Rapid Transport:  Overland Equipment's Open Mic Messenger Bag in distressed canvas with leather trim gets the job done....in style.  Terry's Cargo Skort in Chocolate with super comfortable chamois looks great on and off the bike. 

Fall has arrived and believe it or not, it is perhaps the best time to ride a bicycle.  The cooler, dryer temperatures are actually less stressful on your body while engaging in this sort of aerobic exercise.  With the right clothing and gear, you can turn your bicycle into a virtual second car. Why not unless you actually enjoy paying nearly $4 for a gallon of gas?  You'll soon find you can bike a lot of places!

We're going to show you how to use your bicycle to go work, shopping trips, lunch and run errands.  If you are concerned about arriving at any of these destination points dressed in Spandex, say no more!  Terry Precision Cycling not only makes the best women-specific bicycles in the world but she also offers a fashionable line of cycling clothes that well, don't look like something Lance wore for the Tour de France.  We also have mountain bike wear that doubles as streetwear from fast forward companies like Zoic.  No, we didn't forget the accessories either so we have Angle Tech Panniers and Overland Equipment Bags for the trip.  Understanding that cooler weather cycling requires covering exposed areas, we went to GORE BIKE WEAR for their under the helmet Balaclavas and Signature cycling cap shown here and Turtle Fur for their Knits and a funky Chantel Hat which work great no matter what you're doing.

Planning Your Commute-Going to Work

If you want to begin using your bicycle to get to work, you can start off with a few essentials such as a well constructed messenger bag and cycling pants or a skort that look great on the bike as well as off.  Overland Equipment's Open Mic Messenger Bag,(photographed at the top of this page), will easily accomodate a notebook computer, cell and your office essentials.  The guitar strap is especially comfortable and with a bag like this, you need not invest in on-the-bike panniers or trunks unless you really need the extra cargo space.  Depending on your office dress code, you may wish to pack a pair of dress slacks such as the ones from the Limited.  They are made for travel as they do not wrinkle and will still look great after being packed in your messenger bag.  If your place of employment does not have a strict requirement for dress, you can don a sporty pair of Knicks such as these from Zoic and their Ride With Me 3/4 Sleeve Cycling Jersey pictured here to the left.  The Knicks come with a removeable chamois for those longer commutes and the Ride With Me Jersey is made from bamboo fiber with an eye for eco-friendly materials. No need to change with a cool outfit like this.  Dress once and you're good for the day! 

Going Shopping & Running Errands

If you are going to the mall, lunch or running a few stops around town, you may want to add a set of panniers or at least a rear rack trunk to your bicycle shown here and in the photo above.  This will allow you to bring home the bacon or other items too large to fit in a messenger bag.  I use Angle Tech Techwind Panniers on my touring bicycle and they are super-light, very visible and cut down on wind drag. They also come with a set of inner bags to separate things like clothing, food and other essentials.  I've gone to the farm market and purchased potatoes, onions, apples, etc. for my family of 5 and it all fits with room to spare.  If you are going to the mall or lunch, I would recommend a more fun, upbeat outfit with Zoic's Knicks shown here which are amazingly comfortable and stylish.  Another fashion-functional idea is Terry's Cargo Skort in Chocolate, paired with some opague, chocolate tights.  This will give you a little extra warmth and since tights are very much in fashion this fall, you'll look great!  Terry thought of all the details and added a comfortable chamois to the shorts and large off-set cargo pocket to this rip-stop fabric biking skort. 

Cool Weather Cycling Accessories

There are other items you'll want to have to help make your bicycle commute as comfortable as possible.  As the mornings are often cooler as the fall advances, you can put on Terry's GT-Jersey shown here which is super soft, warm and looks fantastic anywhere.  With zippered pockets and rear pouches, it is a cycling jersey and jacket in one.  Add Terry's Full Fingered Light cycling gloves and you'll be super comfy while riding.  When it gets around 50 degrees & even a little below, you'll appreciate these essentials and you'll want to add a GORE BIKE WEAR Balaclava for extra protection from the cold wind.  You won't believe how comfortable it is to wear.  What we liked about this Balaclava is that it is thin enough to fit under your bicycle helmet and with the nose and mouth vents, it lessens fogging. Perfect for cross training during the winter months too.  You can see the GORE BIKE WEAR Balaclava pictured here and their Signature cycling cap at Terry's GORE Store at: http://www.terrybicycles.com/gore 

Turtle Fur makes a very thin, super-light beanie,(shown in photo above), which also fits comfortably under most helmets.  These pieces give both your face and neck warmth and comfort against those headwinds.  Get longer season wear out of this Terry's Cargo Skort by adding a soft pair of opague tights in the same color.

