on the third and fourth days of the bike tour, we opted to stay put in monterey to avoid the weekend traffic through big sur. so while we got some rest and relaxation, i decided to put together a cycle chic outfit post to show you the few items of clothing that i chose to bring for this particular ride. having done two similar tours of the california coast in the past, i’ve come to figure out what works best for me in terms of comfort for both riding a bike for several hours a day and camping at night. this is obviously a very personal thing and everyone has different preferences, so keep in mind that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for how to prepare for a trip like this.
packing for this tour, i was most concerned about comfort and weight. i have to carry everything i bring in my panniers, so keeping a light load makes climbing those big hills a lot easier. but you also want to make sure you’ve got enough to keep you covered for all weather. this means breaking it down to only the most esential items. so this is what i brought:
women’s daily riding pants courtesy of outlier: i am so happy to have discovered these riding pants. they’re made of a super stretchy and lightweight material that is so much more comfortable than the spandex bike shorts and pants i used to wear. they’re less restrictive and far more fashionable, and they stay completely dry all day. i also like that they miraculously repel dirt, so they stay clean for days. seriously, i cannot recommend these enough and i am so glad that outlier was kind enough to send me a pair to try out for the tour when i contacted them.
canari gel liners: the only draw-back to the riding pants is that they don’t come with a chamois, but i’ve got myself covered (literally) with this pair of cycling “underwear.” i feel especially lucky because canari happens to make the most comfortable gel chamois liners for me. it can be trial and error finding just the right padding to keep yourself comfortable, but fortunately, i’ve found the right pair!
american apparel chambray shorts: i think after trying the outlier pants, the ideal shorts would just be the same pair, only hitting somewhere at the mid-thigh length. but since i didn’t have anything else, i opted for these shorts to keep cool on those hot days in southern california. they are made of cotton, so beware sweat.
outlier ultrafine merino wool tank courtesy of outlier: i’ve already told you how much i love wool for cycling and camping. when cotton gets wet, it stays wet and gets smelly, but a high quality, ultra-fine merino wool will regulate your temperature, and never gets stinky. don’t believe me? try it and see!
j.crew chambray shirt: this was the first time i took a shirt like this on tour and i actually really liked it. i can layer it over a tank top if i get cold while riding, and layer it under a wool sweater at camp. the only drawback is that it is 100% cotton, so some mornings it was still slightly damp from the previous day of riding.
urban outfitters wool cardigan: again, i love wool and this was a cute and fashionable option that is working out perfectly for me on this ride. but really, any merino wool sweater, hoodie, or cardigan would work just fine.
jeffrey campbell oxfords courtesy of modcloth: i picked these because they’re fashionable, but they have nice big cut-outs at the side for ventilation. i can’t stand sweaty feet while riding, so these are perfect. when we ride in a really hot climate, i often just wear simple flip flop sandals to keep my feet from overheating. i know they make special bike shoes that clip into pedals, but then you have to bring an extra pair of shoes for camping and going out for meals. i just have cages on my pedals and wear one pair of trusty shoes the whole time!
giant crochet riding gloves in cream and tan, and another pair of black and brown crochet riding gloves i scored at the thrift store: extra padding for your hands when you’re riding long hours is definitely helpful. they protect my hands from blisters, and i like the vintage feel of crochet gloves.
rayban round wayfarers: to protect my eyes while riding, even if it’s not sunny. they make special “sport” sunglasses, but i already owned these and they work just fine for me.
smartwool long johns and socks: i mainly bring these in-case it gets too cold while camping at night. smartwool makes a really lovely soft and ultra-fine merino that keeps you extra toasty when it gets chilly out.
a helmet: mine isn’t anything to write home about, but it’s crucial for safety on the road. i was posing for these outfit shots at the campsite, so i’m not wearing it, but you’ll notice it’s always on when i’m on the road.
41 comments
This is what I'm talking about! Where are theses amazing trails?
And as alaways you look fab, even dressed down riding a bike.
This is what I'm talking about! Where are theses amazing trails?
And as alaways you look fab, even dressed down riding a bike.
This is what I'm talking about! Where are theses amazing trails?
And as alaways you look fab, even dressed down riding a bike.
This is what I'm talking about! Where are theses amazing trails?
And as alaways you look fab, even dressed down riding a bike.
