Cool New Multi-Sport Activewear from Pearl Izumi

NEW Women's Pursuit Shirt & Escape Skort by Pearl Izumi 

Summer 2016 has some new designs from Pearl Izumi that crossover into many sports activities beyond running and cycling. Now while those are two of my favorite fitness pursuits, I'm often invited to engage in other sports, such as tennis and volleyball during summertime. So here are some new uses and reviews of Pearl Izumi's latest summer separates:

Women's Pursuit 4.5 Short. Hoka One One Vanquish 2 athletic shoes.

Women's Pursuit 4.5 Short
These are a bit shorter than what I usually run in but they were so cool and liberating, I'm not sure I'll ever go back to longer lengths. What I really like about these is the dry 4-way stretch fabric. The Pursuit Short has a Transfer Dry built in liner that negates the need for underwear. Has reflective accents and a wide, flattering waistband. Not sure if I would use the envelope back pocket for more than stashing a $5 bill but it's there. Shown in black here but also comes Aqua/Mint as shown below. Perfect for: Running, walking, cycling, tennis and more.

Pursuit 4.5 Short paired with Pursuit SS Shirt.

Women's Pursuit Short Sleeved Shirt
I paired the Pursuit 4.5 Short with the Pursuit Short Sleeved Shirt. This top is SUPER thin and lightweight, made with transfer dry fabric with Ice-fil treatment. Basically it allows for increased moisture transfer, helping to keep you dryer on hot, humid days. It also is designed to increase cooling.
The Pursuit Shirt has added visibility due to the reflective accents so early morning and night runs (when it's cooler) are totally doable. Daytime activities benefit from the 50+ UPF fabric. What I really like about this fabric is it's stain releasing. I got a smudge on the shoulder and it was very easy to remove. It's also color fast as the pigment stayed but the stain left.
I'd recommend the Pursuit Shirt for: running, walking, cycling, tennis and more. NOTE: Many private golf courses require appropriate attire, specifically a polo or a collared golf shirt as part of their dress code. To see the type of golf attire generally required at private clubs, visit this LINK.

Pursuit SS Shirt in Aqua Mint

Rapha Women's 100 - My Castelli & Giro Cycling Kit

Cool Move - Castelli's Body Paint Women's Tri Top

The Rapha Women's 100 Cycling Sportive is quickly approaching so I've had to make final choices on my kit for the day. Last year I wore a very light FRC Carbon Fibered Kit by Giodana which was great in the intense summer heat. This year I'm wearing something even lighter. Castelli's Body Paint 2.0 Series.

Castelli's Body Paint 2.0 Series
"Castelli - An unfair advantage." Well, I'll take every advantage I can get, unfair or otherwise! 
The Body Paint W Tri Short Top is ultralight and specifically made for warm summer riding. The velocity fabric is extremely aerodynamic and comfortable at the same time. The white T-Back reflects heat and the top has an internal bra so you can save weight that way as well. More suited for the Ironman, I plan to wear this bad boy for the Rapha Women's 100 for what I hope will be a much cooler ride.

Castelli's Body Paint 2.0 Women's Bibshort

Castelli's Body Paint 2.0 Women's Bibshort
I can not believe how light these are! These have straight, non binding legs yet there are light grippers on the inside to keep them in place. Just like the Body Paint Tri Top, these women's Bibshorts are made for warm summer weather. The genius is how this garment is knitted into a single piece of seamless fabric. Nothing to bind or dig into your skin. Has a Progetto x2 Air Seat pad for extra ventilation and the suspender straps are very comfortable for us ladies with ample assets. See more pieces and kits from the Body Paint Collection at Castelli-Cycling.com.

Giro Amare Women's Amare Road Helmet & Riela Trail Shoes
Giro has been perhaps my favorite helmet for years ever since I got that crazy pink leopard print lid! It still stops traffic and I get tons of compliments after nearly 10 years! It's still perhaps the lightest helmet I own. Here it is below, refusing to be retired.