If you are concerned with "helmet hair" after getting off your bicycle, Turtle Fur makes a very jaunty, Chantel Hat of 55% wool & 45% viscose shown here in black.  Speaking of hats, Turtle Fur also offers beautifully made 100% Merino Wool Knit hats such as Franz & Olaf with a no-itch liner. This is great cross training wear and makes the perfect head covering for your early morning autumn walks and jogs making the transition beautifully.  The bag pictured here is Overland Equipment's Carmel model and is a bit bigger than their Open Mic Messenger Bag but with the same organizing features plus a place to hold two water bottles!

Cycling Nutrition

If you are getting out on the road early, you'll need something quick, highly nutritious and easy to digest.  That pasta you had for dinner last night might help a little but you'll need some good glycogen and protein support for your muscles to do their job.  Besides water, (remember to put a water bottle rack on your bicycle if you don't already have one), an energy bar is going to be your best friend on the ride.  Skip the soy products though as it can be very hard to digest when what you need is instant, available energy.  Try raw nuts such as almonds, walnuts and pecans, juicy berries and yogurt.  Here's a smoothie recipe with ummph!

Cycling Commuter's Cosmos

1 Scoop Chocolate Protein Energizer by Rainbow Light

1/2 cup frozen mixed berries, (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)

1/4 cup raw Almonds

1/2 cup Yogurt

1/2 cup ice

Blend all these together at high speed and drink before hitting the road.  Can also be added to your drink bottle but water may be the better choice while commuting.  I also like to add Rainbow Light's Immuno Build Just Once to my daily routine during the cooler months.  It gives some extra insurance against the sniffles that can so often follow a windy ride.

Start out commuting with reasonable goals.  Try just doing errands within a mile or so of your home.  Before long, you'll be going much further and not even feel it.  Wear low, laceless shoes, (velcro tab closures), with a stiff sole.  This will give you extra power for pedaling.  Dress in layers so that as the day gets warmer or cooler, you'll be able to adjust. Last of all, invest in a flashing bicycle tail light. Mine is by Trek and clips right on to their cycle trunk pictured on my touring bike.  It is a very bright LED light and is easily visible even in full sun.  Don't leave home without it!

Our special thanks to Terry Precision Cycling, Zoic, Overland Equipment Bags, Turtle Fur Hats and GORE BIKE WEAR for their beautiful yet functional clothing and accessories for commuting by bicycle.  All of these fabulous items and more can be found in Terry's Fall 2008 Catalog at: http://www.terrybicycles.com/  These fine companies also supported my Rett Roll Bicycle Ride for lovely young women like Megan Riegelman pictured above on the two-seater trike.  Team Megan's, (aka the Tie Dye Family), relatives and friends turned out in droves for this fantastic event.  You may visit our participating company websites as they are listed under our Cross Training Gear header on the upper right hand side of this page.

On that cell phone again?  No need to announce you've arrived by bicycle anymore.  The right clothing and accessories allow you to look and feel great commuting.  Hooded jacket-Romeo & Juliet Couture, leather shoes-Born of England, cycling helmet-Rudy Project, ultra light cycling gloves-Pearl Izumi

"I can do all things through Christ, (Messiah), who gives me strength." The Apostle Paul, Phil. 4:13

Sailing!

 Dr. M. at the bridge sailing to Nantucket Island

We had a wonderful tour of the New England states including Rhode Island, Cape Cod Massachusetts and Nantucket Island.  One of the highlights of the trip was our whale watching excursion which took us out near the coast of Maine on the open seas.

One of things we did to prepare for this trip is see to it that we had proper footwear.  The decks of even the most luxurious yachts can be extremely slippery so you will need to pack shoes that work on both land and sea.  That's why we wore our Sperry Topsiders!

