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Picking up from yesterday’s post on getting back in the saddle, let’s continue on with the bicycle topic.
While I feel like a kid again riding around town, I do have to say that cycling can produce wardrobe challenges. It’s not easy attempting to look slightly put together on a bike or thereafter at your destination, once you’ve arrived. I’m determined to still wear my normal clothes but with a few potential additions or alterations in order to avoid flashing anyone while riding in a skirt, getting a pant leg caught in the chain or a shoe lost as I cycle through an intersection.
With that in mind, the most useful thing I’ve picked up is a pair of spandex shorts to wear under skirts and dresses. I feel like I’m back on the playground with my navy blue uniform and Umbros underneath. It beats a flash of the wrong cheek though and they pretty much go unseen. Good thing leggings are in, since those are a useful accessory too.
Here are few other ideas for practical bicycle wear that will keep you looking dapper and, er, modest, while riding.
Top Row, Right to Left: Fox Top, $28.99. Dress, $60. Dark Grey Cigarette Jean, $54. Middle Row: Below the Knee Legging, $24. Shirt Dress, $58. Bottom Row: Spandex shorts, $20. Long short, $54.99. Cardigan, $29.99.
And perhaps some accessories…
Clockwise, From Top Left Corner: Lady Bag, $58. T-Straps, $52.99. Coated Canvas Backpack, $58. Wingtip Skimmers, $34. Messenger Bag, $39. Oxfords, $60.
For more fashion and cycling ideas, I’ve come across a fun blog called Riding Pretty. Check it out! Because of this blog and a few others, I’m tempted to organize a Tweed Ride. Who’s with me?!
Until next time!
After many years of not owning a bicycle and not having the option of “borrowing” any that were left behind at my parent’s house, but wanting to ride again, I asked for a new-used bike for my birthday, which I picked out in the spring.
I went on the hunt one Saturday in May to a plethora of the local new/used bike shops around town and came up with a dented and slightly rusty, vintage, 3-speed Raleigh. After a bit of searching on the web, I found some useful advice on how to de-rust the handle bars and other metal fixtures (See below for instructions), shined her up and voila!
Behold, “Maid Marian”! I named the bike Maid Marian since Raleigh bicycles are made in Nottingham, England near Sherwood Forest. Maybe too obvious, but I like it.
Anyway… I picked up a new helmet, basket and a few other accessories, reviewed the rules of the road, and now I’m riding around town more and more without the use of gasoline. My goal is to ride my bike across town to work; however, last week’s start of road construction on a big chunk of the route I had mapped, threw a wrench in those plans. I’m aiming for a test run of a different route this weekend.
I have some planned improvements for my bike such as a paint job, new seat and different handle grips, but in the meantime she’s running well. Check out these basic accessories to consider if you’re thinking of jumping back in the saddle, too.
Top row, left to right: Trek Eco-Design Belleville Bicycle, $659.99. Bern Bike Helmut, $60. Middle Row: Brooks Handle Grips, $75. Headlamp, $29.95. Tail light, $11.99. Bell, $6. Bottom row: Design House Bicycle Basket, $80. U-Lock with Chord, $30.00. Air pump, $18.98.
Now I just need got get over wardrobe and hair challenges. More on those issues throughout the week, but in the meantime, here’s the basic run down of how to de-rust metal handle bars.
De-Rusting Metal such as bicycle handle bars:
Supplies:
- White Vinegar
- Aluminum Foil
- Paper Towel or Rag
- Water
Instructions:
- Wrap a piece of tin foil around your finger, or form it into a pad and dip it into the vinegar.
- In circular movements, wipe at the rust spots on the metal. With the other hand, hold a paper towel or rag under the area you’re working so that you don’t drip everywhere.
- Wipe the area with a damp cloth after you’ve finished with it.
- Presto change-o!
This worked like a charm on my rusty handle bars. Apparently the vinegar and aluminum foil cause a chemical reaction with the rust. I also read that steal wool can scratch up the metal, which is why I went searching for a different alternative in the first place.
Happy cycling!
I skipped town this passed weekend to visit a good friend in Washington, D.C. We explored many parts of the area I hadn’t visited before (more on the actual trip later this week!), but I also have a deadline for a blanket that a friend had ordered, so I took it with me to work on in transit.
I prepped the project by doing the entire machine sewing ahead so that I would only need to work on the hand sewing while I was traveling. Finishing the binding as well as the appliqué ladybug for the little baby girl who will be arriving to a ladybug themed nursery! Put on my headphones and switch on my latest favorite tunes, and we’re in business.
A few tips for packing a TSA appropriate sewing kit for travel via plane:
- Needles & pins are allowed, but don’t bring too many, you don’t want to spill on the plane. Be sure the needles are shorter than 4 inches (that would be one long needle!)
- Scissors with blades shorter than 4” are also allowed, however, I typically only bring a nail clipper since the only thing you really need to cut is thread.
- Keep it clean: Carry your project in a clean carrier in an easily accessible spot. If you eat the in-flight snack, check your hands for oil or chocolate before resuming your project.
- Pack everything together: Don’t pack your project and sewing kit separately or at the bottom your bags if you intend to work on it in transit.
- Be aware of your neighbor’s space: fold your project strategically so that you don’t spread out into your neighbor’s space while working.
- Don’t forget your thread!
If you’re unsure if a tool is allowed through security or not, check the TSA prohibited items page.
Of course, these tips apply mostly for a day-time flight however, the overhead light in a plane tends to work fairly well. If you are concerned about straining your eyes, bring along that camp headlight I’ve mentioned before. The light is pretty targeted so it shouldn’t bother others around you any more than the overhead light.
Stay tuned! I have lots of great information for repeat (and first time) visitors to Washington D.C. later this week.
