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!

XX2i Optics New France1 Dual Kit

The France1 in Tortoise, XX2i Optics latest in fashionable - functional - interchangeable eye wear. Daphne Scarf in Coral  by Pistil Designs

Sure to become a fixture at the Tour de France, some of the most innovative eye wear is coming from XX2i Optics this season.  Their very cool new France1 Dual Kit gives you excellent optical clarity paired with your choice of interchangeable frames and lenses. This means you can mix and match your eye wear more specifically to your: visibility conditions, cycling kit, running jersey, your helmet, team colors and more.

XX2i Optics NEW France1 Dual Kit

The Dual Kit contains: 2 Sunglasses, 5 Lenses (blue, yellow & clear), 1 Hard Case, 5 Soft Pouches.

The reduction in road glare is incredible with the France1. What's great is that the frames, (Tortoise Shell & Glossy Black) are so light-weight and fitted with a wrap-around configuration that keeps both wind, road debris and sun completely out. I often train on rural roads with lots of dust kicking up so sport-glasses like these are essential.

So far I've been cycling, running, skateboarding and inline skating in the France1 and the fit is perfect. No matter what the activity, the lenses stay in place. The France1 Dual Kit is just as at home for activities like golf, tennis, running and volleyball. Both frames have comfortable, adjustable nose and ear pieces.  Out of the box, I've not had to adjust them at all.  Given us women have smaller faces than the men, you can see these glasses do not over-power me.  Perfect!

Both frames, lenses and soft pouches store securely in this hard shell, padded case.

The France1 Dual Kit is fully Rx-able so you can plug in your own eyeglass prescription as needed.  There are also optional Polarized lenses and Polarized readers available to fit these frames. Custom optics that come in at a very comfortable price point. The list price is only $259.00.  We will be testing out these XX2i frames even more in preparation for the Rapha Women's 100 coming up in July.  However the first glance tells me these are sport-worthy with no compromise in style or quality. In other words, these shades are HOT!

XX2i Optics NEW France1 eye wear and Dual Kit Case

Gore Bike Wear: Countdown AS Lady Vest REVIEW

Transitioning into fall: Gore Bike Wear's Countdown AS Lady Vest & Oxygen Lady FZ Jersey & Power Lady Tights. Cycle Helmet: Rudy Project Sterling.

Think of fall as your second spring! Cycling, walking, running are all much more comfortable over the blazing hot summer we've had.  The trick is not to become overheated.  Highly technical pieces such as Gore Bike Wear's Countdown AS Lady Vest offer WINDSTOPPER® technology where you need it.  However, if you are like me and sweat, you'll appreciate the cooling mesh panels on both the Oxygen Lady FZ Jersey and the Countdown AS Lady Vest.  I added a set Smartwool's NEW HyFi arm and knee warmers to stretch the wearing season of the jersey and Power Lady Tights shorts +.

Cut the Chill But Don't Sweat It

Countdown AS Lady Vest with WINDSTOPPER® Active Shell

WINDSTOPPER® Active Shells are the lightest, most packable garments offering total windproofness, maximum breathability and water resistance. WINDSTOPPER® Active Shells keep you comfortable for enhanced performance during highly aerobic activities.

You can see the large mesh panel on the back of the vest.  This is right where moisture tends to build up leaving you sticky and uncomfortable. Countdown AS Lady's got you covered though.

Here are some of the main vest features:

• 2 front pockets with concealed zip
• Reflective piping on front and back
• Abrasion-resistant binding on armhole
• Shifted seams for less chafing
• Mesh insert in back for optimum ventilation
• Ergonomically shaped collar
• Reflective logo on front and back

Easy Transitions
A vest is often a bit easier to remove once the day heats up.  If you are on the road, the last thing you need is to be fighting with your cycle clothing!

The Countdown AS Lady Vest has a flattering slim fit but the armholes have piping and are not too tight allowing you to drop the vest off your shoulders as you see here.

The two invisible zippered front pockets allow you to stash your favorite cycle cap and the inner mesh lining keeps the fabric cool and ventilated against your skin.  No sticking or clinging.  Same thing can be said for the Oxygen Lady FZ Jersey I'm wearing underneath. The middle rear of the jersey has a large sculpted mesh panel, three open rear pockets and a concealed zippered pouch.  FZ stands for full zip so this jersey is easy to vent also.

Stow it Away
Most road bicycles are not cluttered with bags and panniers so having a place to stow an extra jacket is more of a problem.  No worries. The Countdown AS Lady Vest is amazingly light and packable.