The Figawi sandals, pictured here are amazingly comfortable both shipboard and for walking.  Many of the vessels we were on had ladder stairs to climb to the top deck which were often wet.  These sandals actively gripped the surface and prevented what could have been a very nasty fall, (woman overboard!), or slip.  On land, they were cool and did not absorb water so our feet stayed quite dry.

Photo: Magda at Nantucket Marina wearing her Sperry Topsider Figawi 2 strap sandals. Cue: "Sittin' on the dock of the Bay!"

We did a lot of boarding of watercraft during our tour where the angled gangplanks were often wet and slippery.  The Sperry Topsiders were perfect on the docks as well as on board.

Much of this tour also involved a lot of walking.  We did quite a bit of shopping after disembarking.  For example we walked all over Nantucket Island, stopping in at the Whaling Museum, the Artist Guild for their famous Lightship Baskets and then down to the beach for a swim.  The Sperry Topsiders came to the rescue again!  My althetic shoes, the Sperry Topsider SB1070's pictured to the right have the same water displacing soles as the Figawi sandals, which grip wet surfaces like crazy.  While whale watching aboard the Dolphin, we were rocking quite hard due to a swell out in the Atlantic.  No problem.  The Sperrys gave us all the sure footed grip we needed. 

The smart way to pack for a land and sea excursion like this is to take footwear that does double duty.  Lightweight, low water absorption and very stable on wet surfaces such as can be found on ship decks and gangways.  These were also the perfect athletic shoe for shopping and taking a tour of nearly all 70 rooms in The Breakers, the Vanderbilt's summer mansion in Newport, R.I.  We also walked through Mystic Seaport, the National Seashore Park and the JFK Memorial in Hyannis Port.  No sore feet at the end of this tour!

Photo: Front entrance of The Breakers, perched on the cliffs of Newport, R.I. Fashion designer, Gloria Vanderbilt, summered in this "cottage" and is the mother of news journalist, Anderson Cooper of CNN.
 

Visit Sperry Topsider Online at:  http://www.sperrytopsider.com

When undertaking a tour of this scope, you'll need to pay special attention to your nutrition.  If you are like me and not much accustomed to high fat, low fiber resturant foods and strange water, your digestive system can suffer.  This is why I take along Proactive 1B by Rainbow Light.  This is a complete probiotic formula that helps maintain healthy digestive flora, supporting regularity and optimum immunity. This the perfect companion for any trip where you don't know what you'll be eating!

Photo:  Boating activity in Providencetown Harbor.  The gangplank to your right is what is used to board these ships. "Slippery When Wet!"

It was here in Providencetown that the Pilgrims really landed first and where we boarded the Dolphin VIII for our sunset whale watching cruise.  On the way out of the harbor, we passed our old friend, the Kalmar Nyckel, Delaware's Tall Ship, headed back to port.  We went about an hour and a half out into the deep Atlantic and pretty much off the coast of Maine by the time we began to see Humpback whales spouting off in the distance.  Through the summer months until about the end of September, pods or familes of whales, mostly mothers and calves feed and play in these nutrient rich waters.  We saw at least 20 pods during our excursion with one young calf completely lifting his head up out of the water so that we could actually see his baleen filtering jaws.  Incredible!  Later an adult and calf both did a breech and a complete 360 before belly flopping back into the ocean.  Since we were caught in a bit of a swell from a passing storm, it was a little rough...choppy even.  We skipped the sleep inducing Dramamine and opted for some natural crystalized ginger root.  No problems on deck for us although we did see a few green-faced shipmates running below!  Oh well.

My advice is not to be afraid of having an adventure.  I've come to trust God to make it happen for me.  We can step out in faith, (but maybe not on water), just as Peter did!  You don't want to reach old age with a long list of regretful, 'I should of's'.  With a little planning, the right gear and proper nutrition, you can live your dreams instead of just sleeping through them.  We'd like to thank Sperry Topsider, Rainbow Light, Dorfman Pacific, Athleta and the Sierra Club for their wonderful support for this excursion.  The right gear and supplies makes all the difference. Come with us this fall as we will show you how to prepare for cool weather bicyling for commuting and cross training pleasure!  Also, remember to come out for the Ride for Rett charity bicycle ride on Sunday, October 5th 2008.  Rett's Syndrome is a disabling, neurological disorder which primarily effects female infants.  Sign up for this great tour for a great cause online at: http://www.signmeup.com/61644

Photo: Heading back to Providencetown Port after our sunset whale watching cruise aboard the Dolphin VIII.  The tall spire near the center is Pilgrim's Monument, the highest point on Cape Cod.

