Bike to Work Day

Bike to Work or anywhere else! PHOTO: Crossover Helmet by Nutcase, GLC's Guilden Carry All, Craghopper's Gabriela Dress, Pistil's Straw Hat and OKeefe Scarf, Naya Maeve Sandals.

BIKE MONTH, NYC CITIBIKE-BIKE SHARE LAUNCH: While May is officially Bike Month, this is Bike to Work Week, (May 13th - 17th) with Bike to Work DAY coming on May 17th. More Americans are feeling the pinch of higher gas prices this year which makes getting around by bicycle even more attractive. NYC's plan to launch their city-wide Bike Share Program seems on track and scheduled to fully roll out on May 27th. This is really exciting because it gives people a chance to try getting around by bicycle before perhaps investing in one. Depending on where you live, keeping a bicycle in your apartment just might not be feasible.

So here are a few outfit & accessories ideas to help you along on your own bicycle or if you're using the CitiBike Program to get around.  Keep in mind that no matter which you choose, there is some amount of walking involved in every commute so it's important to make sure your shoes are comfy even off the bicycle.

Bicycle Helmets

Nutcase Crossover fits neatly inside the Guilden Carry-All

As a teen, I road around the city without a bicycle helmet for years. Now I am seldom seen without some sort of head-protection. Helmets have gotten a lot cooler these days and while I'm especially fond of my road bike helmets, they don't quite go with the urban vibe of bicycle commuting. I like the Crossover by Nutcase shown in the lead photo in Fire Engine Red. It's fully vented and has a comfortable chin strap cover with magnetic clasp. 
Once you arrive at your destination, take it with you by stowing it in the Guilden Carry All by Give Love Cycle. It will fit in this bag with room to spare and no one will be the wiser to your arrival by bicycle!

GLC's Guilden Carry-All attaches to your rear rack. Fits the new CitiBike Baskets too!

Bicycle Baskets
I've always been of the opinion that messenger bags are for well, bike messengers! That's because they are notorious for shifting during your ride. If your commute requires you carry in more equipment or supplies, consider a basket. I've found market & shopping trips to be a lot easier with a rear wire basket.  That way you can place all of your gear in a removable basket.  Since it's in the rear, no worries about squirrely steering up front. This Basil Cosa rear basket clamps securely onto my rear rack and the fold-in handles lock down in place. This is my farmer's market basket as it holds a LOT of produce!

Cosa Rear Basket by Basil NL

Bicycle Panniers
Another option for urban commuting and the downtown ride would be to use bicycle panniers that hang from your bicycle rack.  These are usually easy to put on and take off.  You can choose a variety of colors like these bright orange ones from Detours (Fremonster Flap in Poppy) which will give you extra visibility in traffic or go with something more subtle. 

Detours Fremoster Flap Panniers-totes clip on and off quickly.

Bicycle Clothing

Craghopper's NosiLife Gabriela Dress

Of course we want to ride with something that's going to be comfortable! The CitiBike has a nice step through so us ladies can wear skirts and dresses to work if we wish. Just keep in mind that being on a bicycle means being exposed to the elements. Sun, wind, insects are all just waiting for you on your ride. 

That's why I was so pleased to discover Craghopper's NosiLife Collection, specifically their Gabriella Dress which offers a UPF of 45 and mosquito repellent properties. You can dress the Gabriela up or down but it is an office ready piece that you can ride in comfortably due to the stretch jersey fabric.

Padded Shorts
You might want to add something like Pedal Panties, (Bicycle Lingerie) or a Terry Mesh Liner underneath for a little extra padding but the CitiBike seats are known to be quite cushy and wide.


Bicycle Shoes
Yes, they make pumps with SPD plates built into them! You really don't need that for a simple bike commute though. I like the Naya Maeve Leather Sandals because they are very comfortable and look great once you arrive at your destination.  The soles have a rubbery grip that keeps you from slipping.  These really are comfortable despite the heel height and you'll find them to be perfect as they require very little break-in time.

Naya Maeve Leather Sandals in Oxford Brown

Prepare for a Rainy Day
The weather can change in a second, especially during summer months. Your bike commute gear should include some type of rain wear that will cover you on the bicycle. This is where a bicycle with fenders is going to be your very best friend! That or a rear rack with a center shelf like my Blackburn. As for a raincoat, I like ExOfficio's Rain Logic Trench Coat.  Downtown chic styling but super lightweight.  Roll it up and pack it into its hood when you don't need it.  Has a bit of stretch and zip pits, it is completely waterproof and covers your whole outfit. One of the best raincoats I own.

ExOfficio's Rain Logic Trench rolls into its own hood!