Giro Riela Trail Shoes & vintage Giro Women's Helmet.

Giro's Amare Women's Road Helmet
What I like about Giro is the fact that they have made a women's specific helmet for an number of years. This is important because our noggins are a lot different from the guy's. Take into account we also have more hair, getting a smaller man's helmet just doesn't cut it. What also sets Giro apart is their attention to styling. The Amare comes in a Matte Black, but take a look at the rear and you'll see it's anything BUT boring. The polka dots are on trend and adds visibility. Featherweight lining with slimline buckle, it has an In-mold - EPS liner, polycarbonate shell. Equipped with 26 Wind Tunnel vents with internal channeling, it has the Roc Loc 5 fit adjustment system that can be dialed in while the helmet is being worn.

Giro Amare Women's Road Helmet

Giro Riela Trail Shoes
My ride route takes place among the rural horse farms and roads of central New Jersey. So I have worn mountain bike shoes as they grip better on uneven surfaces. I have been wearing Pearl Izumi MB shoes which I like except for the laces. Just my preference but just the thought of laces getting caught in the crank causes concern.
The Giro Riela Trail Shoes are closer in design to my dedicated racing / road shoes. They are much more sleek and lightweight (weighing 290 gms) than my PI MB shoes. Also like my Sidi Road Shoes, they have velcro straps and NO laces. Perfect! While I have only begun wearing the Rielas, I'm excited about using them for the upcoming sportive. See these and more road helmet and shoe styles from Giro.com.

Giro Riela Trail Cycling Shoes in Black/Rhodamine Red

So that's my kit for the Rapha Women's 100 this year. Next up I'll show you some of my favorite training table foods and supplements as well as some special power goodies I plan to take along for the ride. Some tips I'm using to prepare is to:

*Train in the heat and avoid air conditioning. You'll do better to rough it in the heat and humidity to acclimatise yourself to riding in those conditions.

*Train with a heavier bicycle than the one you plan to use for the ride. I am using my sport-touring bicycle fully loaded with a rear trunk. It is at least 15 pounds heavier than my Terry Symmetry.

My Nishiki Sport Touring "trainer".

XTraining Diary: Going Flat, Tire Changing Tips & Kit of the Day

Kit of the Day-Rudy Project: Racing Jersey and WindMax Helmet. Cycle Shorts & Gloves by Gore Bike Wear.

Rapha's Women's 100 Training Ride, NJ: I was so happy to get out on the road again after so much rain. In fact this spring has been the coldest on record in 50 yrs and with the added precipitation, has kept me from getting the usual amount of riding I would be doing about now.

I know.  It's only flat on the bottom

So today, the sun is shining, the humidity is low and although it's about 81 degrees, there was a delicious breeze blowing out of the southwest. I donned my spiffy Rudy Project Kit and headed out for my ride. Only 2 miles in, I noticed THIS when I stopped:

Calling the Sag Wagon
While I'll admit to being mechanically challenged to some degree when it comes to bicycle repairs, I know when to call in the experts.
Mr. Husband, (affectionately known as The Count), is a pro bicycle mechanic / bicycle shop owner and is the only one who sets up and maintains my bicycles. He's a rock-star in the industry, so to speak, having appeared in action on many MTV commercials. So rather than try to change a rear wheel on the road, I called him.  After arriving home, I decided to record some of his top, rear tire changing tips. This could help make the process go a little faster if you are already familiar with the basics.

Removing Your Rear Wheel
1. Move chain to small sprocket using gear shifters. (Having a bicycle stand is helpful)
2. Loosen Brake Cable
3. Open and release Quick Release Lever
4. Pull back derailleur and push tire forward to disengage

The rear wheel is off and waiting for a new tube & tire

This would be a good time to clean the wheel hub or any other hard to read areas of your derailleur. I just cleaned my chain so it made his job a bit easier. Most bicycle mechanics appreciate a clean bike when you take it to the shop.