God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful & increase in number & fill the water and the seas..."  Genesis 1:22

Photo: Out on the water at the 2008 Outdoor Adventure Expo. Sunblock Hat by Dorfman-Pacific, Nautical Top by Sweet Child, Boating Sandals by Sperry Topsider

 This year's May Outdoor Adventure Expo featured the best in outdoor activities including fishing, camping, kayaking, canoeing, rowboating, paddleboating and rock wall climbing.  We carefully picked our take along essentials in hats, footwear and backpacks for this challenging Outdoor Adventure Expo which was perhaps our most successful ever.

Photo: Kayak and Canoe dock. Hat by Dorfman-Pacific, nautical top by Sweet Child, water sandals by Sperry Topsider

Other than a flotation vest, the most important piece of equipment is your footwear.  We chose the Blue Figawi water sandals by Sperry Topsider because they make high quality boating shoes that look as good as they perform.  They are made to grip on slippery decks and we found them superior in performance for our boating needs.

  

                 Built more like a triathelon sandal, these Blue Figawi 2 Strap boating sandals are very comfortable yet up to intense physical activity on the water and land.

Low Low Water Absorption Materials & Waterproof Leather are Quick Drying

AEGIS™ Microbe Shield for Odor Control Protects Against Odor Causing Bacteria

Active Drainage System Featuring Drainage Ports Helps Dry Feet Quickly in Wet Conditions

Fully Adjustable Quick Release Buckle System Offers a Secure Fit & Added Stability

Scuff Rubber Mudguard Offers Extra Durability & Traction

Removable Contoured Exposed EVA Footbed For Ultimate Low Water Absorption & Maximum Water Drainage

Contoured 3-Piece EVA Midsole/Footbed Provides All-Day, Under-Foot Comfort & Stability

New Hydro-Grip™ Rubber Traction Compound is the Ultimate Performance Traction Outsole Compound

Non-Marking Rubber Outsole with Quadro-Grip Multi-Directional Wave-Siping™ for Added Wet / Dry Traction

 

 

 

Photo: Steering from the Stern. Outback hat by Dorfman-Pacific, cargo shorts by St. John's Bay, SB1070 Boating/Athletic Shoes by Sperry Topsider, napsack Sierra Club Logo Waterproof Canvas Backpack

Mood:  caffeinated

I'm not one to say, "I told you so", but my prophetic visions from three years ago have proven true.  Then gas prices were teetering on $2 a gallon and we were all complaining.  Seeing the handwriting on the wall, I made it my goal to use my bicyle to run 50% of my local errands.  You know, those little trips to the post office, library, farm market and local stores.  What I began to see is my enjoyment level rising with each ride.  I even procured a woman-specific road bicyle made by Terry Precision Cycling just for sporting use.  My Terry Semmetry is perhaps the best road bike I have ever ridden and remains my favorite.

As I got stronger, I was able to go further and ride more frequently.  I got Angle-Tech Panniers, (saddlebags), for my touring bicyle and a small seat bag for the Terry road bicyle.  Early mornings, 6:30 am would find me headed out past the picturesque horse farms and country roads that dot my riding route.  Later in the day, I would use my touring bicycle with the panniers to do errands and shopping.  I felt great and slept like a baby every night. Using my bicycle for local trips rose from 50% to 75% very quickly.  Soon I was only filling up my gas tank once a month instead of every two weeks.

After entering the Woods Hollow Classic Mountain Bike Race and winning, the advanced division, I knew there were no limits to what I could do with God's help. Now mind you this took time!  If your sit bones are sore the first time out, don't get discouraged.  Simply invest in a good seat such as a leather model by Selle Italia, (Lady) and make sure you have at least two pairs of chamois padded cycling pants such as those made by Terry.  These are really your best friends on the road next to your cycling jersey.

