TeamEstrogen.com

2012-04-12T12:02:00.002-07:00

Why Consider Bib Shorts?

Some women find bibs to be more comfortable than shorts. The bib design eliminates the need for elastic around the waist and is therefore more forgiving in the mid-section. This feature is particularly attractive for women that have what is often called an "apple" shape, ie. A waist measurement that is large relative to their hip measurement. The bib strap design holds the shorts up and helps keep them in place. As with all cycling apparel, it's important to get the proper fit, size, and style for your body type and riding needs.

Many women have shied away from bibs because they perceive them as being a "pain in the butt" when it comes time to use the bathroom. Since the bib straps rest on the shoulders, it's usually necessary to remove the jersey or top for bathroom access. Many of our vendors have solved this issue by creating features that allow the shorts to disconnect at the back and drop down similar to standard shorts. These easy-access features have been designed as buckles, zippers, and 'drop-tail' flaps.

You can shop our entire selection of women's bib shorts here, or call us with all your questions! Don't take our word for it; read what our customers are saying about bibs below! Happy riding.

Power Bib Short

by Hincapie

Power up! The compression of the lycra in Hincapie’s Power Bibshort enhances your performance and reduces fatigue. The chamois is amazing, too, with one of the most comfortable constructions we’ve ever felt. With abrasion-resistant panels in the saddle wear areas, they really have thought of everything here. Get race-ready: all you need to do is pull this bibshort on and you’ll be ready for the podium.

These are amazing!

“I ride 150-200 miles a week and train for time trials throughout the summer. These are always my first choice for shorts because they are so amazingly comfortable. After wearing these I will only buy bib shorts in the future for all my shorts needs.”

Cynthia the cyclist, competitive cyclist

Manchester, ME

Absolutely Great

“Wore it for the first time on a 33 mile ride, and it was perfect. I also really liked the snap back that allowed me to drop the bottoms, so I could use the porta potties without worrying about straps dragging on the ground. I am a small, but with a long torso, so the length of the straps was a concern. A Team Estrogen customer service person helped me to find the best bib for my size, and she did a great job. Amazing service! They made that ride great, and I continue to enjoy wearing them. My riding buddy calls them my "Georges".”

Service and delivery comments:

“The delivery was fast, they arrived in perfect condition. I used a lot of customer service! I am sort of small, but with a long torso. The first pair of bibs I tried had straps that were too sort, so I started asking questions. Anna got my measurements, and went and tried on several pairs for me. She told me the Hincapies were a better length, and that the smalls should fit (rather than the mediums I was tending toward) and she was right. As a result of her help, I had my bibs in time for the Venus de Miles, and the ride was pure pleasure.”

b, avid cyclist

Boulder, CO

Xenon Zippety Doo Bib Shorts

By GORE BIKE WEAR

Cover all your bases with this sleek yet tough bib short. Welded seams along with compression panels provide unparalleled comfort and high performance. Abrasion resistant material ensures protection against chafing and a specially designed bottom allows for quick and easy bathroom breaks. If you are serious about your gear, this piece is for you.

Bibs Rock!

“Ladies, give these a try. Men have been wearing bibs for ages and for a good reason, they are more comfortable.”

wheelaway, casual/recreational cyclist

Portland, OR

The Perfect Bib

“The straps and the chamois are totally comfortable, the legs don't ride up, there's no pinching at the waist and the zippers are a dream - you don't feel them at all and they make it totally no hassle to "drop your drawers."

Long Distance Rider, avid cyclist

Silver City, NM

Mondo Bib Shorts

by Louis Garneau

The snug fit of a nice road cycling bib is hard to match. A well-made garment will fit over your body like a true second skin. Louis Garneau’s Mondo Evo Bib does exactly that, making you feel as efficient (fast!) as you can possibly be. With materials that help your body circulate blood, laser-cut cuffs that all but eliminate a transition from bib to skin, and a fit that’s second to none, this is a piece of gear that can actually make you faster. Amazing!

Outstanding bibs

“These bibs are just amazing. I really don't have enough words to describe them. They're invisible on the bike, even the chamois which I was worried would be a bit stiff and bulky, completely blends into my body and movement. The legs stay in place without any unnecessary squeezing from the compression bands. The fabric is effortless, great wicking, feels like it's part of my skin. These bibs are everything I ever expected high-end cycling apparel to be.”

CycleJane, avid cyclist

Austin, TX

No Squeezing!

