Cold and Wet Weather Bike Wear: Giordana's Roubaix Bib Tights and Silverline Long Sleeved Jersey

Dressing for a northeastern winter ride. Giordana thermal bib tights.

Winters are somewhat of a brutal affair here in the NYC/Metro area. Add in a bit of precipitation like snow and you have a valid reason to park your bike and stay home. All the same, if you're like me, you LIKE to ride and if I'm dressed right, I don't mind the cold weather. That's why I was so interested in trying a pair of bib tights this year. Yes, I have the usual thermal cycling tights with the built in chamois but after trying Giordana's Gita Women's Bib Shorts (Road ID), two years ago, well let's say I'm a bit spoiled! You can read my review of these phenomenal bib shorts HERE.  I also wore a full Giordana FR Carbon Kit for my first Rapha Women's 100 Sportive. So let's start with the Silverline Long Sleeved Jersey which completes this cold weather cycling kit.

Silverline Long Sleeved Jersey and Roubaix Bib Tights

Silverline Women's Long Sleeved Jersey
I have a few thermal cycling jerseys but some of them are a bit too thick and do not give the freedom of movement I'm looking for. They also don't allow moisture to wick away as well as they should. The Silverline Women's Long Sleeved Jersey features ERG200, which is a new moisture transferring winter fabric. The inside of the jersey is SO soft due in part to the brushed inner surface which effectively traps warm air next to your skin. The full zip front offers a taller collar for extra insulation. There is reflective piping down the back and three open rear pockets which are easy to access.

Bottom hem of the Silverline has a gripper band.

The bottom of the Silverline has a gripper band which helps keep the jersey down when you are in the drops. The overall styling and accents on this women's cycling jersey are incredible. One of my favorite features in a cycling jersey is a zippered rear pouch which the Silverline does not have. This is a minor gripe as the rear pouches are very easy to get at. 
I was out in the rain in it today and it was extremely comfortable to wear, keeping me quite dry. However for a major downpour I would wear something more water repellent as this jersey's forte is primarily beating the cold. It's a tricky trade off because you will often sweat more in a completely waterproof cycling jacket/jersey. The Silverline Jersey seems to offer a happy medium between the two. This jersey has their patented WCF (Women's Contour Fit) so it is very aerodynamic. Made in Italy. 

Gore Bike Wear's Countdown Windstopper Lady Vest

You can also top this jersey off with a windproof shell like this Countdown Windstopper Lady Vest from Gore Bike Wear. Once you heat up, take it off and stuff it in your jersey's rear open pouch. Works great for road work when you are expending a lot of heat and energy.

Giordana FRC Roubaix Bib Tights

Giordana FRC Roubaix Bib Tights
This is my first pair of bib tights but as I mentioned before, I've already had the pleasure of wearing Giordana's Bib Shorts with their uniquely comfortable chamois system. The W Cirro Omni Form Insert is included in Giordana's top of the line tights/bib shorts as it offers varying thickness throughout the chamois. Aloe Vera is permanently incorporated into the upper most layer of the pad which helps head off chaffing before it happens. The chamois has a second layer of memory foam with a waffled texture which aids in aeration.

Aqua Zero Seat Panel 
This is the area of your tights that is usually the "receiving end" for rain and puddle splash ups. Giordana has thought of this with their Aqua Zero Seat Panel treatment which make the tights quite water resistant.

Giordana Jersey and Bib Tights drying after being in the rain.

Fit and Feel
The inside of these Italian made bib tights are soft brushed like the Silverline Jersey so they are a dream to wear. Even the straps have the same brushed softness detail. I'm a size 6 so that corresponds to a Medium in these bib tights. While getting into some of my bibs requires using a shoe horn, I found that these weren't that much of a struggle. The ankles have reflective zippers which makes them even easier to get on and off. They are very lightweight yet warm for very cold days on the road. The black fabric has a UPF of 50+ blocking out 98% of UV radiation. 