Fall Cycling Commuter Fashions

Cooler temps add up to even cooler style!  Photo: CityZen by Lazer Helmets, Lucky Magazine Picks - Leather Biker Jacket & White Cotton Tank Top by H & M

I really enjoy the autumn weather as we have beautiful colors changing here on the east coast.  If you are even thinking about using your bicycle more for fun, transportation and / or exercise, fall is the perfect time to do it.  I've put together a few outfits that look and work great on your bicycle as well as when you arrive at your destination.  No one need know you arrived on two wheels unless you want to tell them!

Pedal Panties Bicycle Lingerie

GETTING DRESSED FOR YOUR RIDE

I've often said, "Get dressed once in the morning and be ready for anything." If you think you need to dress in specific exercise clothing just to work out think again.  The pieces I'm showing here all offer comfort, are breathable and have a bit of stretch. These are key selections and staples of any fashionable woman's wardrobe.

Starting with underwear, consider these very well constructed Pedal Panties Bicycle Lingerie.  Pedal Panties have just enough padding for a short bicycle commute without feeling bulky.  They also are completely invisible under even the most clingy cycling capris.  Pedal Panties work with skirts, tights, jeans, etc. and are comfortable enough to wear all day at work.  They rinse out easily and dry quickly but get at least a couple of pairs.  Genius!

STRETCHING YOUR WARDROBE

Go There Blazer by ExOfficio & Southside Capri by Terry

Keeping in mind that your will be traveling by bicycle and perhaps doing a bit of walking, fabric choice is key.

Go There Blazer by ExOfficio
This essential blazer is made of drirelease® french terry and has large snaps at the front and sleeves.  It has built in stretch and a zippered security pouch to stash a bit of cash or a letter for the post office.  This is where form meet function as the Go There Blazer is also made of odor resistant fabric that wicks moisture, dries quickly and stays fresh. We paired this cool blazer with a chic Paris Striped Scarf by Carve Designs of California.

Go There Blazer by ExOfficio

Southside Capri by Terry
I added a red brad studded belt from H & M to these sweet gray checked capri cycling bottoms. Features: Unattached mesh liner with Italian comfort chamois; side hand pockets; snap/zipper front closure; belt loops; gusset crotch; houndstooth print. 18" inseam.
These pants have just enough stretch that they don't fight you even when riding a diamond frame bicycle with drop handlebars.  Even better is that they look as fantastic off the bike as on.

TIGHTEN IT UP

Roughian Skirt by ExOfficio

Speaking of stretching your wardrobe, opaque tights are the perfect fashion staple that will allow you to wear your favorite skirt or dress a bit longer into the season.

Try not to get sheer black pantyhose.  Pick good quality, thick tights that don't allow any skin to show through.  Add a pair of black leather riding boots for extra warmth, (a low to moderate heel works best on a bicycle). You can also add a pair of low pumps or flats in the same color as your opaque hose to give your legs extra length.

Roughian Skirt by ExOfficio 
Totally up to the challenge of cycling, walking and commuting.  The cotton blend canvas, french fly closure and high strength stitching of this Roughian Skirt means that it is made for action and comfort without sacrificing looks.  I especially like the secret rear zippered pocket and that this skirt is: Treated with Durable Water Repellent (DWR) for water and stain resistance. Made with durable canvas that has high tear strength.  UPF Sun Guard 50+.  Really the last thing you need while cycling is for your skirt to rip for all the world to see.  The Roughian has double needle reinforced contrast stitching and just enough stretch to make pedaling and or walking a breeze.  This is another hot item that works perfectly on or off the bicycle.

Cadence Wool Dress by Terry

Cadence 3/4 Sleeve Dress by Terry

The Cadence is my favorite fall dress period!  However, on the bicycle, the real beauty is in the details. So well thought out down to the invisible zippered rear pocket.  It is made of a dri release wool fabric blend that allows moisture to wick away, keeping you cooler and drier.  3/4 sleeves, two hand warmer pockets and ruched sides that can be hiked up, make this dress super adjustable.  

You could wear a pair of cycling tights under it or throw a vest over the Cadence for extra warmth like the Countdown by Gore Bike Wear. Perhaps a blazer or leather jacket?  Add a bright helmet and red scarf for a pop of color if you are going to wear that much black on your bicycle.

Gore Bike Wear Countdown Lady Vest

All of these pieces allow you to mix and match so you can pull together multiple looks. While you'll get the most play choosing neutrals, don't be afraid to accessorize with color.

So why not get the most bang out of your buck?  When you choose fashionable pieces like these, you are lowering your "price per wear" ratio because you will get MUCH more use out of them. Leave those "yoga pants" on the rack!

Get your exercise while en route. We often only think of bicycle commuting to work but you can also run errands to:

The Bank
The Post Office
The Library
The Farmer's Market
Anywhere you want!

Shopping the Farmer's Market with my Basil Cosa Rear Basket.  Cross Body Leather Bag by Fossil.