“This is my first pair of bibs, so I can't compare them to other bibs...But I can say that I won't go back to shorts if I can help it! These are so comfortable and I never realized how constrictive shorts are around the waist until I put these on. The shoulder straps lay neatly along my sides. I love that there are no leg grippers/chafing. Initially I worried that the chamois was too thick, but it's actually quite comfy and somehow less obtrusive (and less visible!) than the thinner ones in my other shorts. Wicking is great all around.

The *only* reason that I give these 4 stars instead of 5 is that I feel they may run a bit small in the thigh. I am 5'2", 130 lbs, proportionally heavier in the hip and thigh. Usually I buy a large short to be safe and to avoid sausage effect, and that's what I did here. I find these bibs to be a bit tighter than I expected and the seaming was slightly awkward there. But I'll stress that it's purely a cosmetic issue, and not even a big one...I was still perfectly comfortable even though I wish my thighs looked a little smoother.

So if you're between sizes, especially below the belt, I'd advise you to round up. That said, I would absolutely recommend these awesome, comfy bibs!”

ohlefty, avid cyclist

Baltimore, MD

RSE Bib Short

By Sugoi

Sugoi pulled out all the stops with their RSE Bib Short. Aggressive styling, ultra-comfortable Cross-back bib straps, and their most advanced chamois. No comfort feature is overlooked with these; they’ve even eliminated an inseam for reduced bulk! There’s nothing to hinder you here, no reasons to worry about anything other than your ride. Comfortable and fast: what a combo.

Most comfortable bike short ever

“The thing I love about these shorts is that there is no waistband to dig into your stomach and hips. I love these shorts and will buy another pair within the next month or so. Worth every penny!”

Patbfit, avid cyclist

Clarkston, MI

Almost Perfect Bib

“Wide band at leg bottom makes this bib feel more compressive than my other bibs and the legs don't ride up. Because the straps don't have a clip, it's pretty easy to wiggle each arm out of the strap without taking off your jersey when you need to use the loo. When riding, however, the straps do feel tight on my shoulders - with my other bibs, am totally unaware of the straps. I do have a relatively long torso - if you don't, the straps might not be an issue ”

LBS, avid cyclist

Silver City, NM

FR Carbon Bib Shorts

By Giordana

Serious bibs for serious bike babes. The Giordana FR Carbon Bib Short is updated for 2011 with a slightly higher front rise. Constructed from a combination of HC44 compression fabric, Ametista™ with carbon fibers and perforated Antigua™fabric, these Giordana bib shorts are among the most advanced bibs on the market.

Great Bibs!

“A woman on a group ride recommended them. She said she loved them but that they ran small. Other reviews stated the same. I ordered one size larger and they fit perfect. These are my first pair of bibs and the most comfortable bike shorts I've ever worn. The pad isn't too bulky and the bottom of the legs don't give me sausage legs or cut into my thighs. I love them.”

Bikechick, avid cyclist

Midwest

nothing compares to these bibs!

“beware of these bibs! once you wear them, nothing will ever feel as nice. the body clone seamless technology is amazing and makes for a perfect (and flattering fit). the other shorts are in the drawer.”

lone rider, avid cyclist

Toronto, ON

AT LAST!!!!! A COMFY SHORT FOR WOMEN

“I have searched long and hard for a bike short that stays comfortable for the duration of the long rides - at last I have found it. Just enough padding without too many separate sections that sometimes tend to bind. More isn't always better.

If your looking for a comfortable short with a flattering fit, this is the short for you.”

Lozell, avid cyclist

Denver, CO

Drop Tail Cycling Bib Short

By Pearl Izumi

The Drop Tail Cycling Bib Short with In-R-Cool® technology is specially designed with the lady rider in mind. It offers the convenience of a drop tail so you can ride in your favorite bibs and make use of the facilities hassle free. No more peeling off those layers. Phew!

Comfortable and convenient

“For a long time, I was reluctant to try bib shorts given the high price. I finally decided to use a gift certificate to spring for a pair, and am glad I did.

I've had my Pearl Izumi drop-tail bib shorts for about a year, and use them on club rides and for racing. They are a marked improvement on regular shorts, particularly for longer rides, as there is no waistband to dig into you. The leg grippers are a little uncomfortable and rubbery-feeling off the bike, but not at all noticeable when riding. The drop-tail system works as advertised, so on group rides I can zip in and out of the restroom and not hold people up. (The drop-tail feature also keeps me a lot warmer than other bibs, with which I have to remove several layers to get the shorts off.) “

Squid, avid cyclist

Portland, OR

My new favorite shorts!

