Showers Pass Portland Jacket Review

Showers Pass Women's Portland Jacket taking the east coast by storm!

ANOTHER RAINY DAY IN NYC: May is Bike Month so many people are taking to the roads by bicycle for the first time.  Really all is well and fun as long as the sun is shining but what happens in a downpour? I believe cyclists in Portland Oregon would know a thing or two about riding in the rain.  However the real proving ground is in New York City. That's because US cities such as New York, NY, Atlanta, GA, Boston, MA and Washington, DC have higher annual rainfall rates than both Portland, OR and Seattle, WA (which are often thought of as the rainiest cities). Surprised? I'm not because as I'm writing this... it's raining!

Rainy Rides
I'm going to be honest. I don't enjoy riding in the rain. My foldy has fenders and my sport-touring has a rear rack with a center shelf that helps but that's about it.  Still there are times when this aspect of cycling just can't be helped and riding in one of the nation's rainiest cities makes it inevitable.  I do carry a little folding umbrella in my Basil Elements Bicycle Bag for when I get off the bicycle and have to walk but other than that I have to admit up until now I haven't been seriously prepared. Just for a rainy day, there are a few things you should keep with you in your cycle bag:

1.) Plastic shower caps for your saddle and helmet.

Portland Jacket & Terry Skort.

2.) Extra set of dry clothes.
3.) Absorbent cloth or towel.
4.) A water-proof jacket

Portland Jacket
When I say water-proof, that's a bit different than "spritz" proof. Why? Well, on a bicycle you are often dealing with high winds and torrents of driving rain hitting you square in the face. The waterproof softshell fabric makes the Women's Portland Jacket feel and look like fabric. Other cool features include:

A drop down 3M reflective rear panel & stealthy reflective piping.

Hidden zip pits for venting

Chest pocket with audio port & hidden inside pocket

Zippered WeatherGuard cuffs

Adjustable fit-or-flare side gussets that allow for a more tailored fit.

My Spring-Summer Rainy Day Kit
The beauty of it is that it is made for cycling but looks fantastic for that stop in at Starbucks for a latte. It has a definite urban-chic vibe so you'll fit in anywhere. I paired my rainy day wear with a Terry Skort, which also has reflective accents for extra visibility in the rain. Now while the skort isn't water-proof, I've gotten into the habit of choosing quick dry fabrics or spraying on a little Atsko Permanent Stain & Water

Repellent.  Only one treatment is needed and it allows water to bead up and roll off leaving the fabric dry and breathable.


My Test Ride
This jacket received a trial by rain when my bicycle broke down, (the chain jammed) and I had to walk it home. Although it was quite a dismal 58 degrees, I was warm and dry the whole time. When I felt myself getting a little over-heated, was able to open the zip pits with only one hand. Prang! The back extending tail-flap is also genius for coverage and reflectiveness as cars could see me and stayed clear. Once I got home, I switched to another bicycle and took off again to complete my errands. Really the whole trip was extremely enjoyable even with the breakdown as I was not cold or sweaty underneath the coat.  This jacket could very well turn me into a rain-loving rider. Here it is below after being in the rain for about 45 minutes.

A very wet, (but I was dry), Showers Pass Portland Jacket in Pretty Plaid

The Wrap
What I like about the Portland Jacket is the adjustable fit that allows for freedom of movement while pedaling. The jacket also has a very soft lining, making it a bit warmer than most rain toppers. Yet the zip pits keep you from getting over-heated. The zippered cuffs work the same way and are tapered to keep rain from running up your sleeves. The high neck is also a comforting feature as you can zip it up all the way to keep the rain from running down your chest. Getting wet is extremely dangerous on a bicycle as it can bring down your core temperature even in above freezing weather. This is a substantial cycle jacket that keeps you snug as a bug but just happens to look fantastic off the bicycle too. Showers Pass but you don't have to get drenched until they do.

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!