Giordana Roubaix Bib Tights in the rain

The coldest I've ridden was about 28 degrees. When you factor in windchill, the skin feel is going to be even frostier, like 5-10 degrees colder. This winter kit would be ideal for about 35- 40+ degrees. If I need extra warmth due to wind, I would add a cycling vest and/or thin Merino Wool base layer like this Outdoor 160 Shirt by Bluey Australia. Wool is naturally wicking and so would work well with the Silverline Jersey's moisture managing fabric. 
I did an 8 mile ride in 41 degree weather with substantial wind and was comfortable with the Silverline Long Sleeved Jersey, a wool base layer and Windstopper Vest (shown above). I did have to stop halfway and take off the vest but overall I was very comfortable!

Bluey Australia's Outdoor 160 Merino Wool Baselayer

These pieces are really a necessity if you plan to ride this winter. It can be raw and foreboding out there and being exposed to the elements is no ride in the park. Bib Tights also prevent wind from blowing up your back and chilling your core.

Riding in this kit in sunny but windy 41 degree weather.

A cold weather cycling kit like this from Giordana can be the difference between enjoying the road vs freezing to the pavement. See all of the current Giordana cycle wear at GiordanaUSA.com or GitaBike

Don't let this be YOU this winter.

Rapha Womens 100: The Ride, Wildlife & Kit of the Day

On the highway for the FIRST ever Rapha Womens 100 Sportive

Somewhere in the wilds of NJ:Today is the day! I've been training for this first ever women's sportive and was awake at 4:30am. I was so excited! Training last month saw not one but two rear flat tires. However when I checked my computer this morning it seemed it wasn't reading anything but the time! I didn't have time to consult the "pit crew" so I took off as the sun was rising along with the heat.

Training for the Ride
I didn't go crazy with training but simply used my heavier Nishiki Sport Touring bicycle for most of my rides. With added bags, panniers and rear trunks, it's at least 20 lbs heavier than my Terry Symmetry. I've enjoyed smoothies with Rainbow Light Protein Energizers and that's really all I had before my ride today. I wasn't hungry nor did I "bonk" on the many hills I took along the way. It also gave me a bit of a head start on the hydration I was going to need because it's supposed to be over 90 degrees (again) today. I also trained in the heat to acclimatize myself to the hot weather.

Hydration Issues
The logistics of doing more than half a century ride includes taking along enough water. My Womens 100 route is a very rural one so refilling once you're out there was iffy. I took along a 24 oz and 12 oz Thermal Polar Bottle and stuck the smaller one in my rear jersey pouch. Filled with ice, they stay refreshingly cool for extended rides. The other problem is that us women need restroom facilities, (at least I do), as what goes in must come out. So riding in open country can be an issue there too.

Wildlife Challenge
I did see a group of other women cyclists while I was stopped to take some pictures during my ride. I asked if any of them were doing the Rapha Womens 100 today and they all said "No". So that was the first time I'd seen a group of all women riders out. What I saw more of was all this crazy wildlife!  First a snapping turtle was in the road and I stopped along with a police officer to shuffle him over.  Here's Mr. Snappy ready to blow a hole in my front tire.

Snapping turtle about the size of a dinner plate that I nearly hit during the Womens 100 today.

Not only was Mr. Turtle obstructing the road but I also saw wild turkeys and their chicks running along side the highway. There were also goats and horses, (they were NOT in the road thank God), a low flying hawk and a turkey buzzard. This was SO beautiful but you have to get up early to see wildlife like this. I think if I had left too early, I might have missed seeing them as most cycling eye wear can be a little too dark to wear before sunrise. I knew this was going to be an issue so I left at about 6:15 am.    

Refueling
Having had a liquid breakfast, I was doing really well energy and hydration-wise. However as the sun was rising ever higher, so was the temperature. It was already in the 80's and rather humid when I left. So when I finally did stop to refuel, I had my Chocolate #9 Agave Gel and lots of cool water.  This is a low glycemic energy gel for a slow burn but it revived me very quickly so that I was able to sprint for the last leg of my ride home.

I keep  Chocolate #9 in my Medical Kit for bonking emergencies.