“These were my first pair of bibs and I was really hesitant to drop down the cash with all the mixed reviews I had seen about female bibs. All the negative reviewers are wrong, bibs are the way to go! I didn't even realize how much my regular shorts cut into my waist until I rode 50-ish miles wearing the bibs. Feels great to not worry about showing off the slit between my jersey and shorts! “

Bibs and Bikes, avid cyclist

Denver, CO

Surf City Marathon Race Report

2012-03-08T15:23:00.000-08:00

Katie is TeamEstrogen.com's buyer and resident triathlete extraordinaire. Katie works hard to bring you the extensive and thoughtful selection of apparel you've come to expect from TE. She is also a two time finisher of Ironman Canada, and continues to see success in the sport she loves. Katie is our go-to gal for advice on wetsuits, swimwear, goggles, and all things triathlon. She recently raced the Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach, CA. You can read her race report below!

by Katie, TE Buyer

My initial goal was to get through the training and run the event injury free. Being injury prone for the last couple years made this goal feel lofty.

Once I accomplished my training goal I decided to up the ante and set my sights higher. How would I know what I was capable of if I didn't push my limits? I decided to “race” the marathon and give it everything I had. At my first marathon (3 ½ years prior), I successfully ran and even qualified for the Boston Marathon, so I knew my goal wasn't far fetched.

When running a marathon (either Ironman or stand alone) I never think of the full distance because that would just be overwhelming and rather terrifying. Instead, I think of each mile I am going to run down.
Passing one mile marker after another, I remind myself of the training and hard work that have gotten me here.

I've never needed help finding motivation. My momma made sure I was stocked at birth. I am a person who has been humbled by injuries (let's also not ignore the fact I keep aging up). What I needed was help finding confidence that had faded over time. I found this confidence from my friends and family. They kept me company on long runs that scared me, listened to my worries and complaints, and provided positive, loving support. They joined me in post training feasts, although I don't think I had to twist anyone's arm. I'm now rambling on. What I'm getting at is they believed in me and gave me the tools I needed to believe in myself. Although I was running this marathon solo, I felt my friends were running with me. As corny as it sounds – My friends and family are the wind beneath my wings.

Back to the race!

Race day came and I felt confident. I walked up to the starting corral and waited with friends until the final count down. Bang! The gun went off and my engine went from idle to cruise control. I knew not to push the throttle. I stayed focused on breathing calm, keeping my upper body relaxed, and trying my best to run efficiently.

Everything felt good until mile 10 or 11. At this point, the course took a U-Turn and I ran directly in to the rising sun. Oy! My eyes! I wore sunglasses but ignored advice to wear a hat or visor. Sweat poured down my face and stung my eyes, blinding me as I ran towards the orange flaming ball. I ran without sight for a good five minutes while rubbing my eyes and prayed that I wouldn't run into someone. Thankfully, it passed and I regained my vision without needing to stop.

The run went on comfortably until right after mile marker 20. In a matter of seconds, my stomach wrenched and I spewed out my insides. Holy Moly! That was a disgusting first! My Gamin vibrated to alert me that I had stopped moving. Really?! So, on I continued . Now, my goal was to pick up my pace and reach the next aid station. I seriously needed to wash my mouth out or I was going to get sick again from the taste. As I approached the aid station, I grabbed whatever sports drink they offered and used it as mouth wash.

The last 10k felt like an eternity. I had thrown up all my GU and electrolytes and was now running on empty. I tried to channel caloric reserves from my rendezvous at Coldstone the night before. Once I lost nutrition, it was hard to keep a positive outlook. My legs wanted to run, but my body and mind did not. The darkness set in and I started to walk. I could only stand walking for a few seconds, I couldn't stand moving sooooo slow. I started to run again. This would only last a matter of minutes. I was too tired. I grabbed a banana from an aid station. I knew solid food would upset my stomach, but it didn't matter. If I didn't eat something I would have ended up walking all of it. The banana wasn't exactly rocket fuel, but it did allow me to pull my head out of my a** and run in the last bit.

I crossed the finish line at 3:43 – 7 minutes longer then my revised goal and a PW (personal worst). Although I didn't technically achieve my new goal; I still felt like a success. I did race the marathon, I continued to run after I puked, and I did not DNF (even though I secretly wanted to in the end). I stayed healthy training, during the race, and after into marathon recovery. I accomplished so much this day. I am a very grateful and proud woman for this experience.

