Posts tagged ‘summer cycling’
a “Sleeveless in Seattle” jersey review & give-away
A while back, the very nice people from YMX (YellowMan Expression) offered to send me a summer cycling jersey to review – along with another to give to one of my readers. And although I know that the YMX official name for this jersey is the Maori Spiral Cycling Jersey, when I saw the graphic on the back it somehow brought to mind tribal art from the Pacific Northwest. And as my silly mind typically works in baffling and stupid ways – not to mention that I have always been a sucker for really bad puns along with an addiction to romantic comedy movies of the Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks variety – I couldn’t help but think: Sleeveless in Seattle. (OK, I know, I know … slap me upside the head for that one).
After cycling in this jersey for the past few (very warm) weeks, I will confess that it has become a favorite part of my cycling wardrobe. Cycling jerseys, with their fitted, clingy nature, have a tendency to make many of us feel very body-conscious. And not every manufacturer has mastered a flattering cut for a woman’s body. In this regard, YMX really delivers. The jersey is long enough where it needs to be, providing a flattering woman’s silhouette without being binding or too revealing.
I believe the cow gave a nod of approval for this jersey...
The MadKool technical fabric is light, forgiving and oh-so comfortable on the hottest days – and smooth as silk to the touch. While the color combination of the graphics on this particular piece are a little more vibrant than what I (personally) would typically choose, I will admit that I appreciate the visibility factor while on the road, and I love the tribal pattern. Personally, I have my eye on a few of their long-sleeved designs for the upcoming cooler months – for both skiing and cycling. (And if you are a yoga or running enthusiast, they offer a variety of “cross-over” garments – which could be some pretty exciting street-wear as well.)
But there are two areas where I am particularly picky about cycling jerseys – the sleeves/armhole seaming, and the rear pockets. I’ve often found that other sleeveless jerseys can be uncomfortable due to binding/elastic and seaming around the armholes, but the soft and stretchy MadKool binding on this one is exceptionally comfortable. No chafing, super comfortable for several hours over the handlebars.
very comfortable in the shoulders, arms (and my apologies - I am a bit challenged when it comes to being both behind and in front of the camera at the same time)
The top gusset on the shoulder also makes this a very comfortable fit throughout the arms and shoulders. And the triple rear pockets are the ideal length/depth with a secure top binding – exactly what I need when for stowing my camera lens on my back.
By now I am sure I have convinced you that you want one for yourself, right? Well, the good news is that the very nice people at YMX have told me that they will be giving away another to one of my readers (which would be you). So how will this happen? Easy. Simply leave a comment on this post, and to keep with my “Sleeveless in Seattle” silliness, be sure to include your favorite romantic comedy in your comment. For my male readers who may have a partner/wife/girlfriend cyclist in your life who might enjoy a surprise, you can enter too (but you must confess your favorite romantic commedy as well … heh heh). I will pick a winner at random and be in touch with you (i.e., You’ve Got Mail (?)) about forwarding the appropriate information (size, shipping address, etc.) to the folks at YMX.
And if you’d like to be entered in a sweepstakes to win a $300 YMX wardrobe, simply “like” their Facebook page: here.
Now to return to my Netflix queue…… 😉
swim, ride, sunflowers … (and a turtle)
riding Mason's bike (thanks, M!)
I am ready for summer to be over with. The heat has been unbearable. Dangerous enough for repeated “heat warnings” from the weather service. It feels kind of ironic that it’s actually more difficult for me to be cycling in the summer than the entire rest of the year. Lately, it’s been early morning rides – lasting only as long as the morning cool and shadows last.
And lots and lots of time spent underwater. 😉
underwater-cam
Earlier in the week I had a derailleur cable mishap, so I ended up riding Mason’s bike for a few days until I could have mine repaired. It was kind of a nice change – I didn’t realize how super-light and responsive his bike was compared to my own. At least it briefly made me feel fast, even though I probably wasn’t … I am truly more like the couple of box turtles that I “rescued” from the road this week. 😉
I can't help stopping and moving them off the road
There is a wonderful field of sunflowers in the neighboring county that I wanted to ride out to and photograph. How could I not be thinking of images of the Tour and the famous sunflower-and-bicycle shots? It’s about a 40-mile, two+ hour ride, and I’d been putting it off because of the heat – having no desire to be out that long in triple digit temperatures. Unfortunately, I waited about a week too long; the heat is still intense, and the sunflower heads are heavy with seeds and drooping.
Dillon and I finally ventured out there, leaving early this morning. By the time we got to the fields, I attempted a few lame-o shots … but heat index was climbing, we were both dripping in sweat, I couldn’t find the right vantage point, and neither of us felt like spending any more time in the hot sun, which was getting higher and hotter by the minute. Oh, timing. Maybe next year?
sunflower fields - Hamilton Co.
It's too hot out here to be messing with more photos, ok?
Next week will bring a change of scenery, a change of bikes … and some different water. No sunflowers, and probably no turtles. It will be a surprise. Meanwhile, stay cool and be safe.
dog days
seeking shade
Despite the fact that I keep listening to Florence + The Machine sing “…the dog days are over, the dog days are done”, the reality of venturing out into the great outdoors is more like stepping into the blowing heat of a convection oven. Near-record high temperatures combined with high humidity have prompted the posting of “heat warnings” throughout the region. As daily heat indexes climb toward 110’F, there are only brief windows of opportunity to be out riding – early morning or evening. Ugghhh.
lately, I prefer to be submerged 😉
If I could manage to swim faster, I’d probably be getting more mileage in the pool than by bicycle. 😉
The rhythm of July hums along … early morning swimming, early morning or dusk/evening rides, and retreating into air conditioning during the heat of the day to our annual “dog days” television-watching addiction: the Tour de France.
While I confess that I’m not a devoted follower of professional bicycle racing, there is so much about the Tour that simply fascinates me. I’m probably drawn to the visual beauty more than anything else – the undulating movement of the peloton, synchronized like a school of fish. The winding narrow roads through French villages. The mountains, the sunflowers, the fields of lavender … and the mind-boggling speed, endurance and athleticism of the riders (which I can only hope is not drug-enhanced), as well as the fascinating tactics of the racing. And yes – the drama of the crashes – of which there have sadly been too many of this year. It’s impossible to watch without wanting to hop on your bicycle and ride (although not as far, or as fast … for me, anyway).
the Tour de Bradley County
Dillon has been riding with me recently – and he is ten times the cyclist that I will ever be. He is built (and rides) like a “climber” – that stick-insect-like build; all legs, virtually no body fat, light and fast. Up and out of the saddle, scaling hills almost effortlessly. Quite unlike his mother. Sigh.
I guess it’s a “parent thing”, but I enjoy just watching him ride ahead of me … and I’m glad he always waits for me to catch up.
Dillon 🙂
shebicycles 