Space Issues
The thing is that on my touring bicycle, I have a rear rack which can accommodate all sorts of trunks, panniers and baskets. My Terry Symmetry is a sport bicycle so I only have the bare minimum of carry on luggage. I have a little wedge seat bag hung onto my aero bars and that's it! Still I am able to fit this Ultralight-Watertight Medical Kit .5, extra medicines, feminine supplies, my cell and a few gel packs. I also keep a few packets of Topricin homeopathic pain cream and some Bayer aspirin. Trust me, these small items offer a major comfort when you're out on the highway away from civilization. Travel light but right.

A horse farm as seen from the roadway on my Womens 100 ride today.

My Kit of the Day: Giordana's Womens Trade FRC (FormaRed Carbon)

The NYC Metro area is in the middle of a heatwave with temps in the mid 90's and humidity almost as high. At 6:15 am it was already above 80 degrees as the night time temps did not cool things off very much. So I picked a high performance kit which offered lightness, wicking action and a UPF of 50+.

My Giordana Kit washed and drying on the clothes line.

The Jersey
The Giordana FRC Trade Jersey has everything I love in a cycling top and more. Made in Italy these garments offer a WCF or Women's Contour Fit.  They totally get that we are not flat like the guys and this kit fits like a second skin. Not only that, even riding in the heat and humidity was a joy. So light and airy. Built in sun protection also kept things from heating up. Three rear open pouches made it easy to carry an extra water bottle which I needed today and a little zippered pocket can hold some cash or your cell. I especially like the wide arm bands which were comfortable while staying put. They are covered with reflective material so night riding in this kit will be no problem.


The Bibs
The Giordana FRC Trade Bib Shorts had just the right amount of padding without being bulky and uncomfortable. Long rides in the saddle can tire anyone but I was very much in charge with their flexible chamois called the W Cirro O.F. Pad. This was designed for their top of the line women's bibs and is incorporated with Aloe Vera to cool, protect and fight bacteria. The memory foam has a waffled texture and helps in venting and perspiration management. In fact after my ride when I took them off, the chamois was surprisingly dry! The shorts are made of the same high tech FormaRed Carbon material that makes the matching jersey so light and wicking. Same thing for the wide leg bands that stay in place while giving you a smooth leg line.

My kit of the day included Rudy Project's Wind Max lid, also being worn by Peter Sagan in the TDF.

  
The Wrap
All in all I am very pleased and thankful for the day as I logged a personal best and was treated to an amazing show of woodland and water animals. While I have done many charity rides and a mountain bike competition, I have only done about 14.5 miles at a time. Today I did 20.9 miles and could have done more. My original route for this sportive was detoured due to a local bridge being out, so I had to be a bit creative in re-mapping a ride that was both safe and scenic. I believe I succeeded on both and I'm happy that I didn't hit any animals or have any accidents or flats. Those women riders whom I saw on my ride don't know what they just missed. An opportunity to participate in a worldwide event that pushes us women to reach a goal...together.  Well, maybe next year?

X-Training Diary: Nike Leaner Legs, My Menu & Cycling Kit

KIT OF THE DAY: Rudy Project wins this round with their: Windmax Helmet, Kylix cycle eye wear and Long Sleeved Team Racing Jersey. Gore Bike Wear Shorts, Smartwool Hy-Fi Knee Warmers, Pearl Izumi Cycling Gloves.

Training Day
Well the temperatures finally broke a bit in the northeast and even though it was windy, 63 degrees felt pretty good!  As you may know, I am in training for the Rapha Women's 100 Cycling Sportive coming up on July 7, 2013. Now for the past two or three years, I've ridden through the winter but since Hurricane Sandy hit my area, there is still so much debris on the side of the road along with fallen trees whose branches lean in to snatch you. I have used my bicycle for short errands but that's not the same as a good long fitness ride. Over the next three months, I'll try to give you a snap-shot of one of my training days including what cross training exercises I did, menu ideas and my Kit of the Day.  Here we go with day one:

Oatmeal is delicious, full of protein & fiber. I'm going to need it!