Katie rocks Ironman Canada 2011

2011-09-23T17:42:00.002-07:00

Preface

I won. No, I did not win IMC. No, I did not win my AG. I won the battle of health. In the last year and a half I have over come achilles tendonitis, frost bite and a stress fracture (second in 2 years!) I am learning how to live and train for endurance with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Do you know what kind of mind f*** it is to have constant "phantom pains" and muscle fatigue? Joint flare ups that eliminate a key long distance workout are no walk in the park either. I paid for a coach that couldn't keep me healthy. I had doctors tell me that I was in the wrong sport. Whenever I would get healthy something in my body would break. I started to believe the negative words I heard from professionals. I thought my bad luck was never going to end. Basically I had no hope to continue training. If it wasn't for my Mom, Jesse and Robert.... I may have quit. These 3 people NEVER doubt me. They were my night light in my darkest hours. Sue and Alanna kept my light going during training and Don ensured my bike was safe to ride.

Pre Race

I couldn't have asked for the days leading up to the race to go any smoother. I stuffed my belly with OgoPogo's famous ice cream. Butterscotch ripple became my favorite! I rested my mind by watching Joe Dirt, The Jerk and The Best of Will Farrell's SNL. LMAO! I was surrounded by people I love – which kept me strong. For the first race ever – I was never nervous to race. For me the battle was won walking up to the swim start healthy. Race day was my celebration party with 2800+ new friends.

Swim

Was kick ass! I was supposed to meet my mom at the hotel an hour prior to the start but we missed one another. Robert and I got into the water to warm up. I hear some lady shouting from the sideline, she was waving her arms all about. It was my mama! I ran through the water to her. She rolled up her shorts and walked in to meet me. I was so happy I got to see her prior to the start. At this point I lost control of my emotions and started to cry – out of joy!

The tears had to quickly come to an end. I had an Ironman to race! I rejoined Robert at the start. I'll never forget standing behind the start line, in the water, holding his hand. It was the best feeling ever. A quick kiss and off we went.

How was the actual swim? It was easy-peasy! Seriously. I never felt nervous. Never had open water shock. Never had rapid breathing, even with getting pulled under numerous times. I was in my happy place. Every 3rd stroke I looked at the mountains and smiled before I inhaled. Life was good. This swim was good.

After rounding the last turn of the buoys (1/2-2/3 way in) I found myself alone. I had swum out wide and was close to the kayaks and sailboats. Uh-oh. No feet to draft and I was a bit off course! Agh! I focused on turning in to straighten/shorten out the rest of the course. I swam until I could touch the sand, jumped out and headed for the swim exit! 1:08:07 – 2 min PR baby!

T1 - Was short and sweet. I ran out of the water feeling fresh and giddy. How can one not feel giddy when you know you're about to get striped? I run over to two volunteers and say “Strip me ladies!” And they did. I was out of my wetsuit and on my bike in no time! 2:52 – PR again!

Bike

There's not too much to say about the bike. I had planned on riding the course at “x” amount of watts – which equaled 2.5watt per kg. It was forecasted to be a hot day so I rode more conservatively then I had originally planned. I ended up with a 2.4 avg.

The bike started with a bit of acid reflux. I'm sure this was provoked by lake water. Maybe OgoPogo polluted the water. I took some Zantax and rode the first 40ish miles uber easy. Ritcher came and I stayed in my granny gear to spin easily up watching my watts. Then I hit the rollers. They felt MUCH less difficult this year. The out and back came and went. I stayed aero and kept a pretty good pace. The ride went by so fast I didn't really start paying attention to mileage until around 70. This was my dark spot in '09. But not for '11. This was a power zone for me. I made a lot of passes from mile 70-85. As usual my power and endurance grew the longer I stayed out. History did repeat its self as I encountered the dark zone as I started the ascent up Yellow Lake. This was NOT a good place for me. I tried to stay positive and smiled as the fatigue started to chip away.

Perception is reality. If everyone thinks that I look strong I will perform as if I am strong. This carried me up the hill. I was looking forward to the descent but not so much the headwind. I had to work to go down which wasn't much fun. I could have done without the crosswind and the 3 times I had wheel wobble. I suppose it was just enough of a scare to wake me up for T2.