Simply roll it up any way you want and stuff it into your jersey's rear open pocket.  That's it!  This vest can serve as minimum rain protection as it water resistant.  My arm warmers are by Smartwool and made of high quality Merino wool which is likewise naturally water resistant. Like the vest, they easily pack away.

These Smartwool arm & knee warmers all work well with the Gore Bike Wear pieces we have.  They give you a smooth line under your jersey and shorts while allowing you to wear your favorite tights a bit longer into the season.

Gore Bike Wear's Countdown AS Lady Vest and Signature Cycle Cap.

Canoeing & Kayaking Trip Prep

Water sports like canoeing and kayaking can be a fantastic day out with a little preparation.

I've always loved the water!  I spent many vacations at resorts like Lake Hopatcong in New Jersey or the Hamptons and Sag Harbor on Long Island.  While I enjoy being in the water, I especially like being on the water.  I've sailed larger vessels like the Clearwater Sloop but really enjoy people powered watercraft like canoes and kayaks.

Take a Class

Magda is using a feathered kayak paddle

I had been canoeing for years but enrolled in a class through my local county park system.  They gave us great pointers on choosing the proper oar for your height and how to choose/adjust your flotation vest for the best fit.  You can also read Sea Kayaking - Basic Skills, Paddling Techniques and Trip Planning by Dan Henderson of The Mountaineers Books.  Dan is a former National Athlete and team coach and his book is a wealth of information on all types of kayaking.

How to Paddle & Steer
According to our instructor, the canoe oar handle should come to just below your chin when held vertically.  Kayak paddles come in feathered and un-feathered so you'll have to experiment with which is more comfortable. Feathered kayak paddles go with the natural roll and allow you to keep your wrists straight throughout the paddle stroke. They do not need to be adjusted much between strokes and the healthiest position for your wrists is straight. Check out this short video instruction on how to stroke and steer your kayak using a feathered paddle:

Sperry Topsider Boating Shoes

Getting a Grip
You'll want to wear water repellent slip proof shoes for canoeing and sit on top kayaking.  Really any grippy soled athletic shoe will work.  Magda is wearing a pair of Sperry Topsider Sandals in the lead photo.  These sandals and Sperry's athletic shoes have ridged soles that act like little water squeegees to keep you from slipping when boarding watercraft. Most accidents happen while boarding and disembarking.  Needless to say decks and boat interiors are often wet & slippery me hearty. 

What to Bring On Board?
Well, stuff that floats of course!  If something isn't waterproof, it might be best to leave it on shore.  Here's my packing essentials for a day out on the water, canoeing, kayaking or on board a recreational craft.
 

 
Packing List
Everything pictured above, including the Adventure Medical Kit fits in The Mountainsmith Sixer Travel Cooler.  

The Sixer Travel Cooler for easy boarding

Going from left to right:

UV Protective Eyewear - These are Rudy Project Demi-turtle sunglasses.  Very important because water reflects up to 90% of the sun's rays. Wrap around design best protects eyes.

Sunblock - We like Mission Athletecare's Sun Defeated Continuous Spray, SPF/UPF 30.  You don't want to risk dropping an oar or paddle so an easy to spray sunblock like this works great.

Kestrel 4500 Weather Tracker - GPS of Wi-Fi might not be available off shore.  The Kestrel 4500 tracks weather conditions on the water and measures wind speed and direction.  Barometer charts upcoming storms and squalls so you can get to shore safely while the unit itself floats / measures water temps.

Water & Water Filtration - I find Insulated Klean Kanteens work best. You can even clip the caribiner top to your flotation vest or a rail & water stays cool for up to 24 hrs.  Need more water?  You can carry less and simply filter additional water in case of an emergency with a Purificup.

Food & Snacks - Think of packing things you can eat with one hand.  Meal bars, gel packs can both be held and eaten while paddling.  I keep cut sandwiches and raw vegetables cold in The Sixer & a Lunch 2 Go.

Marine Specific Medical Kit - I like Adventure Medical Kits Marine 250.  Very complete and you can even snap it on or install it permanently in your watercraft.  Doing this makes it easy to remove items with one hand while the kit is mounted.  The Marine 250 first aid supplies are packaged in waterproof inner bags and is well organized according to emergency. Perfect for fishing, recreational and day trips on inland waterways we always add a few packs of Natrapel Insect Repellent towelettes to our medical kits.

Sailing to Nantucket Island off the coast of Massachusetts.

Safety Smart Wear: Milan San Remo Kit + Polar Bottle Giveaway

The Right Kit:  Milan San Remo Bib Shorts with matching jersey by Safety Smart Wear.