Nike Leaner Legs
So I started off today with a group outdoor exercise class. It was beautiful outside and about 53 degrees at the time. We did the Nike Training Club App: Leaner Legs which takes you through 15 minutes of leg toning jumps and lunges. Just what I needed!  To fuel all this fun here is my breakfast & lunch menu:

Breakfast: 1/2 cup Oatmeal + handful of dried cranberries & 1 tsp. coconut oil

(15 Minute Nike Leaner Legs Workout plus lots of water)

Lunch: Egg Salad on 1 slice whole wheat bread. 2oz portion of grilled boneless skinless salmon & whiting

(After lunch, 6 + mile bicycle ride on my Nishiki Sport Touring)

Dinner: Homemade California Pizza with Avocado & bell peppers

Salmon is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and can help with post exercise recovery.

On the Road Again
After lunch, it was time to hit the road (bike). My strategy (yes I do have one) is to train on the heavier Nishiki Sport Touring bicycle replete with stuffed panniers for that extra drag. This should strengthen my legs and make it easier to push a much lighter bicycle on the day of the ride. That would be my Terry Symmetry.

Cycling Kit of the Day
I chose the long-sleeved Rudy Project Racing Jersey because it was windy today and I didn't want to get chilled. The full zip feature allowed me to regulate my temperature very easily and I like that it is white and highly visible. I topped it off with their new Windmax lid which is super light and airy. I could actually feel cool air blowing over my scalp! Comes with a bug net to allow air in but keep those critters out.

Rudy Project Kit - 
The Rudy Project Racing Jersey, helmet and glasses were so comfortable for my opening day ride. 100% polyester it offers some sun protection. Three open pouches in the back. Soft spun, it allows just the right amount of air to pass through so I stayed comfortable and dry.

Rudy Project Windmax Helmet - This thing is so light and comfortable.  Weighing only 250 grams (8.8 ozs) with out accessories, it is my favorite lid.  Comes with a removable mountain bike visor and insect net plus extra replacement padding for a custom fit.  Turn the knob in the back to dial in the perfect fit for your noggin. Helmets are always a problem for me due to my long hair but this one has that situation covered.

Rudy Project Kylix Eye Wear - I really like these for style and their ability to accommodate my eyeglass Rx. The nose and earpieces are totally adjustable but the payoff are the inter-changeable optics. I'm wearing the Lazer Red lenses here but most of Rudy's eye wear allows you to replace the lenses with another color / tint according to your specific riding conditions.

Smartwool Hy-Fi Knee Warmers

Smartwool Hy-Fi Knee Warmers

I wanted to wear my Gore Bike Wear shorts today but it was still a little too cold for all that air to be hitting my quads sooooo. I added these soft Merino Wool knee warmers from Smartwool to the kit. The silicone bands both on the skin and fabric sides keep them in place. They didn't move for the whole ride nor did they cause my shorts to shift.

I really can't say enough about these.  You get double duty out of your shorts and short sleeved jerseys because you can add these and extend the season.  It's still not warm enough to me for bare arms and knees.  I guess I'll be using them a while longer until the temps heat up.

Another side benefit I noticed is the leg/thigh compression the knee warmers offer. This gave me a little unexpected boost on the hills the first day out.  Thank you!

Smartwool Knee Warmers & RoadID Bibs on my Terry.

Next Stop, Bib Shorts!

I enjoy my cycle shorts but nothing beats the comfort and convenience of bib shorts.

Next to my Smartwool Knee Warmers, I enjoy wearing my Road ID Bib Shorts.  You never have to worry about pulling them up so they make the perfect companion for longer, more intensive rides.

So are you taking on the Rapha challenge or any others this season? Share what exercises programs or apps you're doing to get in shape this spring!

My "Trainer".  I figure with all the stuff I have in these panniers, I should shape up in NO time!

New Fall Cycle Gear: Smartwool HyFi Warmers

Fall Cycling: Smartwool Merino Wool Arm Warmers. Bicycle: Terry Symmetry

Fall scenery from my INOU Bicycle Camera by CatEye

Fall is just around the corner and before you know it, you'll be transitioning into warmer cycle wear.  You know how it goes. You're a bit chilly in the morning but once you get going, you're warmed up enough to want to shed a few layers.