Finished in 6:03:18 – a :30 PR over '09, higher wattage and easier effort on a hotter, windier day. I had almost flawless nutrition and hydration. I never felt hot or thirsty on the bike. Thank you Maltodextrin and Saltstick! I had a little acid at the start but managed it well, medicating throughout the ride.

I owe a lot of “Thank You”'s for my bike leg. First goes to my bike fitter - Michael Sylvester. He found a crack in my bike frame, which resulted in a new and better bike. Michael also provided an outstanding fit, which helped with my comfort level, efficiency and run transition. I've been fit by others in the Portland area and Michael is the BEST, hands down. I have to raise my hands and praise Felt. They quickly replaced my B16 with a beautiful DA. I also have to thank my great riding partners Sue, Don and Alanna. You all made the longer rides much more enjoyable, even when my break was rubbing for 80+ miles. :). Alanna, you made bricks enjoyable....I think that might be an oxymoron.

T2 – T2 was pretty quick as well. In '09 my T2 was almost 10 minutes. I was not going to allow a repeat. I recited what needed to be done as I ran into the woman's tent. I did this again out loud so my volunteer could follow and help. LOVE volunteers. I quickly got my back shellacked in sunscreen and I was off in - 4:43. Another PR!

Run

This leg should have been called The Death March. I started running around 2:20pm. At this time the race director had requested that the locals turn on any sprinklers and watering hoses available. It was HOT. HOT like a habanero! I think the high hit 95 and I was running right in the midst of it.

I watched my pacing on my Garmin. After a measly 5 mins I ran into a wall of heat. I heard my mama cheering for me on my way in, off from the bike. I knew I'd have to put on a front and run “happily” by her, so she wouldn't see my suffering. I wish she had stayed with me for the run, if she had I may have never stopped to walk.

The “death march” started for me a little past mile 3. My 8:45 avg dropped to a 10 min pace by mile 6. It just went downhill from there. Mile 3 to mile 9 was my darkest time. I had a goal of breaking 11 hours. That was a long lost dream. The heat was pounding down. It was eating my energy alive. I feared I wouldn't be able to PR from '09. I ran up to a local athlete and I confessed my fear. We accessed the situation. From a muscular standpoint my legs were great. No fatigue, no cramping, no pain. Hydration and nutrition were also great. I was still consuming calories – even though I was repulsed by the taste and thought of gels. I was only suffering from the bubble of heat that I was encased in. When running I was avg'ing 8:20-8:40 pace. I just had to run more then I walked. He provided “hope” and off I ran....to try to salvage some kind of PR.

I opted out of bike and run special needs. I didn't want a reason to stop. Yet at the ½ way turn around on the run I stopped and walked. I wish I had packed a letter to myself. I'll make sure to do that on my next race. A little HTFU self note would have helped.

I ran by Sue on the way back. She had gotten two flats on the bike thus putting her behind me. She was feeling the wrath of the heat as well. We exchanged a quick hug; this was the highlight of my run. I wanted to stay and run with her, but we were too far apart.

My arms and lips were sun burnt. Each aid station I came upon I'd drench myself in water. I kept ice in my sports bra and sponges on my back and under my hat. I ran with ice in my hand to rub on my burning lips. At mile 15 I had to stop and go pee. It was the first time I had to go since the start of the race. I have never been so excited to have to pee, and be able to pee a lot! This girl was hydrated!

By 6pm I could feel the temperature start to fall. It was easier to hold my pace. The walk breaks became less frequent…..until mile 22 ½. Side stitch. Oh owe! The pain was immobilizing. I just stood on the side of the road and whimpered in pain. It felt like someone was cutting into my torso with a dull knife. A guy I had been run/walking past for the last 8 miles caught up to me. He advised me to stretch out my torso and press my hands firmly down on the cramp and try to run while doing so. It worked! Within minutes the cramp was gone and I was running pain free again. Thank you Greg from London, Ontario! I was able to run most of the way in and even sprint for the last ½ mile to the finish line. I crossed the line with the biggest smile ever. I am once again an IRONMAN.

Run time was 4:32:43 – 1min30 PR over last year :)

Post race recovery consisted of a rack of ribs, nachos and 3 martinis.

Gazelle Madelief

2011-05-19T16:34:00.000-07:00

I picked up my new Gazelle Madelief this morning. This latest addition to my bicycle stable came courtesy of the the BTA's annual Alice Awards and Auction fundraising event. I didn't go to the event with the *intention* to buy a new bike, but upon arriving, I fell in love with it.