This is what I'm talking about! Where are theses amazing trails?
And as alaways you look fab, even dressed down riding a bike.
Sounds like you have a good working wardrobe for your trip! I hope to get my hands on a pair of those Outlier pants! I look forward to more of your updates – looks like you are having wonderful weather!
Who would have thought you could look so dang cute while on a bike tour. Good luck with the rest of your trip!
http://www.jenniwells.blogspot.com
how can you ride without socks? my feet would be a sweaty sticky mess even with the cut-outs in the shoes.
I love that you've found a way to look great while doing such a strenuous activity and still stay comfy!
enjoy your ride!
Lovely shorts!
Hugs fra
A Shopaholic is loose… ;0)
http://ashopaholicisloose.blogspot.com
Is that a Surly LHT? Ah! I wish I could afford that. I love it in that color.
Oh, thank you for this post.I always like it when people who make serious research share it with others.
Enjoy your trip!
you're the most sophisticated bike rider ever! it looks like you do this often, i wish i had your willpower to do something like that…you look great too!
very nice looks, i am absolutely in LOVE with those shoes!!!!!!!!!
feel free to check out my blog:
http://www.THATGOODGOODBLOG.blogspot.com
You look so fabulous biking, I always look like a hot mess!
The Girl in the Paper Dress
lovely pics!!!
xoxo
http://rainofdew.blogspot.com
Logistics question: When you get back to your hometown, how are you guys/ your bikes getting back? Turning around and doing the whole thing again?
aaahh yes.. still looking so chic in this whole ensemble!!! :D
Animated Confessions
i gotta say, you can look cute in just about anything. i doubt i could maintain fashion like you have if i was on a bike tour. :)
xxoo elanor
missing-lovebirds.blogspot.com
I love Outlier! They have really awesome stuff, and you're right, the pants really are the best. Hope you are having fun!
Be Safe!
Looks like a great trip!
Jeez louise, I didn't even know it was possible to look cute while riding such long distances! My strategy has always been the pitiful wear what I usually would wear and then 1) flash everyone around me and 2) fall and rip my clothes and scrape my knees. Not a very good strategy…
I'm so impressed by your journey so far!
I can't wait to see more.
xo Jenny
Looking good while (basically) roughing it wilderness style + biking everywhere is definitely something you should be commended for. Hear hear!
xx
MILK TEETHS
simple and sweet, just love these outfits! adorable and very bike chic :)
http://www.repeatwithbrazen.blogspot.com
these are so nice!! what details you have included for us all too!
because I'm following youre blog for a while now, and you 're such an huge inspiration to me , I have given you an award! Look at my blog for more information, just love youre blog, style everything!
Love! xx
i have never seen such a stylish lady on the bike. WOW!
http://chouchouslittleworld.wordpress.com
you make cycling look easy! the brogues and the shorts are great.
i love the jeffrey cambles so much
Love the sunglasses!!
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Nice cycling outfits.Hope you have fun on your trip and that it is not too exhausting.I bet the high waist silhouette are good for cycling, as it keeps up, no?
I forgot my oxfords in the Staes last week-so bummed…
I got engaged in Monterrey-so beautiful. Looks like a fun time!
i loooove the cardigan and denim shirt combination :D
love the cardigan and denim shirt combination :D
Hope you're having a wonderful time!
http://www.lovelyandroid.com
Seriously, I just can't believe how chic you look while on the bike tour. You're amazing Erin!
Have lots of fun!
xoxo
great biking style, I really love it. You're my hero doing that bike ride!! It must be an amazing experience!
http://www.anchoringgemini.blogspot.com
those riding pants are fabulous! i just wish some place here in NC carried them!
Lovely! You are still ever so effortlessly stylish!
This is so inspirational! What an adventure, Erin!
I'm blown away by your stylish-but-insanely-practical packing. Just awesome xx
all this info is SO helpful! i really like those Outlier pants. i've been on the hunt for bike riding gear that doesn't make me a. soaked with sweat by the end of the ride (the current situ), or b. want to hide from embarrassment. all your gear is so stylish!
wouldn't it be great if there were some attractive helmet options? i have so many visions of bike helmets based on equestrian helmets or leather aviator hats that it bums me out to wear my regular ol helmet. ~joelle