Riding in Style (May 2010 Issue)

When milestones are met, many people find different ways to celebrate their arrival. Romantic, sunny vacations; parties under the Las Vegas lights; Caribbean cruises complete with snorkeling getaways...these are all examples of how we pay tribute and give ourselves that theoretical "pat on the back." For many of my friends and myself, 2010 marks a milestone: we’re reaching pivotal ages. Some of my friends are reaching the quarter-century mark, but most of us are turning 30. And while I'm a proponent of the obligatory birthday celebration, some of my other girlfriends have different ways to celebrate.

Katie and I have been friends since college. And as all of us girls approach the big 3-0, she has been the only one who has welcomed the triple-decade mark with open arms. Rather than feeling as though it's the end of her youth --or the end of anything for that matter-- Katie welcomes 30 as a new beginning. And to celebrate and kick 30 in the butt, Katie is going to be strapping her butt into a Trek Madone 5.0 and will be cycling around the country in honor of her milestone.

Now if you’re like me and your last interaction with a bicycle was barely reaching the pedals on your purple and pink Huffy in fourth grade, then you're likely wondering what in the world a Trek Madone 5-point-whatever is. Well don't worry about the details, but it is quite a nice bike. The good news is that you don't have to be a cycle-expert to be able to get good exercise and have fun on a bike. I have learned a lot sitting in the stands listening to Katie do her research for her transcontinental bike tour. One of the most important tips Katie has taught me is to dress appropriately for comfort, and with flexibility in mind. I knew hardcore cyclists (i.e. those who celebrate 30 by biking the entire country) wore particular gear for optimum speed and performance, but Katie gave me some other fashion tips to help stay comfortable and have the ride of your life.

When planning to take up cycling, here are some fashion must-haves you will want to check into:

•Jersey tops: “Pearl Izumi” is a well-known cycling-wear manufacturer and an expensive yet good quality brand; Katie’s designer of choice. Online at www.pearlizumi.com.

•Shorts &/or Tights

•Gloves: These are mandatory for cold weather but also provide extra padding for your hands in moderate temperatures; help avoid hand callouses and can provide pain relief. Think of weightlifting gloves…

•Socks: Do not skimp on socks! Wear a pair that breathes well, and fits your foot comfortably without rubbing your toes or ankle.

•Knickers: These are intended to be worn during moderate climates in place of shorts or tights

•Shoes: Go to a cycling store and get shoes specifically made for cycling. I learned from Katie that shoes should have stiff carbon soles.


This and other tips can be found on her blog at http://blog-by-bike.blogspot.com/.


To begin your search for some cycling fashions,there are several bike shops in Charlotte that can accommodate your needs, whether you're just enjoying the breeze around town or trekking across the country. Performance Bicycle is one of several bike shops in the Charlotte area. With their inexpensive products and wide selection, they are definitely worth a venture. Other stores in our area are:

• South Park Cycles
• Ultimate Bicycle
• Bike Line of Charlotte
• Bicycle Sport

As the weather warms up and you dust off your bicycle saddles, be sure to visit your nearest bike shop and check out their fashionable and practical gear! Even if you're not celebrating a milestone by doing a cycle-tour of the transcontinental U.S., every girl could benefit from a bike ride and some cute new gear to go along with it. In the meantime, you can find me getting dolled up and ready for a night on the town with my girls. I'll be pounding the pavement in my stilettos, grasping a martini (or two) in hand, ready to take on the world.

Til next time…

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