May is National Bike Month!  In celebration we will be posting a series of articles to help you rock the road by bicycling. PLUS our GIVE AWAY WINNER of this LIMITED EDITION 24 oz ROSE THERMAL POLAR BOTTLE IS....

Johan E. of Roanoke, TEXAS 
  

Johan won this SWEET 24oz  LTD Ed. Thermal Polar Bottle!

CONGRATULATIONS JOHAN!!!!

 


Why Bib Shorts?

If there is one thing you don't need it's a chamois that keeps shifting and chaffing during your ride.  That's why getting the right fit is so important.  Once you do, you can become one with the bike and forget the rest.

Most of us start out wearing cycling shorts, which are major step up from cut offs.  One of my favorites would have to be Gore Bike Wear's pro oriented line for women cyclists.  Very lightweight with effective padding right where you need it.  However bib shorts are quite another thing all together.  They are like having wide stretchy suspenders holding up your cycling shorts.  The first set of bib shorts I tried were by Look of Italy and they were not women specific.  They also did not give much attention to the fact that women are not flat chested like men so the straps were a bit annoying.

Little things like that can make it uncomfortable so you'll think twice about wearing bib shorts, but even with that minor annoyance, you will find them SO much more effective for long rides.  What I've found is that with bib shorts, you no longer need to adjust or pull up your cycling bottoms. No more worrying about if your jersey is covering your backside when down in the drops. Everything stays neatly in place and comfortable no matter how hard you exert yourself.

SAFETY SMART WEAR

Safety Smart Wear is a Colombia, SA based athletic clothing company with international tastes.  They specialize in beautiful, yet highly technical sports-wear for competitive triathletes, cyclists, runners, swimmers and skaters.  The Milan San Remo Kit featured here is from their Espiritu Santo Safety Premium Collection and has an UPF of 30+ via Sun Smart.  Both the jersey and bib shorts are made of new advanced Lycra Sport from Invista, (also see our review under "Cycling Jerseys: Buying & Care Guide").  

However there are a few special additions to this kit that place it ahead of the curve.  One thing that I really like are the smooth, non-binding arm and leg openings with flat stitched seams.  They even out your leg and arm lines while working great with knee and leg warmers such as the new ones by Smartwool I am wearing in the lead photo. The fit is tight and very aerodynamic which is what you want on a road bike.  Flapping, loose fabric will only slow you down. The cycling jerseys from their Espiritu Santo Safety Premium line have a zippered rear pouch with reflective accents and three rear open pockets.

Safety Smart Wear Women's Bib Shorts

Italian made Espiritu Santo Microfibre Women's Chamois

What really impressed me with the Espiritu Santo Milan San Remo Kit is the business end...the bib shorts.  The chamois is delicately designed for the female form but amazingly effective in cushioning your bottom from road bumps.  The Espiritu Santo Milan San Remo Chamois is made in Italy by la Fonte Sport Pads and is just the right thickness with no bulkiness.  Made of four way stretch Microfibre, it is sheer and dries rapidly.  Flanged edges and flexible stretch in the chamois makes it fit like a second skin.

The real difference are the comfortable straps on the the Safety Smart Wear that take into account us women have breasts.  The airy straps converge into a "T" that links between your breasts.  This is WAY more comfortable than having a strap on each side doing a bad push up bra impersonation.  The "T" strap lays flat with no distractions.  Safety Smart Wear's creed is "Tested in the real world by real athletes" and may account for their meticulous attention to detail in this high performance cycling kit. The fit is more Italian so you may need to order a size up but I ordered my kit to size.  Tight but right the Milan San Remo has moved to the top of my favorite cycling kit list!  See Safety Smart Wear's 2012 Online Catalog. 

Saftey Smart Wear's 2012 Catalog featuring their Men & Women's collections.

 

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. 

Summer Survival Kit

Beach scene on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts

There are just a few essentials every athlete needs to survive the summer, even when on vacation. The heat and humidity has its own challenges but you can pack a few items in your gym tote or backpack to make sure you stay ahead of the game.  Starting with sun protection:  

Mission Skincare's Organic Strawberry Lip Balmer

  

A la Olympic Medalist - Amanda Beard this lip treatment offers a SPF of 15.  Keep one of these on hand and reapply especially after swimming.  The flavor is delicious so you'll have no excuse not to use it.

 

Rudy Project Ability Sunglasses in Raspberry / Multilaser Red Lenses

We now know that excessive exposure to UV rays can damage our eyes leading to cataracts.  Rudy Project makes a full line of athletic sunglasses for cycling, running and much, much more.  The Ability model is woman specific with a great wrap around design but fitted for a smaller head size.  Fit is important and you'll find out your Ray Bans won't cut it leaning over your Aero Bars or jogging uphill.  Regular sunglasses are just too heavy and bounce around when you trying to be active.  Not these and with the wrap around lens, they thwart rain, (rolls right off), road glare and debris with ease.

