicking the women. Thus unfolded the 'Night of Terror' on Nov. 15, 1917, when the warden at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his guards to teach a lesson to the suffragists imprisoned there because they dared to picket Woodrow Wilson's White House for the right to vote. For weeks, the women's only water came from an open pail. Their food--all of it colorless slop--was infested with worms.

Alice Paul

When one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured liquid into her until she vomited. She was tortured like this for weeks until word was smuggled out to the press. (see http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/suffrage/nwp/prisoners.pdf)

So, refresh my memory. Some women won't vote this year because- why, exactly? We have carpool duties? We have to get to work? Our vote doesn't matter? It's raining?

Mrs. Pauline Adams in the prison garb she wore while serving a sixty-day sentence

HBO put out a movie Iron Jawed Angels and it shows a graphic depiction of the battle these women waged so that I could pull the curtain at the polling booth and have my say. It's shameful, but sometimes the reminder is needed.

Miss Edith Ainge, of Jamestown, New York

All these years later, voter registration is still so important. But the actual act of voting had become less personal, more rote. Frankly, voting often feels more like an obligation than a privilege. Sometimes it is inconvenient.

Berthe Arnold, CSU graduate

What would those women think of the way we use, or don't use, our right to vote? All of us take it for  granted now, not just younger women, but all of us. I wish all history, social studies and government teachers would include the HBO movie in their curriculum. It could be shown on Bunco night, too, and anywhere else women gather. I realize this isn't our usual idea of socializing, but we are not voting in the numbers that we should be, and I think a little shock therapy is in order.

Conferring over ratification [of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution] at [National Woman's Party] headquarters, Jackson Pl [ace] [ Washington , D.C. ]. L-R Mrs. Lawrence Lewis, Mrs. Abby Scott Baker, Anita Pollitzer, Alice Paul, Florence Boeckel, Mabel Vernon (standing, right)

I'm sure it would be jarring to watch Woodrow Wilson and his cronies try to persuade a psychiatrist to declare Alice Paul insane, so that she could be permanently institutionalized. And it would be inspiring to watch the doctor refuse. Alice Paul was strong, he said, and brave. That didn't make her crazy. The doctor admonished the men: 'Courage in women is often mistaken for insanity.'

Whether you vote democratic, republican or independent party - remember to vote.

Helena Hill Weed, Norwalk, Connecticut, serving a three-day sentence in a D.C. prison for carrying a banner that read: "Governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed."

History is being made!

I'll be riding my bicycle to the polling place today to make my voice heard, and I hope you'll do the same.