Commuter Clothes

It hasn’t always been about spandex and speed. Racing? Training? Those words didn’t exist for me a few years ago. I used to ride around the city to meet friends, get coffee and mash around for no other reason except to enjoy the view. Because I didn’t know much about cycling specific clothing, I subjected myself to some uncomfortable rides from time to time. You live and learn, right? 

This week I slowed it down a bit in hopes of passing on my knowledge of casual clothes to you, so I put the Specialized Utility Crew, Levi's Commuter Jeans and Vans Lo Pro (similar version here) to the test! Here in the South it can be rain or shine in a matter of minutes and that's exactly what happened last week. I’m pleased to say that after putting everything through the elements, I highly recommend all of it.

This top was great for function, style and comfort. I kept cool with Drirelease Merino, the relaxed fit allowed me to put my own spin on the outfit by tying it up, and the zippered side pocket gave me a new place to put my keys. I’m wearing this style in Emerald Green, but you can also snag this tee in Carbon Heather for a more neutral look. The Levi's Commuter jeans have a high rise cut, so I don't show any booty, and the water repellant material really helped when it started to rain. Of course, the rain got to me through my clothes, but all of it dried fairly quick! The shoes aren't meant to have any commuter specific qualities, but I find them very comfortable to ride in. However, if I had known it was going to rain, I would have gone with MTB shoes instead. Although the Vans are great when it's sunny, I found my self slipping around a bit when it started to pour. 

2015 Bicycling Fall Classic p/b Specialized

Bicycling Magazine is celebrating 50 years! Grab some friends and plan to attend the 2015 Bicycling Fall Classic p/b Specialized in Eastern Pennsylvania on October 4th! Several of the Specialized ambassadors will be there, so come say hi! Word has it that there’s a good chance the leaves will be turning and the cornfields still standing will be golden. It’s only 2hrs from NYC, 1hr from Philly and they offer 10, 25, 50, 90mi and tandem options. Register using this link and see you there! 
 

Wear what you love.

I don’t know about you, but looking good and wearing comfortable apparel/gear while completely suffering on the bike just really does it for me. Up until recently, I preferred an all black design and in the past have found myself ordering XXXS men’s apparel just to avoid butterflies and flowers (I don’t recommend that whatsoever). I personally felt as if the majority of women’s apparel was designed for my “4th grade Lisa Frank loving” self. Then, Specialized released their Replica Team Boels/Dolmans kit and, well, look at it - it’s beautiful. 

Ride safe this weekend. I hope you slip into whatever makes you feel amazing, fast and like a total badass. 

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New Kit Day

When fitness meets fashion, I’m one happy lady. 

The bib shorts have a hook-up for easy access when nature calls, the middle back pocket has a hole for my headphones, the material features cold fabric technology, the design is absolutely stunning and there is a matching Evade helmet. Check, check and check! 

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Chattanooga Adventures

Sometimes you get up on a Saturday morning to take a day trip and meet your best friend in an unfamiliar city for coffee, breakfast and a walk down the Tennessee river. The morning air was crisp and cooler than the summer heat I’m used to in Atlanta, not by much, but enough to enjoy sitting outside for a good southern meal. After we went our separate ways, I pedaled around Chattanooga. I’ve only visited one other time, to watch the US Pro Nationals, so I took a few hours to explore and enjoy a beautiful Saturday afternoon.  

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Daily Essentials

My daily essentials include quite a bit, and to be honest, the list could go on. I’m clearly a girly girl and had a hard time narrowing it down, because lets face it – ladies carry around a lot more than most guys do (or maybe it’s just me). By day I work in the fashion industry and when I’m not working, I’m training or racing my bike. So, as you can see it takes a lot in order to keep this “dual” lifestyle going. For me a good pair of leggings is key. They can be dressed up or down which allows me to go from yoga straight to a meeting by throwing on my leather jacket, LV and lipstick. My Amira has taken training and racing to another level, my Garmin helps me keep track of it all and the chamois creme is a must. The camera, business cards, and iPad are for work and the other items include my favorite perfume, nail polish, snack, hair product and book. Take a look below for the detailed list.

Details:
Specialized Amira SL4 Expert Lululemon Edition
Hoo Ha Ride Glide (Chamois cream for cycling)
Nikon D800 Camera
Zara Faux Leather Jacket
Garmin Edge 510 Cycling Computer
Business Cards and CB2 camera-shaped card holder
Birkenstocks “Arizona” Sandle
Specialized S-Works Womens Road Cycling Shoes
Onzie Mesh Panel Leggings
UO Festival Round Sunglasses in Tortoise
iPad
Manual For Speed Psych Zebra One Bidon
iPhone 6+
Lululemon Yoga Mat
Moleskin Notebook
Eckhart Tolle – The Power of Now
The Art of Happiness – The Dalai Lama/Howard Cutler
Louis Vuitton Eva Clutch
In Purse: 
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle
Redken Guts 10 Volume Spray Foam
Butter London Nail Lacquer
L’Oreal Infallible Lipstick
Kind Bar Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew


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Do you stop and take a photo?

The morning sun has just risen and is barely peeking through the trees creating a stunning visual in front of you. Do you stop and take a photo or do you finish your ride exactly as your training plan says that you’re suppose to?

This internal conflict between wanting to stop and capture the moment and nailing my workout is a constant struggle. 

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