Mood:  caffeinated

The best time of the day is when I can get out early and get some road work and errands done.  This may be mixing business with pleasure but I am seeing more and more people dragging out their bicycles for fun, fitness and well, to save some money on gas!  When gas shot up to an unheard of $2.00 a gallon a few years ago, I got a wake up call.  I put panniers on my touring bike, (a vintage 1980's Nishiki), along with a Trek Trunk.  That bicycle has been my second car ever since.

What I have learned along the way is that you should invest in clothing that will allow you to be comfortable on the bicycle yet arrive at your destination looking great.  I remember three years ago being invited to a local charity luncheon.  I got out my bike, donned my spandex and arrived in time for the festivities.  Well, everyone there noted my cycling attire and knew that I came by bicycle.  Now, not that I was ashamed of my mode of transportation that day but I really didn't want to stand out...for that!  I began to talk to Georgena Terry about designing clothing that gets you dressed once but has you ready for "whatever" after getting off the bike.

Now I wear stylish floral skorts, cargo capris and cool cycling tank tops as a refreshing alternative to the black spandex. I feel like a woman again!  More than that, I've found that there are a lot more places I can go on my bicylce than I realized, especially if I have the right clothing.  If I have a short a stop at the post office planned, I will take my Terry Symmetry Road Bike and the Runnur Strap Pack as shown in the photo above.  I only have an under the saddle pack on this bike so  everything you see in the photo below was stored in the Runnur including my GPS. Amazing!

 PHOTO:  The Runnur Strap Pack allows me to take along all of these favorite things and a lot more!  It even includes a carabiner clip for my 16 oz water bottle.  This is a smart alternative to installing panniers or trunks on your bicycle.  Better still everything goes with you once you get off the bike!

Once you've got the packing down, you'll need to look at clothes for the commute.  They need to be loose but not to bulky as too much fabric will increase wind resistance.  Not good on a day of heavy headwinds.  I've found that wearing a cycling tank under an Exofficio Dryflylite Cover is the best combination.  The Dryflylite Cover in Lapis is what I am wearing in the lead photo.  It  is hooded and full zippered.

The breatheable fabric allows you to regulate your temperature and moisture levels.  It also offers a SPF 15 sun protection.  I've gotten caught riding in a spring shower in my Dryflylite and it kept me quite comfortable and was completely dry by the time we arrived home.  Add a zippered security pouch for keys or your MP3 player and viola! The Dryflylite has it all.  Looks crisp and cool off the bike too.

Terry's Tourista Tank pictured here in Lime gives a relaxed fit with no tightness or binding.  It has three open rear pockets so it is a bone-fide cycling top but no one will be the wiser!

PHOTO ABOVE:  NEW! Terry's Tourista Cycling Tank in Lime

Pair this gorgeous tank with the avante guard Bohemian Flare Skort skort shown here below and you are ready to go to the market, the mall or lunch via bicycle.  This skort has Terry's world famous sheer mesh chamois underneath so you are covered and comfortable for the ride. Who knew?

On the Bike Off the Bike

Cycling Capris that look cool both on and off the bike!  You can even convert some of your exisiting capris into biking pants.  To do that, I would definitely invest in one of Terry's removable superlight Mesh Liners with Flex Chamois.  One came with my Terry Scooter Capris which I am wearing in the lead shot.  As they are removable, they can easily be slipped under these soft washed Vent'r Dig Her pants from Exofficio.  I've done this and found them to be extremely comfortable especially with the Dig Her's Tricot lined waistband. The Vent'r Dig Her capris are very lightweight, high wicking and perfect for cycling due to the two zippered leg pockets and drop in cell phone pouch.

These are no ordinary capris!  The Vent'rs are teched-out with a SPF 30+, are stain and water resistant while being quick drying and lightweight.  What more could you ask for on a bicycle or off?

PHOTO: Women's Vent'r Collection, Dig Her Capris from Exofficio

CYCLING SHOES - ATHLETIC SHOES- STREET SHOES

The next most important piece of clothing will be your shoes.  Soft soled sneakers waste pedaling energy and you need to be really wary of shoestrings.  They can come loose, get caught in your crank and cause a really nasty fall.  My Terry Symmetry Road Bike has SPD clips on one side of the pedal and regular rat traps on the other.  I can choose whether or not to clip in so these are a great option. 

As for cycling shoes, I like the on the bike, off the bike technology of Pearl Izumi's X-Roads.  The SPD plate is recessed so you can easily walk in these shoes.  They look fantastic and even offer the same shock absorption of higher end athletic shoes.  Ventilated, reinforced  toe for protection, lug soles and Velcro straps keep laces under cover and out of the cranks.

PHOTO: Pearl Izumi X-Road Cycling Shoes look and work great both on the bike and off the bike!

 The Pearl Izumi Website Says: Another Pearl Izumi first, the X-Road extends the “on-and-off-the-bike” versatility of our award winning X-Alp technology from off-road to pavement. Now you can pedal with ease but still walk, shop, or grab a coffee.