You can actually stretch your cycling wardrobe by simply adding arm and leg warmers to your kit.  This really works well especially early in the season when it's not that cold yet. The temperature and you will most likely warm up by mid-day so you'll be looking to take off your warmers. 
 

Hot for Fall 2012 - Smartwool HyFi Arm, Knee & Leg Warmers

Ditch the Itch
If just the idea of wearing wool next to your skin makes you itch, Smartwool is for YOU!  I'm very sensitive and Smartwool baselayers and socks are the only Merino wool products I've found that can be worn right next to my skin.

Pro Style

Smartwool Knee Warmers & Giordana Bib Shorts

This season, Smartwool has come out with these new HyFi pro-styled wool arm, leg and knee warmers. They remind me of the elegant black pieces worn by cycling teams like Giordana in Italy and perform like the best technical materials out there. The Smartwool logo is in reflective white and they have a slightly tapered fit. Flatlock seams means no imprints and silicone strips at the top keep them from slipping. No digging or binding, these warmers stay in place without restricting movement or circulation.


Wool Wicks 
What you'll find is wool is unbeatable for its high wicking ability so that means you stay much more comfortable during your ride. As you heat up, perspiration and moisture evaporate through the micro-pores of the wool knit.  Wool itself is a polymer and has the unique ability to remain warm even when soaking wet.  These warmers will also work well for running, hiking and other outdoor athletic activities.

Leg Warmers
Smartwool's HyFi Leg Warmers are also very smartly designed as they have flat lock seams and articulated knees for ease of movement. Like the arm and knee warmers they have a silicone strip at the top to keep them in place.  What I really like about the leg warmers is the cool ankle zippers and reflective accents for added nighttime visibility.  Keep in mind that warm muscles perform more efficiently so if your legs are talking to you, try telling them to "shut up" with a set of quality warmers!

Roll Them Up
I think the best part about these wool warmers is that they are made of a very compact knit. The fabric is non-bulky so once you are beyond the chill, you can simply take them off.  They are thin enough to roll up and put in the rear pocket of your jersey or bicycle bag.  Don't let the thinness fool you though.  These are toasty warm but allow air to flow through, reducing excess heat and perspiration.

The HyFi's are machine washable (I use Sport Wash) but for best results it is recommended that you launder them inside out and flat/line dry.  These new Smartwool HyFi Arm, Leg & Knee Warmers are available August 2012 in black - sizes Small through X-Large.  These are SO chic & comfy, they will compliment nearly any cycling kit or running outfit.

Smartwool HyFi Arm & Knee Warmers with Safety Smartwear's Milan San Remo Kit

Giordana Gita Women's Bib Shorts

Having an epiphany...Bib Shorts DO make your ride better, especially if they are made by Giordana. XENON 2.0 Cycle Jersey & Signature Cap by Gore Bike Wear

NEW for Summer 2012 Xenon 2.0

I've always wondered just what men cyclists see in their bib shorts.  I mean they look like they are wearing white stretchy suspenders to hold up their cycle tights. I did try a (unisex) team racing set by LOOK a few seasons back but as I am, let's say NOT flat chested, I found the straps to be really uncomfortable and bothersome.

So it took quite a bit of doing to test drive this new set of Women's Bib Shorts by Giordana for Road ID.  Since these are actually women-specific, they are already quite a bit ahead of the unisex version by LOOK.  Now I'm not saying that I am a chamois snob but my bottom has been treated to some very fancy ones by Terry, Pearl Izumi and Gore Bike Wear to name a few. This season, however, I was introduced to a whole new level of road comfort.

Giordana Gita for Road ID Women's Bib Shorts

Now I'm not above asking, "Do these shorts make my butt look big?" but really there was no need with these. Stretch Moxie Power Lycra with silicone leg grips keeps everything in place. Black is well, slimming!