Spray On Sunblock

You'll want at least a SPF of 30 and the ease of a spray means I can spritz and go.  Avon's Skin So Soft or the CVS Pharmacy knock-off, Soft Skin Spray are perfect.  This type also offers a bit of moisture (something we all need), and has mild insect repellant properties.  I believe in combining as many tasks as possible so this type of sunblock works for me.

 

Trek's Trunk detaches & has a carry strap

Medical / First-Aid Kit

These are important to keep in the car or on your bike in case of a situation on the road.  You could easily go down with your bike, miles away from home and help.  I keep an Adventure Medical Kit in my rear trunk for just such emergencies.  You can also make your own and include:

Adhesive bandages
Triple Antibiotic Ointment
Sterile Gauze
Baby Wipes
Aspirin (can be crushed in H2O & applied to stings & bruises)



The idea is to have some emergency care items on board so you can get home.  For longer trips or tours, I carry a full on Medical / Survival Kit that not only has a very inclusive first aid kit but has equipment for on the road repairs of your gear and items to help you weather an unexpected night out.  Just like the Boy Scouts, be prepared.

Topricin and Mission Athlete Care take the pain out of your summer workouts.

Pain Relief

One thing that doesn't seem to let up even during summer sessions is sore muscles and joints.  Making things worse, lactic acid build up is even worse because after a sweaty workout, you may find yourself dehydrated.  When that happens expect the night time Charlie Horse or cramp to visit.  Inflammation is an athlete's worse enemy so using a product that regularly combats this will help tremendously.

Topricin Topical Pain Cream: Based on a Homeopathic formula and including anti bruise botanicals such as Arnica, Topricin belongs in every locker room and sag wagon. Odorless and oil free, Topricin disappears into your skin, providing relief from stiff joints, pulled muscles and bruises.  You can also use it before your workout to avoid muscle strain and pain ahead of time.  Used along with Topricin's Healthy Joint Function supplements, you'll find a unique synergy between the two products.

Mission Athlete Care Maximum Strength Muscle Rub and Foot Rehab Cream are both amazing for acute and severe muscle pain as well as sore feet.  Formulated with a plethora of botanicals and nutrients, it helps you relax shortly after application.  It has a vanishing scent which is good and the Maximum Strength Muscle Rub rolls on which helps to eliminate waste. 

Spring Bicycling Guide

It's official! The calendar now says spring so here are some tips and tools to get you out there. Commuting, recreation or somewhere in between, you'll appreciate our springtime montage of biking essentials.

Transitional Cyclewear

Smartwool Blueprint patterned Cycling Socks, Arm & Knee Warmers, Cycle Cap by Gore Bike-Wear

According to Punxsutawny Phil, we can expect an early spring this year. Personally,  I think the groundhog knows his stuff!   It may still be winter on the calendar but there are days that are just about warm enough to jump on your bike or take a bold stroll.  There's no need to waste these precious days indoors!  You can easily and comfortably move into late winter, early spring X-Training with the right accessories.

When cycling your arms and hands are often the first to get cold.  Basically they're just along for the ride and unlike your legs, aren't generating much heat.  If you don't wear cycling gloves, you might want to rethink that for cooler weather.  Depending on the temps, you can choose full fingered or half fingered cycling gloves such as myLeather Pittards by Pearl Izumi.  They will protect your hands from road vibrations while keeping them comfortably warm.

Likewise arm and knee warmers are a must on cooler mornings.  These shown here are by Smartwool and are made of super soft, non itchy Merino 
Wool.  They can turn any short sleeved cycling jersey into a warmer long sleeved 

version!  These really extend your cycling wardrobe. During the ride, if it gets warmer, you can take them off and stuff them in your trunk or panniers.  That's something you can't do with a long sleeved cycling jersey.  The Blueprint pattern on the Smartwool set is really beautiful so you'll find uses for them for jogging and hiking too.

Pearl Izumi's full length cycle tights

If you are like me, there are certain tops & cycling chamois you just love to ride in such as Pearl Izumi's Women's Elite Thermal Cycle Tights shown here.  These have zippered ankles allowing you to easily get your cycling shoes on and off.   Full length tights such as these are excellent for temps down to 50 degrees, have a built in chamois, 8 panel construction and flat lock seams. If you still prefer wearing your cycle shorts, pair them up with Smartwool's knee warmers.  That way you can get more wear time out of your cycling kit.  Add some full length cycling gloves and enjoy the ride!