Today being one of the first truly warm, sunny days we've had all spring, I decided to take the bike to make the 8-9 mile round trip to the bank. Did I *really* need to go to the bank today. Sure. But what I REALLY needed was some fresh air and sunshine.

Pedaling a single speed upright bike with coaster brakes is a new experience for me. I discovered that it tops out of speeds of maybe 8-10 miles an hour, after which there's no point in doing anything other than relaxing and coasting as the world slowly passes by. And, I discovered that this is perfectly OK with me! At 8mph, there's no hurry. At 8mph, there's no sweating. At 8mph, I can look around and appreciate the sunny day and warm breezes.

Of course, I also discovered a few things about biking in the suburbs that is not readily apparent at 15-20mph.

Turning left at big intersections was an eye-opener. I'm typically a vehicular cyclist. I take the lane when I ride, and when I need to turn left, I cross the travel lanes and use the left hand turn lane. This is a perfectly reasonable thing to do at 15-20mph. At 8mph, it was uncomfortable. I couldn't accelerate to merge. Nor could I move speedily through the intersection when the left signal activated. Hhhmmm. On the trip home, I decided that at 8mph, the sidewalk and pedestrian signals seemed like a better way to get through these intersections.

I realized that I've gotten out of touch with what it feels like to be a slower/less confident cyclist. I've become so confident in my abilities over the years, that I've forgotten how fast and scary suburban high-speed traffic must feel to the transportation cyclist who only rides to get from point A to point B, and oftentimes does so on a bike not capable of moving very quickly.

As I navigated my way over the Highway 26 overpass (on the sidewalk, in the opposite direction of vehicle traffic) it also impressed upon me once again how terribly UNconducive to cycling our suburban roads really are. And that, if we truly want to see an increase in the ridership here in the suburbs, we simply must find a way to make our roads feel safer and more accessible to the folks riding along at 8mph.

The 2nd R

2011-04-04T11:04:00.000-07:00

Reduce Reuse Recycle.

We've always recycled our cardboard and re-used the crushed paper, bubble wrap and other inner-packaging materials that come our way. However, one of our frequently used shipping materials, Tyvek envelopes, proved to be problematic.

Tyvek is theoretically a 100% recyclable product, but a local collection infrastructure does not exist. Instead, the recommended solution is to ship a big, new Tyvek bag stuffed full of the used Tyvek bags, all the way across the country, where the material will be down-cycled into plastic benches, decking and similar products. To us, this did not make much sense, so we decided to ask our customers if they would like the option to receive their orders in reused packaging.

The response to our query was overwhelmingly positive so we quickly implemented an option in our shopping cart to allow customers to select previously used packaging. We also switched from recycling cardboard boxes to reusing as many cardboard boxes as possible.

We are happy to report that more than 30% of our customers are now choosing this option!

THANK YOU to all of our customers who choose to reuse packaging - we appreciate your assistance in helping us to reduce our impact on the planet.

PS. We will still be recycling the Tyvek envelopes that have reached the end of their useful lives, but we are collecting them until a local recycling option becomes available or we can ship them in bulk via a freight carrier instead of the more expensive (and more polluting) small package carriers.

PPS. Yes, we are considering having the reuse option be checked by default. We'll work the kinks out first at lower volumes and if all goes well, it will become the default choice.

Triathlon is a Family Affair

2010-05-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

by Renata, Team Estrogen staff member

When you think of team building activities, you usually think of boring things like bowling, or a picnic - but not at Team Estrogen - we go and do a triathlon! The Gator Grinder Sprint Triathlon in Canby, Oregon that is! This is also our chance to test out our new cool tri outfits! I wore the Zoot TRIfit Electric Racerback Tank and the TRIfit 6" Shorts with no issues - you can read about them in our “Staff Picks”.

I have done this tri every year since 2006, and have even inspired my teenage kids and their friends to get involved. My first year, I got first place in my age group! Every year after that, I have completed it a minute or so slower. The second year I think I was second, the third year, third, and so on. This year, I decided to try to beat my last result, so I started training earlier than usual, in October. I signed up for swim lessons (because this year I wanted to do the crawl, not the breast stroke). I even joined a tri group at my club for extra inspiration. Thank you Jim and the BAC Tri Club members for all your inspiration!!

All the training went well, except when I timed my 500 meter swim a few weeks before the tri, well, it was time to go back to the breast stroke. Maybe next year, I told myself. I kept up the running and biking in anticipation of the big day. I even borrowed my co-worker Katie's super-duper-aero-time trial helmet to be faster (she was out of commission for a little while with an injury). The kids did their thing to train, but that's another topic.