  

Flat-lock seams smooth out your leg line and the Road ID graphics are very flattering. It was quite hot so I topped these bib shorts with this sleeveless Gore Bike Wear Xenon 2.0 Lady Singlet cycling jersey with lots of mesh and airflow to match the comfy straps on the bibs. These bib shorts are also made with 50+ UPF fabric and offers excellent UV protection. This means you won't need to apply sunblock to the area that the shorts cover although I do use it on the exposed part of my legs.

Matching Women's Giordana Cycle Jersey has UPF of 38+

The chamois itself is gender specific OmniForm TM and seamless so it doesn't interfere with your saddle positioning. Really everything is so smoothly put together that you don't see the outline of the chamois from the outside of the shorts. Sweet!  More specific details on the Giordana insert:

These bibs feature Giordana’s WMC3 O.F. insert. This chamois is specifically designed for use by women and is the result of a focused study on female body movements while pedaling. It is a single, seamless insert with differentiated thickness to contour to the female body and allow full range of motion. The WMC3 is molded using Giordana’s High Frequency OmniForm technique that shapes the chamois using high frequency waves instead of heat. This ensures that the pad remains soft and extremely flexible throughout its lifetime.

  

Take a tour inside the Giordana factory in Italy showing how the chamois insert is sewn into the bib shorts:

The Best Chamois Butter

The padded insert used to be made of deerskin, hence the name chamois.  Some hardcore cyclists of old used to put a steak inside their shorts for long rides. These days, most are made of easy to wash synthetic, high performance materials. The Giordana Gita Bib Shorts chamois, WMC-3-O.F. is a women specific one piece insert that is very lightweight, flexible. Like the shorts, it is made in Italy using a polyester microfiber.

Either way, you will need something between you and your bib shorts. I wear a minimalist thong under my bib shorts (ExOfficio's Give 'n Go Lacey Thong), and use a tiny dab of Mission Athletecare's 5 Hour Anti-Chafe Cream.  Silicone and botanically based, (infused with Aloe & Vitamin E), it has a super light feel but is waterproof/sweatproof. You can even do like the pros and apply this "chamois butter" directly to the pad as it contains no petroleum or parabens. You'll have to experiment to see what works best for you but for me, this Mission Anti-Chafe is the balm!

Exofficio's Give 'n Go Lacey Thong- like wearing nothing under your bibs

The Road Test

I've taken the Giordana Gitas out on my Terry Symmetry Road Bike (see photo below) at least three times for a 7-8 mile trip each time. This bicycle came with a very comfortable but road-worthy Terry Butterfly gel saddle. It is a comfortable saddle but not a "comfort - saddle" and I've always ridden it with some sort of chamois insert.

The Giordana's stayed in place and didn't slip over the seat.  The chamois is so much a part of the fabric of the shorts that it doesn't stick out or feel bulky between the legs. It conforms so well to the female form that all you need focus on is the ride, not pulling up or adjusting your shorts.  So there is my epiphany.  Bib Shorts when done right for your gender and anatomy can make a huge difference in the quality of your ride. These Giordana Gitas are amazing. Check out Giordana for Road ID's Team Cycling Jersey too!

Giordana Gita for Road ID Men & Women's Bib Shorts are available from Road ID

Heat & Sun Awareness

Cool options for your summer workouts. Mission Enduracool Instant Cooling Towel has an UPF of 45.

May 25th is National Heat Stress Awareness Day. Every year people die unnecessarily from heat and sun stroke because they A) Didn't take the time to check and prepare for high heat conditions and B) Didn't recognize the warning signs of heat stress. Do you know the signs of heat exhaustion and what to do about them?  Here they are:

The Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:

Enter our Insulated Polar Bottle Giveaway!

Malaise, headache, weakness & loss of appetite
Vomiting
Dizziness upon standing up from sitting or reclining
Dehydration
Elevated core temperature
Sweating

What to do - Treatment:

Stop all exertion & move victim to shade or cooler area
Remove restrictive clothing
Give oral re-hydration solution with plenty of pure water
Apply insulated ice packs or cold towels to the patient’s armpits and groin area. Use cool water to splash or soak until cooled off

So What's New for 2012?