Replacing the Tube and Tire
1. Line up the new tube with the valve holes on the rim after inflating it slightly
2. Set the Bead by aligning the tire with the rim so that it's even all around. If not the tire will make a bumping sound when you ride.

Once the bead is set, completely inflate the tire.

Reinstall the rear tire (reverse the removal steps) and make sure the gears, brakes are restored to the proper position. Things can get out of alignment during a tire change so it's good to go for a test drive after the tire is replaced.  

Test Drive
Listen for any chain rubbing sounds, noises or any bumps.  Any of these problems can be remedied by the mechanic (or you). Chain sounds or rubbing can often mean your gears need a bit of adjusting.  Remember, we moved to the small sprocket to get the wheel off so they may need to be repositioned. A rhythmic bumping in your tire means the bead was not properly lined up with the rim. 

So while I am not yet comfortable enough to change a rear tire on my own, I believe with this information, I can now change a front tire on the road. I will start carrying a spare tube for just such an emergency. Today I was treated to some very helpful instruction from an expert bicycle mechanic so I got much more than my usual training ride.  I'd call that a win!

Ta-Da! New tube and Handmade Vredestein Fortezza Racing Tire on my Terry Symmetry

  

New Hi-Vis Cycling

Brighten your kit with some inspiration from the hi-vis colors of Olympic cyclists. PHOTO: Lazer Helmet's Helium putting in a WIN at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Getting ready for a cycling tour or what's also known as a rolling vacation?  Planning such a trip is great fun and of course we all want to look our best on the road.  In this case being seen isn't just for our egos, it can help keep us safer on the road.  Somehow we've gotten in a rut by constantly choosing black bib shorts and the like but now is the time to up your game with a little color.

Hi-Vis Lid - Lazer Helium

Lazer Helium in Flash Yellow

Starting at the top, take a cue from this year's Tour de France & 2012 London Olympics.  There are a lot of fabulous neon bright helmets in the peloton offering a bright spot in the usual line up of elite cyclists.  One study even suggested that cyclists who wore black helmets were more likely to be involved in a road accident!  While I'm not sure how scientific that is, it might make sense, especially if you are riding at night.  Based on what I've experienced, the brighter the better when riding with cars.

One of the most airy and vented helmets I own is the Lazer Helium.  It has 19 large vents and the new Roll-Sys retention fit system.  The Roll-Sys is a wheel tucked into the very top of the helmet that takes up slack in the cradle system via a thin cable. The back the helmet's cradle has a recess area for a blinkie light which fits in the the Roll-Sys knob and would be available as an aftermarket accessory.  The bright florescent yellow of the helmet combined with a flashing safety light means you will be seen.  I've simply threaded a RoadID Supernova Firefly Blinkie with wrist attachment through the vents of my Lazer Helium & Rudy Project Sterling and it works great.

Bright Cyclewear Gore Bike Wear Style

Gore Bike Wear's Phantom Lady Summer Singlet

During the cooler months, many cyclists wear bright, yellow Gore-Tex rain jackets.  I love my Gore-Tex cycle wear because they're water-proof and breathable even with the patented WindStopper fabric.  In warmer weather, you might want to try some sleeveless options in brighter day-glo colors.

That's why I was so excited to see Gore Bike Wear's 2012 Summer Line include their Phantom Lady Summer Singlet in a bright Chartreuse as shown here.  Not only is it engineered with venting and cooling technology but it also has an invisible zippered rear pocket, reflective piping in the back and logo in the front.  Touring in florescent colors has never been THIS cool. 