The day before the tri, Team Estrogen was buzzing with excitement, thanks to Anona's and Anna's energy. We all knew they were going to kick booty. That night, I packed up the car with 5 bikes, one for me, 2 for my kids, and 2 more for their friends. Yup, there were 5 of us going! The kids practiced transitioning, sort of, but mostly I heard a lot of laughing, which was great, since I always try to encourage the 'fun' part of all this.

The day of the tri, I got up at 5:30, rallied the kids and got all the gear into the car. After picking up everyone else at 6:30 am, we headed down to the race. My swim heat start time was early - 8:40 am. We all checked in, got our goodie bags, t-shirts, timing chips put on our ankles, and numbers marked on our bodies. We had people in almost every single heat. I would be out on the course when my kids started, so they were on their own. It's a good thing I brought them down here a couple of weeks ago to check it all out so they knew how it all worked - but silly me, they knew it all anyway, they're teenagers, right? Nonetheless, it's always a good idea to 'check out the course'. We set up our bikes and gear in the transition area, warmed up a bit, and then it was time to jump in the pool. Lane 5 position 4. I was glad I was the last swimmer in my lane because I didn't want to slow down the others 3 athletes. I did manage to keep up with the others, even passing one person in my lane. After counting down ten laps, it was time to get out. In all, a pretty uneventful swim.

I was so happy to have the swim behind me! It was time for my favorite and best leg, the bike! I quickly dried my feet, got my socks and shoes on, then my glasses and helmet. One of the straps got stuck inside, so I had to take it off and put it back on again. Not an easy thing to do quick with a narrow, tight fitting time trial helmet. I finally got it on, and by then my glasses had completely fogged up. Darn, I didn't think of coating them with some anti-fog wipes! Next, my shirt, oh but wait, I can't get it over my helmet! Off it goes again. I struggled with my shirt, trying to pull it over my head and on my wet body. Helmet goes back on, then the gloves, and I'm off running to the mounting area, squinting, struggling to see under my fogged up glasses. I hopped on the bike and off I went. I pedaled hard, picking people off one by one. I felt fast. Katie's aero helmet was doing it's job.

Through town, around a detour, and onto a flat stretch I flew. It was time to shift into the big chain ring again and power down the road. But as I shifted, I felt a horrible dreaded thing...no chain. NO! I screamed inside, it can't be. My chain fell off? To the outside? If this has happened to you, you know there is no safe way to get that thing back on without stopping. I thought about reaching down and trying to get it on while I was still moving, but that would have been really stupid since I had never done it before, nor did I know if it was even possible. I stopped, got it back on, but as soon as I started pedaling, it fell off again! NO! NO! NO! I screamed OUT LOUD, as most of the people I had picked off went flying by. This time I turned the crank a few times after I put it on, shifted down to the small chain ring, and made sure it didn't fall off. I got back on, started pedaling, and very carefully shifted back up to the big chain ring. Then it got stuck! O.K. this can't be happening I thought. But it was! There was no holding back now. *#+* and *+#* flew out of my mouth quite loudly as the chain fell off once more, and riders went on by. Yes, they did ask if I was all right, but I can't remember what I said. I hope it wasn't something horrible. The chain was kinked behind the derailleur, and as I tried to turn the crank, the chain ring gnashed it's terrible teeth into the chain and held on tight!

By the time I finally got it loose, it seemed like an eternity had gone by. I got back on the bike, but I didn't dare shift until I couldn't pedal any faster on a long descent. I did end up catching a few of the riders ahead of me until a car passed me, and slowed to a stop right in front of me. With no room to pass on the right, and the volunteers waving him by so I couldn't go around the left, a few more adrenaline inspired words flew out of my mouth. As we slowly got going again, my game of leap frog with the other riders was just to much fun to quit now! So, I finished the bike leg and quickly transitioned to the running leg.

After my chain escapade, my goal changed to finishing instead of beating my time, and thanks to my tri group training, the run didn't feel so horrible after the bike. It felt good to finish. Then came the best part, cheering everyone else on, including my kids, as they came across the finish line with smiles on their faces!! We all did great, and it was a blast! Afterwards, we took some pictures, put on our cool Zoot recovery tights, and had a great barbecue while waiting for the results.