Sunblock
This year the old SPF / UPF ratings that used to go up to 100+ have been done away with.  The most any sun protection product can now claim is 50. This is because the previous values were a bit misleading making people think that a SPF of let's say 90+ was much more effective than a 30.  Really there is not that much difference between the two. I like Mission Athletecare's Continuous Spray Sun Defeated Sunscreen - UPF 30 and their moisturizing gel Lip Protector in 20.

Clothing
There is sun protection being built into athletic wear too.  Safety Smartwear's and Road ID / Giordana's cycling kits have excellent solar protection within the fabric itself. These company's cycling jerseys and bib shorts offer a SPF of between 30-50+.  These newer technical materials also allow for maximum airflow and wicking to help keep you cooler and dryer. (See more: Cycling Jerseys: Buying & Care Guide)

Heat Index Monitoring
Also new for the 2012 summer season is the Kestrel Heat Stress Tracker. Building on the Kestrel line of pocket weather meters, the newest addition 4400 model adds Heat Stress tracking parameters.  This means you can calculate the potential for heat exhaustion throughout the day and in your immediate area. You can then better assess when to pull the plug on an outdoor excursion or take extra precautions during an athletic event. If adverse high temperature conditions are present, the Kestrel 4400 will alert you to them so you can avoid heat stroke.

We plan to test the Kestrel 4400 in the field at the upcoming Outdoor Adventure Expo at Turkey Swamp this month in the NY/NJ area so stay tuned.

NEW for 2012!  Kestrel 4400 Heat Stress Tracker

ENDURACOOL INSTANT COOLING TOWEL
 
Another new item we are excited about is the Mission Athletecare Enduracool Instant Cooling Towel.  It has special polymers that chill when the towel is wet and snapped.  The towel itself has a respectable UPF of 45 and is small enough to fit in any bike or gym bag for multiple uses.  Sweat or pure water is said to activate the towel which I actually found to feel cool even when dry.

As shown in the treatment options for heat exhaustion, you can place the towel under the armpits or groin area to quickly bring down the core temperature. Pack an insulated Polar Bottle half full of ice and your water will be chilly for hours.  If you are out running or on your bicycle, you can simply wet the towel with water from the ice filled Polar Bottle and quickly cool down.

The Enduracool Instant Cooling Towel

I also found a little portable battery operated fan with a carabiner clip.  I placed this on my daypack as it is lightweight and can be used when you need to stop and cool off a bit.
Add a little breeze to a wet, cooling towel and you have a synergistic mix to help beat heat stress.

Remember to know your conditions by checking out the day's heat index before heading out.  Generally the hours between 1 and 3 pm are the hottest. The sun's rays are less intense before 10 am so if you can plan your workout before midday or after 4 pm, you'll avoid unnecessary exposure. (See the Cool Runnings post for ideas on reflective clothing and lights for after dark runs and rides).
Pack extra ice water in thermal containers like a Polar Bottle or Klean Kanteen. Want to stay hydrated without taking along gallons of water? Pack a Purificup Portable Water Filter for fresh, pure water on the fly.
 

Remember to Protect Your Eyes

Do wear a hat and proper UV protective eye wear.  Rudy Project makes a complete line of excellent sunglasses for practically every outdoor activity imaginable.  Their sports glasses are cycling, running, etc. specific and are lightweight while staying put and not fogging up during your workout. The Ability in Raspberry below is made for smaller women's faces and has interchangeable multi-laser red lenses which offer a 21% light transmission. The wrap-around feature keeps wind and road debris out of your eyes while offering the most UV protection possible. Weighing in at only 25 grams, you'll hardly notice wearing them but you will notice a clearer, glare-free view of the road.