Terry's Tourista Tank in Hot Coral

Terry Precision Cycling Gets Glowing Reviews
This is another sweet go-to top for warm weather bicycle touring.  Terry Bicycle's Tourista Tank shown here in Hot Coral, is very comfortable to wear with V-neck styling; 3 rear open pockets; moisture-control fabrication. Relaxed fit means less cling when it's hot.
This tank covers a bit more than most so no worries about your bra straps showing out from under it.  I have this Tourista Tank in Lime Green and it has kept its bright color through nearly three seasons of washings and wear.  I recommend using Sport Wash on all technical fabrics including Gore-Tex, Lycra and Spandex pieces.

Pearl Izumi's Select Jersey in Safety Orange

Pearl Izumi Short Sleeved Jersey
Offering a bit more coverage is this short sleeved Select Jersey in Safety Orange by Pearl Izumi. I'm not really a fan of orange but the white racing panels makes this jersey both visible and appealing.
This jersey just two rear pockets and reflective accents but the slit sleeves, 12 inch invisible zipper and collar make up for it having less details than my other cycling tops.
Just as my personal preference, I'd rather wear sleeveless singlets and tanks in the summer as I do not like tan lines.  All the same I have found Pearl Izumi cycle wear to be consistently comfortable and well constructed.


Hi-Vis Touring Panniers & Saddlebags

TechWind Panniers by Angletech

These same bright florescent colors should carry over to your panniers and saddlebags. This is your bicycle luggage!  These will brighten any tour and can be taken off the bicycle when you stop for lunch or when wrapping it up at the end of the day.  
Here is a set of TechWind Aerodynamic Panniers by AngleTech  These do very well for windy rides and are angled to prevent kicking.  We matched it with this cycle chic Neon Mini Messenger Bag by Old Navy. The TechWinds have a large reflective strip, come with separate stuff sacks but matching rain covers must be purchased separately. Full length double zippers allow for easy access to gear even with a wide trunk bag up top.


Poppy Bags by Detours
Another bright idea in touring gear include these Fremonster Flap Poppy Bags from Detours. SEE THE POPPY BAGS VIDEO
These are really unique and zip fully closed to keep goods inside and off the road.  They also hold quite a bit more than the TechWinds so pack away! 

Fremonster Flap Poppy Panniers by Detours

The Fremonsters have light loops on both ends and easily latch on & off your rear rack via hanging clips. The height of these bags might make carrying a large rear trunk difficult but with a generous 650 cubic inches of space you might not miss it. Lots of inner and outer pockets and hide away rain covers that pop out just when you need them.  Eye catching print design by Herman Yu.

Using panniers and saddlebags on your bicycle tour gives you more control over your entire day.  I believe in carry in-carry out so all our food and drink containers, (CoolGear Inc., Klean Kanteens, Polar Bottles) are reusable and have built in chill packs. You choose when and where to stop and eat or drink.  You can also pack that extra Gore-Tex rain vest, arm/leg warmers or cycling jacket for when the weather changes.  If you are new to cycle touring, you might want to celebrate July - National Picnic Month, by having a Bicycle Picnic!  This will give you an idea of the gear you'll need to bring on full weekend/week cycling tour. The only difference is that your destination is close to home at a local park.

Bicycle touring at its best! The Sixer by Mountainsmith holds ALL this plus ice.

So Hi-Vis is the new black. Add some intense color to your kit this season and take those cycling tours by storm!  There are quite a few going on so be sure to check out the Wild Goose Chase Ride October 13th-14th 2012.  This ride is set in scenic Cambridge Maryland and put on by Gore Bike Wear and Terry Bicycles to help raise money for the local Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. A great ride for an even better cause.  Sign up today!

Bright Colors Riding the Wild Goose Chase

Cool Runnings: Carve Designs

Carve Design's new Zipper Line Hoodie in Graphite is cool cover for hot workouts.

I really love this time of year. It's so unlike the summer heat when I have to get up before dawn to workout because it gets blazing hot by 10 am.  Usually a tank top is perfect but I want to be sure to keep my skin protected from the harmful rays of the sun.  I use sunblock but sweat and rubbing often leaves you less protected than you think.  So I've found walking, running and cycling in the hours of predawn and twilight to be my best bet at beating the the sun and heat.