•X-Road nylon plate delivers great pedaling stability, power and efficiency with off-the-bike comfort and walk-ability
•Blown rubber lugged outsole for superior traction and durability
•SKYDEX® heel crash pad for excellent off the bike shock absorption
•Flexible forefoot and a running shoe beveled heel
•Low cut construction for a light, fast fit and feel
•Quick drying, highly breathable mesh/synthetic upper
•Compatible with all SPD style pedal systems

Available in sizes 36-49 (whole sizes)
Weight: 385g (size 43)

In Part II, I'll show you how all of this pulls together on the bike and how to make this a stylish mode of transportation with practical tips on packing, parking and getting the most out of your ride.  We'll also show you how to fuel up with sumptious goodies and drinks to take along giving you extra energy for that hill!

Mood:  chillin'

Main components of my morning "training table" for optimum energy.  Rainbow Light's Chocolate or Acai Berry Protein Energizer Shakes and Women's Organic Multiple Vitamins.  See the yummy recipe below!

The Winter Olympics are a great wake up call that if we are going to perform like athletes we've got to train like them.  That starts with shedding a few excess pounds that creep up on most of us during the winter months.

Start with a high fiber diet for about a week and include whole grain cereals such as oatmeal or a toasted whole wheat cereal such as Wheatena.  Another product is Rainbow Light Daily Fruit and Fiber .  This is an easy, delicious way to facilitate cleansing and regularity which often slows down during periods of less exercise.  It contains fruits, seeds, sprouts and probiotics to control flatulence and is a quick way to get 7 grams of fiber in just one serving.

After the first week, you can begin getting some moderate exercise.  If there is still snow on the ground, consider snowshoe running.  Tubbs Snowshoes of Vermont   has been making high quality snowshoes in the U.S.A. since 1906.  They make a wide variety of snowshoes for nearly every trail and terrain.  They also make shoes to fit men, women and children specifically.  They are very easy to use and allow you to quickly traverse ungroomed trails and open fields. 

I find them to be truly essential to cure cabin fever when snow is still out on the ground but I want to get in some jogging.  As an extra benefit, the snow is a great buffer, cushioning your joints from the harsh jarring they would normally get from pavement.

Once you've eased your way out from couch potato-ness, you'll find that you'll need a bit more energy to fuel the increasing intensity of your workouts.  On those first runs, you might wish to keep a cheer pack of Enervitene by Enervit with you.  Unlike Redbull or Rockstar, Enervitene contains no caffiene or herbal stimulants.  What it does offer is a "get you over the hump" shot of B-vitamins and glucose.  The glucose is what your muscles crave after climbing a hard hill or being taxed for long periods of time.  I have used this product to compete in and win mountain bike races and road rides so it is very effective.  Before retiring, I take Rainbow Light's Calcium Plus to help counter the lactic acid fueled Charlie Horses that often come with a day of strenous exercise.

Buliding a strong energy base is also essential.  If I know that I will be working out hard, I take Rainbow Light's Herbal Energizer.  A new product from Rainbow Light is their Women's Multivitamin made with organic fruits and vegetables.  I like the easy to digest two piece caps and the inclusion of herbs, enzymes and antioxidants.  As you are cutting back on calories, you need to replace them with high nutrition foods.  Try starting your day with the Protein Energizer as pictured in the lead photo.  It is SO easy to make and will make a big difference in your energy levels and ability to stay away from the junk during the day.

Rainbow Light Chocolate-Dulce de Leche Energizer

 1 scoop of Chocolate Protein Energizer

1 cup lowfat milk, almond or rice milk

3/4 cup crushed ice

1 tablespoon Dulce de Leche Liqueur (Dulceda)

Combine ingredients in blender and whirl for about 1 minute.  Pour, drink and go!  The Dulce de Leche simply adds a delicious caramel like flavor to the drink without much alcohol.  Experiment with other fruits and berries for a different taste experience to start your day.  Super Saboroso!

I'd especially like to applaud Rainbow Light and Enervit for their minimalist, eco-friendly packaging.  Good for you and definitely great for the environment.  Rainbow Light's Certified Organics line is a big step forward as well.  This line offers well thought out products that active people can actually use...every day.  We will continue to ease you back into Cross Training so that you will be so ready to go come spring which is just around the corner.  Now get out there!

Get the right stuff this season!  Beautiful, pigment dyed, distressed cotton full zip hoodies from Audio-Technica and C.F. Martin & Co. are great for layering and head covering.  Front pockets to keep your hands extra cozy too.  These are must have pieces as the weather turns cooler!  Catch the breeze in style with these great zippered hoodies!

PHOTO: Falling for it!  Terry Precision Cycling's Cargo Skort.   Wrap style with cycling shorts underneath & a very handy cargo pocket in front.  Shoes by Specialized.

Ah yes!  Fall is upon us.  Cooler temperatures and a fabulous display of changing leaves make this a wonderful time to do some cycling or walking.  Benefits to mind and body abound but what if you've gotten a little "soft" over the summer?  If so, you'll need to ease into your fall renewal plan so that you can really enjoy this season.