Rudy Project Kylix XY Sport Frames

Rudy Project Ability

 

Giordana for Road ID Bib Shorts have a UPF of 50+

Cycling Jerseys - Buying & Care Guide

Road ID's Giordana Women's Cycling Jersey in super soft woven Michron with a UPF protection factor of 38+  
 Helmet: Lazer Helium,  Eye Wear: Rudy Project Kylix XY,  Cycling Gloves: Gore Bike Wear

It seems to follow that a warm winter will have an extra warm spring in its wake.  You might want to start looking at your warmer weather workout wear a little earlier.  Already in the northeast we've seen days topping out at 73 degrees...in March!

How about taking inventory of your road cycling kits, running wear and exercise clothing to see what needs to be updated?  Here are a few things that I've found to be helpful when selecting clothes I plan to wear for seasonal cross training.

Short Sleeved Cycling Jerseys...What to Look For

A few things are especially important to me when picking a cycling jersey which by the way can double as a skating or running top.  Here they are:


1.) Comfortable, breathable, odor resistant fabric, (wool or synthetics wick very well)

This Giordana Cycle Jersey has a UPF of 38+

2.) Non-binding cuffs


3.) Long enough to keep your backside covered when in the drops


4.) Back of jersey stays down without riding up

 
There are additional things I also like but are not totally essential such as: Angled open rear pouches for easy access, a zippered rear pocket to stash a little cash and a full length front zipper.  However the main items are listed above.

Newer high performance fabrics are great for staying soft against your skin, (i.e. Giordana's Road ID Women's Racing Jersey in the lead photo is made of super comfy Michron, 100% polyester microfiber yarns). This Italian weave Giordana is like wearing a cloud.  Other treated materials can also provide UPF protection, (Safety Smart Wear's Milan - San Remo Jersey and Bib Shorts in Lycra have a sun protection factor of 30).

Getting the Right Fit

Milan San Remo Cycling Kit by Safety Smart Wear

This will also be an issue especially if you are ordering a new label jersey online. Generally the Italian made jerseys run a bit smaller than comparable US sizes so you may need to order a size up.  If you are going for an aerodynamic racing fit, then by all means go for the tighter kit. Either way, always check the company's sizing chart and note if the jersey runs small or true to size. 


Maximum Ventilation

GORE BIKE WEAR's Oxygen FZ Lady Jersey

Some jerseys have extra mesh vents under the arms and/or at the nape of the neck for enhanced heat and moisture transfer. Both the Gore Bike Wear Oxygen FZ Lady and Safety Smart Wear's Milan-San Remo cycling jerseys have all that plus a full length zipper, rear zip & angled open pouches. These two Lycra jerseys have most of all the features I look for with additional reflective piping. These would be my two top picks for a high performance cycling jersey.


Short Sleeves to Long Sleeves

If the morning is a bit cool, simply add a set of arm warmers which will help keep the chill off until you can warm up a bit.  I like Smartwool's Merino Wool arm warmers for that purpose.  Wool breathes very well and wicks moisture away from the skin. You'll also get extra seasonal use and versatility out of your short sleeved jerseys with arm warmers.  Slide them on early in your ride, roll them up and stash them in your cycling jersey once it gets hot.
These Smartwool Arm Warmers and Knee Warmers have silicone grips on both the arm and outside to help keep them in place.  These are pro-style arm warmers similar to those in this Giordana video of  the Gauss Women Cycling Team of Germany.

Taking off the morning chill with Smartwool Merino Wool Arm Warmers - available August 2012

Washing Your Cycling Jerseys


Most important is the care of your valuable investment.  With proper washing, you can maintain your cycling jersey's color, wear and performance for many years to come.
Some manufacturers say you can toss them in the washing machine, (Safety Smart Wear's Kit even comes with a little mesh laundry bag!) but I would recommend hand washing and letting them hanger-air dry.  These are high-tech, delicate materials and you don't want detergent residue to clog the wicking action.  I use Sport-Wash on all of my cycling jerseys & chamois/tights.  It's the only product that gently removes ALL odors from the fabric leaving it fresh and renewed.  I use it on wool as well as synthetics.  Easy to find at your local Walmart in the Hunting & Fishing department.

Sport-Wash for your delicate synthetic and wool cycling jerseys, Sport-Wash Body Shampoo for YOU.  Keep it FRESH!