Taking Cover: Carve Design's Zipper Line Hoodie

Zipper Line Hoodie & Pearl Izumi running shoes.

I don't just mist...I sweat during my workouts.  Most of my hoodies and cover ups are just too thick and heavy for any serious exercise.  That's why Carve Design's super lightweight cotton Zipper Line Hoodie was such a cool change.

Zipper Line in Thistle

Carve Designs of California specializes in surf-wear for active woman.  So they know a thing or two about staying comfortable despite the sun's heat. In a slub jersey knit, it's just the right weight with a semi fitted cut that looks feminine.  The Zipper Line Hoodie is very soft and sheer, so it lets the breezes through.  It can also be used as a beach cover.  One of the lovely accents of this piece is the contrast print lined hood.  Just taking a walk in the Zipper Line was so comfortable and NO sweat buildup underneath.  I came home refreshed, not damp from perspiration.  The full length zipper allowed me to regulate my body temperature while the cover itself gave me some sun protection.  This is where fashion meets function. 

Road ID's Firefly Supernova - visibility before dawn, after dark

See the Light: Road ID's Firefly Supernova
 
As the season heats up, you may find yourself walking, running or cycling before the sun rises or after dark.  Aside from being comfortable, the one thing you want to be out there is visible.  Walking or running near traffic can be much safer if drivers can see you.  That's why in addition to reflective panels on my athletic shoes, I would recommend clipping on a blinkie like the Road ID Firefly Supernova.

It is small so it can clip onto your wrist, hoodie, cycling jersey or helmet.  It is also VERY BRIGHT.  You can see this thing from about a mile away.  Available in clear, blue, green and red, you decide which colors to attach to what.  It uses a little watch battery that runs for about 250 hours on flashing and weighs only 1 ounce. Be sure to have a few of these on board and your Road ID Medical / Identification tags.  It could save your life.

Road ID Fixx ID Tags

Road ID's Blue Firefly Supernova wrist model.  Be seen out there!

Ribzwear Front Pack

Ribz Front Pack stowed neatly in its own compact sack.

Two of the main issues with day packing and hiking is packing too much and then not being able to access what you've packed without taking the pack off.  Sometimes you just want the lightest pack possible because you've made plans to leave most of your gear in the car or at base camp.

When first I saw the Ribz Front Pack, I knew they were definitely on to something.  Not only did the size insure that you'd only bring the essentials (similar to a lumbar pack), but the positioning of the zippered pockets up front was revolutionary.  I've hiked the NJ Pine Barrens with the small sized Ribz and had full access to my binoculars, camera, snacks and water bottle (clipped on by a carabiner).  Other hikers commented & complimented me on my packing gear and I was much more comfortable on the trek than the others.  I also enjoyed the hike more because I could quickly get out my camera and binoculars when I needed them.

The Ribz Front Pack can be worn by itself or with a traditional backpack.  I've used it both ways and it was very comfortable, allowing quick access to things I needed along the way like that Clif Bar!  The big zippered compartment pouches are next to the body with a smaller outside zippered bag.  I stow my tissues, Mission Skin Care SPF 15 Lip Balmer, an Ultralight Watertight Medical Kit .3 and other comfort essentials in the larger sectioned part.  My camera and cell phone go in the outer pockets.
You can tighten the padded straps to hold the pack close to the "ribz" when doing activities or loosen them for more casual hiking.  Having the straps loose allows for better air circulation, thus lessening sweat.

Packing Your RIBZ

Here is the Ribz folded down into it's sack which is about the size of a coffee bean bag.
Shown here being worn with a backpack, it allows you to balance the weight of your gear more evenly.  My digital compass easily clips on the straps so I can take frequent readings.  