To make it easier, I have some tried and true suggestions for clothing, gear and most importantly, your training table.  There are things that I do each year to prepare for charity and recreational events that can make the difference between enjoying the day or being sidelined due to exaustion or even worse, injury.  I have stepped up use of my universal machine, weight lifting is for the most part an-aerobic.  Building endurance comes by doing aerobic exercises such as walking, skating or running.  Pick an activity that you truly enjoy and go with it.  If it feels like fun, you will be more apt to stick with it.  Seeing the same scenery for your daily walk can be a bore.  Mix it up!  Try a different route or even a different activity on alternate days.  The thing is to stay in the game.

Dress for Success!

I truly thrive on cycling!  This summer we took our musical instruments on bicycle to the park for a jam session.  It was great!  We've also packed our Trangia Cookstove and prepared a picnic lunch al fresco under the trees.   What makes these sorts of outtings so successful is choosing clothing that is both functional and attractive.  Terry's Cargo Skorts, (pictured above), are what I wear most for comfort, coolness with the convenience of a pouch pocket right where I need it.  When it gets cooler, I simply layer a pair of sheer tights under and can wear them well into the fall.  Another great transitional piece is the NEW Terry Scooter Capris which offer a looser, "baggy" fit.  These are fantastic as they are perfect for both commuters and cycling buffs alike.  The Scooters come with a removeable, soft cycling chamois that is very comfortable in the saddle.  Better still, you can arrive at your destination without your apparel announcing you've arrived on bicycle!

PHOTO: Terry's NEW Scooter Capri "Baggies".

These are a fantastic alternative to the traditional spandex cycling shorts. In fact, I don't often wear the tight, shiny cycling shorts except for racing.  That's because like many people today, I use my bicycle for multi-tasking.  I combine many of my local errands and trips with my exercise time.  Where ever I end up, I look fresh and stylish.  The only give-away that I have been traveling by bicycle is if I forget to remove my cycling helmet!  People look and say that is "one stylish woman" which is what most of us want to hear.  Terry's Scooter Capris have both a snap and a zippered pocket in front with reflective accents on the legs and articulated knees.  These are the MOST comfortable cycling pants that I own.  The removable chamois is super flexible and fits my contours so nobody can tell I'm wearing anything under these capris.  Check them out at Terry Precision Cycling online! 

Now Top This!

The best thing to due during your fall routine is layer your tops.  This time of the year the mornings start off quite cool but by noon, temperatures can warm up considerably.  If you intend to be out through those times, you might need to consider what sort of top to wear.   Consider a cotton full zippered hoodie such the one pictured here.  As the temperature rises, simply unzip to allow more air flow.  The pockets in front can hold a handkerchief or energy bar.  Better still, it can be worn for other activities such as your morning walks or jogging.  PHOTO: C.F. Martin's Full Zip Hooded Sweatshirt available at their 1833 Shop online.

Your Training Table

Sometimes we need a little help to kick start our bodies back into gear.  I can recommend Rainbow Light's CleanseAway 7- Day Renewal Program.  Poor diet and exercise can often lead to poor elimination as well.  This can show up as extra pounds, feeling bloated and tired.  There is no need for that and in as little as seven days, your whole digestive system can be rejuvenated.  I used the CleanseAway 7 Day Renewal and noticed blemishes that I had, cleared up.  It was gentle and stimulant free so no cramping surprises.  I followed this up with Rainbow Light's NEW ThinBerry Opti-Curb which is a high protein, low carb energy drink powder which is also high in fiber.  I would recommend using the two products for best results.  The ThinBerry Opti-Curb mixes very easily into most any liquid but here is a great blender recipe I've come up with for fall:

ThinBerry Apple 'n Spice

1 Scoop of ThinBerry Opti-Curb Powder (Cinnamon / Vanilla flavor) 

1  8 oz container of low / nonfat plain or vanilla yogurt

1 large Apple

1 cup crushed ice

Core the apple but leave it unpeeled.  Place all the ingredients in your blender and process at high speed.  Pour into a stainless steel drink bottle to take with your for your walk, ride or exercise routine.  The extra fiber and protein will help you feel full while building lean muscle.  The best of both worlds!  Visit Rainbow Light online for more nutritional & health supplements.

The Recap

If you really want to turn over a "new leaf" this fall, these are some very easy, non-invasive ideas to energize and drop some body fat.  Exercising in cooler temperatures is a great way to do that  and with a little planning, you can look great on your way and upon arrival at your destination.  Your training table is important because you'll want to renew from the inside out.  Fall is the perfect time for an inner cleansing.  Since many of us are concerned about the flu season, specifically the Swine Flu, ( h1n 1), keep in mind that nearly 80% of your immune system stems from the digestive tract.  I have found that maintaining a healthy intestinal flora to be the first line of defense.  I can recommend Rainbow Light's ProbioActive 1B with 1 billion active Lactobacillus sporogenes plus Inulin, Larch and other soothing botanticals.

All of these implementations can help you to look and feel your best as we move into what could be your best autumn ever!