One day I want to take on a big challenge, but I am a chicken and I hate making commitments. I don’t like pushing myself and prefer comfort zone. But this year, I am saying “NO MORE” to being a couch potato – I am committing to a road bike ride.
TOP 10 in bike accessories and gadgets by Teresa
(the Director of the Venus de Miles – road ride for women)
I have a confession to make. When I first started riding, I told my better half that there is absolutely no way in hell I would wear padded bike shorts that felt like they were lined with Depends, nor would I wear a dayglow cycling jersey with strange pockets. After commuting from Davis, CA to Sacramento (40 miles round-trip) I quickly realized that I needed the extra padding, and a place to put my gels sure would come in handy. Alas, I’d like to share my top cycling favorites with you – and, to quote my husband “it’s not how fast you go, it’s how fast you look.”
- Bike shorts: Whomever initially invented women’s bike shorts is ingenious, not to mention bibs. After two kids, ah-hem, I need a little bit of extra coverage, and bibs are flattering and don’t pinch at the waist like regular bike shorts do. I’m partial to Pearl Izumi, Shebeest, Primal Wear or Skirt Sports for bombing around town. I love commuting to work in a dress with a pair of cute bike shorts underneath.
- Jerseys: Moxie Cycling has some adorable cycling jerseys that are flirty and fun.
- Vest: Layering is critical in Colorado, so I have my Pearl Izumi vest and a pair of arm warmers on me at all times.
- Seat: Nowadays, women’s-specific bikes have rockin’ seats from the get-go, although I am also partial to Terry Bicycles saddles. A happy butt makes for a happy ride.
- Handlebars: Salsa Cycles makes a great narrow handlebar that fits me perfectly.
- Cateye makes great wireless bike computers that can track cadence, average speed, max speed, and time.
- Hands down, the best water bottle is Polar Bottle. It keeps my drinks cold and they are BPA free, so it’s good for the body and mother earth.
- My purple Hudz (shown below) match the black/purple color scheme perfectly. Our friends are the founders, and I think they are pretty swanky.
- Sidi cycling shoes – worth the investment.
- I have to be really careful about what I eat on the bike, and while I’ve tested a lot of different products, I always have two things with me on rides:
- Skratch Labs electrolyte: the only drink that doesn’t make my stomach churn
- Clif SHOT Gels or Clif SHOT Blocks.
Come back next week – we will be talking about last minute check list and what to consider during the ride. Read our previous stories: getting ready for a road ride and Top 10 Accessories by Teresa.
Teresa Robbins Director & Priestess
It was during the Greenhouse Scholars Summer Symposium in 2007, after volunteering as a moderator, that Teresa knew she wanted to do something more for the students of Greenhouse Scholars. An avid cyclist, Teresa also knew she wanted to create something to encourage women to get outside on their bikes and support a meaningful cause – Venus de Miles was born. Since its inception, Colorado’s first all-women’s road ride, which is orchestrated by and benefits Greenhouse Scholars, has raised $380,981 for the organization, and expanded to Illinois in 2012. Formerly the Senior Accountant for Greenhouse Scholars’ affiliate Greenhouse Partners, Teresa recently made the switch to the Greenhouse Scholars team to become the full-time Director of Venus de Miles. And when she’s not dreaming up the next quirky idea for Venus, she’s enjoying what inspires her most, spending time with her husbanding, Mo, and their sons, Myles and Nico.
It was during the Greenhouse Scholars Summer Symposium in 2007, after volunteering as a moderator, that Teresa knew she wanted to do something more for the students of Greenhouse Scholars. An avid cyclist, Teresa also knew she wanted to create something to encourage women to get outside on their bikes and support a meaningful cause – Venus de Miles was born. Since its inception, Colorado’s first all-women’s road ride, which is orchestrated by and benefits Greenhouse Scholars, has raised $380,981 for the organization, and expanded to Illinois in 2012. Formerly the Senior Accountant for Greenhouse Scholars’ affiliate Greenhouse Partners, Teresa recently made the switch to the Greenhouse Scholars team to become the full-time Director of Venus de Miles. And when she’s not dreaming up the next quirky idea for Venus, she’s enjoying what inspires her most, spending time with her husbanding, Mo, and their sons, Myles and Nico.
It’s been quite awhile since I’ve done a distance ride, but my dad is a very enthusiastic rider, and we’re always looking for gift ideas for him. I’m going to keep some of these brands in mind! Thanks 🙂
Oh man…this gets me all anxious to ride a bike! I haven’t ridden one in YEARS!
they should market padded bike shorts for women who just gave birth!
Great list! My friends are cycling fanatics so I’ve heard them mention many of these brands. In fact, they use to own a bike shop in Wichita!
I am a huge cycling fantastic so this is a great list!
Layering is important in Colorado! I also just read your Bio under the post! Sounds great! I live in Colorado! I’ll have to check it all out! Thanks!
Krista, Colorado ride follows IL ride – get more info at http://colorado.venusdemiles.com/