So how do you get road ready with the bare minimum of equipment?  Here's the down 'n dirty checklist:

An Adult Bicyle: No, you can't borrow Billy's Mongoose!  Small wheels won't cut it.  Best choices are full sized touring bicycles because they are framed to hold panniers or saddlebags.  For some great choices such as Madelline, visit Terry Precision Cycling at: www.terrybicycles.com

A Set of Panniers or Saddlebags:  If you have a touring bicycle, it may already have a rear rack.  This is what you attach your panniers to.  You can also purchase a trunk bag to sit on top of the rear rack giving you even more space.  Visit Angletech's website for the Techwind Panniers pictured above at: www.angletechcycles.com

Padded Cycling Pants: The cut of cycling pants makes sure the cuffs stay out of the crank area.  The padding also works to reduce soreness and slipping off the seat.  The best that I have used are by Terry Precision Cycling: www.terrybicycles.com

That's about it.  Make sure to wear a helmet and a pair of stiff soled shoes.  Soft sneakers waste energy so leave them at home.  Also get a flashing tail light like the ones that can clip on your rear trunk bag or seat post.  Sigma Sport's CubeRider attaches quickly to your seat without tools and is very bright.

Nutrition Talk

Perhaps the most discouraging things we face when starting a new physical activity is:

1.) Not having enought energy to complete the task

2.) Being exausted after attempting the task

3.) Feeling sore after the activity

If any of these three issues concern you, I have some wonderful solutions.  Rome wasn't built in a day so if going around the block is all you can do at first, then Bravo!  What you need to do is start a training table program so that you will have enough fuel for road and beyond.  Here is a program that I follow for high energy and reduction of muscle and joint pain associated with intense exercise.

Training Table Program for Cycling

Early AM - 1/2 cup of a Fruit Smoothie (berries, apples, carrots, etc.) made with Rainbow Light's Vanilla Protein Energizer. 

Lunch - Large Chef Salad, Women's Nutritional System Multivitamin, (Multi + Daily Program)  Ultra Energy Plus

Dinner - 3 oz of low fat protein, (chicken or turkey breast or fish, beef once a week) 1 cup dark leafy green vegetables, 1 cup orange, (beta-carotene rich), vegetables.  Arthx Relief Immediate Relief Formula / Multilieve Fast Relief for Common Aches & Pains.  Wolfberry Concentrate capsules, (antioxidant). 

Before Bed - Rainbow Light Calcium + will allow your muscles to displace the lactic acid they've built up during your ride.  You'll sleep so much better for it!  Don't forget to take along healthy snacks like a Luna Bar which is designed specifically for women's nutritional needs. It will give you the extra boost you need to hit that hill.

Rainbow Light supplements are based on whole foods and therefore very easy to digest.  They absorb very quickly allowing you to get the most benefit from each formulation.  They really help you sustain high energy levels and you will see the difference after one week. Visit them online at: www.rainbowlight.com

The benefits of this green solution to high gas prices are many.  Even a moderate amount of cycling will cause your body fat to drop and your stamina to increase.    Mental clarity increases when more oxygen is made available.  Stress, which is a major factor in health deterioration, is also decreased.  You'll feel good about what you are doing environmentally, physically and emotionally too.  Cycling gives you a real lift and can help to reduce the soaring cost of transportation.  Come on, be proactive!  See you out there.

PHOTO Tubbs Bear Paw Traditional Wood Snowshoes

 PHOTO MONTANE Lite-Speed Jacket

FINDING THE WAY HOME

One of the most important pieces of gear you'll need for hiking is a reliable compass.  HighGear has this down to a science with the compact, multifunctioning AltiTech2 Digital Altimeter / Compass.  I keep this instrument with me at all times and it looks great latched onto my Coach Bucket Bag!  Really, the AltiTech2 is only a bit larger than a wristwatch but gives you accurate cardinal point readings, temperature, altitude and weather forecasts.  Even has a backlight for night time use.  It is a chronograph and a watch as well.  Harbinger clip allows it to attach easily to your backpack or jacket.  A must have if you are out tracking.