You know you're a sucker for cycling information when you spend your birthday discussing wicking fabrics, funky tan lines, and bike helmets with perfect strangers instead of enjoying a pitcher of margaritas with the girls. What was the reason? It was the Sixth Community Bicycle Congress: Workshops for Women Who Want to Commute by Bike held on March 24, 2010 at Boise State University (BSU).
The workshop was more of a gathering of varying degrees of commuter types. Everyone from die-hard riders to newbies were there, all sharing information. George C. Knight, a professor at BSU and a chair on the ACHD Bicycle Advisory Committee, facilitated the day's forum.
I was able to stay for two of the three speakers for the evening. One was from Idaho Mountain Touring and the other from Title 9 Sports. Both shops are located in downtown Boise.
Annie, who is with Idaho Mountain Touring (IMT), began our workshop. She shared different types of wicking fabrics popular for commuting. (Wool, can you believe it?! Merino wool, that is.) It doesn't smell, it regulates temperature, and you can get it in thick and thin varieties. She also said you could, and would, spend some money on quality cycling apparel. However, if you hunt for good deals you can find them.
She also pointed out that planning your commute ahead of time is essential to your success. She favors http://weather.noaa.gov/ for getting daily weather updates.
And did you know that IMT is putting on a bike clinic of (2) 3 hour sessions that teach folks how to work on their rides? They are . . . when exactly, I am not sure (I have an email into the shop to find out more). It is tentatively scheduled for April sometime, but I will keep you posted.
We also heard from Mindy of Title 9. She brought a backpack full of wash and wear (and stuff in your panniers) clothes—togs specifically made for active lifestyles. All fabrics were of poly-blends, Moreno wool, and/or Modal to wick sweat and enable iron-free wear. Title 9 has some great casual chic apparel for the active ladies in all of us. (I'd buy the whole store if I could.)
Mindy also stressed using "sport washes" for wicking fabrics to keep to keep them smelling good. She said she was able to find these at the Swim & Run Shop and IMT.
Annie, who is with Idaho Mountain Touring (IMT), began our workshop. She shared different types of wicking fabrics popular for commuting. (Wool, can you believe it?! Merino wool, that is.) It doesn't smell, it regulates temperature, and you can get it in thick and thin varieties. She also said you could, and would, spend some money on quality cycling apparel. However, if you hunt for good deals you can find them.
She also pointed out that planning your commute ahead of time is essential to your success. She favors http://weather.noaa.gov/ for getting daily weather updates.
And did you know that IMT is putting on a bike clinic of (2) 3 hour sessions that teach folks how to work on their rides? They are . . . when exactly, I am not sure (I have an email into the shop to find out more). It is tentatively scheduled for April sometime, but I will keep you posted.
We also heard from Mindy of Title 9. She brought a backpack full of wash and wear (and stuff in your panniers) clothes—togs specifically made for active lifestyles. All fabrics were of poly-blends, Moreno wool, and/or Modal to wick sweat and enable iron-free wear. Title 9 has some great casual chic apparel for the active ladies in all of us. (I'd buy the whole store if I could.)
Mindy also stressed using "sport washes" for wicking fabrics to keep to keep them smelling good. She said she was able to find these at the Swim & Run Shop and IMT.
What was most enlightening about the congress was listening to the other commuters share their wisdom. The handful of women (and one man) attending were between the ages of 34 to 60 years of age. One woman spoke of regularly commuting to work from Meridian to Boise. She's been riding for three years. Another lady rides her bike EVERYWHERE. She even has a BOB Trailer for big trips to the grocery store. Inspiring, right?
These ladies were full of tips, too. Here are a few random side notes you might want to put in your memory bank.
These ladies were full of tips, too. Here are a few random side notes you might want to put in your memory bank.
- Emerald is one of the safer roads in town. (It has a bike lane.)
- Helmet covers can help with the inevitable helmet hair when it rains.
- A handerchief in the summer is a must to keep the sweat out of your eyes.
- Chamois Butt'r
- Browse in the store to see how bike shorts fit and then purchase them online for the best deals. (Shorts can vary widely by manufacturer.)
- Sierra Trading Post can be a great place for inexpensive riding goods.
- Triathlete shorts are a good option if you are looking for a thinner chamois.
- A small fan can make a great desk accessory to help commuters cool down.
- Baby wipes rock for sweaty cleanup.
The part of the congress I didn't get to attend focused on systems that help minimize flats and actual flat tire repair. All in all, it was a worthwhile clinic for new and old commuting types. The good news? There are still three more workshops to attend.
See what the Bicycle Congress has to offer you.
In fact, there is one tonight from 4:30-7:00 p.m. (Tuesday, April 6, 2010) at Boise State in the Student Union Farnsworth Room. Get on over to BSU and get your bike bell ringing!
See what the Bicycle Congress has to offer you.
Lesley B.
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