This First Aid kit is the perfect size for the Ribz Pack

First Aid First
I definitely would recommend taking along a small first aid kit.  No matter how light you're packing, always make room for possible medical emergencies.

The Ultralight Watertight Medical Kit .3 by Adventure Medical Kits is small but very complete and waterproof should you be fly fishing, boating or trekking across streams of water.  Having it in the Ribz Front Pack will give you quick and easy access to first aid in case of an emergency.  Seconds are important and you don't want to waste precious time rooting through your pack.

Fired Up

Along with a small, waterproof first aid kit, you'll also want to have a good, dependable fire starter along.  I have a whole survival package that contains Adventure Medical Kit's SOL Origin, a small container of Vaseline petroleum jelly and an Aurora Magnesium Fire Starter.  The ability to build a fire is one of the essentials of survival and the Aurora is small and light enough to fit easily in the Ribz Front Pack.  Use it to build a fire to cook, dry your clothing or keep warm. Use it to boil water to make it safe for drinking, (the Origin comes with a piece of aluminum foil for just that purpose).  You can see in the video below that the Aurora Magnesium Fire Starter is extremely easy to use.  The rubber sealing band keeps water out and this type of fire starter works even in wet conditions.  Weighs only 1/10 th of a pound so there is no reason not to have one on you.  Really this is one piece of gear in your Ribz that could save your life. 

Bike Lights & Reflective Wear

On the NYC Bike Path: CatEye's latest & brightest tail light, the TL-LD 1100 & Portland Design Work's Danger Zones both clip onto bikes, backpacks, panniers and jackets for optimum day & night visibility.

Danger Zones clip on easily to your gear or bike

Fall outdoor activities mean cooler weather but also less light due to rainy conditions and shorter days.  You really want to make sure to be seen on the roadways when you take your morning jog or bicycle ride/commute.

One of the best ways to do that is to mount very bright lights on yourself if you're walking or your bicycle if you're riding.  The two that I showed in the film were some of the best and brightest I've found.  CatEye's TD-LD 1100 Tail Light and the Danger Zone lights from Portland Design Works.  Each offers a choice of three operating modes which include flashing and steady but the PDW Danger Zone has this crazy "A-Ha!" sequence that is just soooo cool!  Better still they are both rain resistant and these LED's are SUPER bright even during the day.

CatEye's TD-LD 1100 LED Tail Light

PDW's Danger Zones on a Basil Basket

The toe & heel of the Synchro Guide has reflective details.

Needless to say, clothing and bags with built in reflective strips are going to be very important in low light situations. Terry Precision Cycling has a clothing line with pieces that have reflective accents on them.  Terry's new Signal Hoodie has reflective right & left sleeves and is a bright red.


I like to make sure that my performance shoes have light reflectors as well and my Pearl Izumi Synchro Guide and Sperry Topsider SB-1070 running shoes both have large light sensitive panels for high visibility.

NEW!  Terry's Signal Hoodie is bright and easy to spot on the road.  Plus the left and right sleeves are reflective. Reflective Backpacks are available from DontGetHit.com.

Really, there's no excuse to go out without proper lights either on yourself or your bike.  New York City law requires a bike to have both a working head and tail light when riding at night. You'll find most other cities have the same restrictions.

I've found one website operated by Bright Ideas that offers very affordable lights for walking, running and cycling.  Below is their Planet Bike dupe, a really great 3 watt Rechargeable LED Bicycle Headlight.  It has high & low beam plus flashing that can be seen for over a mile away even during the daytime. At night, you will feel safe on even the darkest roads.  You can also add extra visibility by wearing a reflective vest, backpack or shoulder straps found at Don't Get Hit.

We're all trying to stay healthy.  If we use lights and reflective wear, we can extend our cross training time into the night.  That, for many of us is precious since our days are often packed with other responsibilities that eat up our time.  This is one way to be safer out there so you can come home. 

Rechargeable LED Headlight from Bright Ideas