My son was 1st in his age group, my daughter 4th, and their friend a 3rd. I'm glad I thought about abandoning the race for only 1 second, because I ended up 3rd out of 12 in my age group! I'm looking forward to next year, and moving on up into the next age category, 50+!

Apparel Review: De Soto Forza Trisuit

2010-05-19T17:22:00.000-07:00

by Anna Grace, TE staff member

I knew I wanted to wear a one piece suit for the Canby Gator Grinder Triathlon to avoid having a seam at my stomach and also because I wanted it to be very very fitted, like a second skin. I tried on a bunch of suits that we have in stock. The first time I put on the De Soto Forza Trisuit, it just felt good and seemed to fit me perfectly.

When I rinsed off in the shower before going into the pool, I noticed that the silver mesh panels (on the black suit) became translucent when wet, so I could see the color of my skin through it. However, De Soto did a great job of being aware of this and the opaque black portion went over my breasts, so no worries about show-through. Also the upper part of the suit was supportive without being constraining at all. I didn't have to wear a bra (I am a small A cup) and I also didn't have any chafing issues.

I have done a time trial before at a stage race in cycling shorts and I recall that being in the aero position made my woman parts a little bit irritated and tired, so I was prepared for the same thing in the triathlon. This was not the case. I didn't even think about my clothing on the bike, except for feeling really fast in it (honestly). Wearing the one piece suit and not having to worry about a waistband was so comfortable on the bike. I can't imagine wearing shorts with a waistband again after how great this suit felt. The "Invisipad" chamois really is 'invisible'; I didn't notice any seams or edges whatsoever. It didn't hold any water at all, no part of me felt moist on the bike, and the fabric dried very quickly, which was a useful feature because it was still a bit chilly in the morning.

On to the run. Some potential issues I thought of as possibilities were that it might ride up or give me a wedgie, or that the legs might bunch. None of these things happened. The suit just came along with me and didn't fight me in any way. Again, I didn't have to think about my suit on the run, except that it made me feel really fast (honestly). The panel lines are also very flattering and outline the muscles that seemed to be doing a lot of work on the run, my obliques. The panels are very thoughtful and appropriate.

The fabric on the bottom portion of this suit, the Forza Compressor, has a large amount of compressive support. The subtle vertical line texture is flattering, the contrast stitch is just right, it feels fantastic over my lower stomach and quads, and the best part is that it doesn't squeeze my upper leg and give me an unsightly bulge.

Geez, do I have any negative feedback for this suit? Just one thing (that's unheard of from this critical gal): the extra long zipper pull flew around and was bothersome. It was great for the 10 times I had to pee before the race because I could zip my suit up myself, but what do you do with this thing while you are racing? I didn't notice it in the water at all, but it flew around in the wind on the bike. I ignored it for that part, but it really got on my nerves during the run. It was swinging around and tapping me on the back...tap tap tap. So I grabbed it and shoved it under the shoulder of the suit - not an elegant or thoughtful solution, I realize. I think De Soto should come up with a better solution for this, like perhaps it could be shorter or attach somehow. I suppose I could just take it off; I would rather ask someone to zip me up before the race then have a huge tail for the entire triathlon.

My Gator Grinder Experience: by Anna Grace

2010-05-19T15:09:00.000-07:00

These are the things I learned in my second triathlon:

1. get speed laces
2. don't run without socks if you've never done it before (two matching blisters on the bottoms of my feet will be reminding me all week)
3. if you smile the whole time, it goes by fast
4. having friends on the course makes for a happy day
5. wear a one-piece suit; they totally rock
6. learn where to go out for the bike and run from the transition area before you're racing
7. it's OK if you're not a great swimmer, or don't really swim efficiently at all
8. get a timing band that's not made of Velcro (a chafe spot on the back of my ankle will remind me of that all week)

This is how it happened:

I woke up to a sunny Saturday morning in my Portland apartment on the hill to find myself excited about riding out to Canby for a day of swim, bike, run with all my TE homies. My BF and I met my compadre, Anona Miles, near the river in SE Portland and off we were into the early morning light. I practiced getting aero in my attached bars on my road bike and noted the pleasantness of the day. I wondered how hard the swim and run would be, since I had only swum once in preparation and gone running twice over the past month. I was counting on my Minnesota-Land-of-10,000-Lakes roots to get me through the water and my years of being a runner to help me on the 5K.

We made it to Canby with only one mishap (see Anona's story) and plenty of time to get into our rad outfits. The energy at the event was so happy and positive, I knew it would be a good day. Being my second triathlon and all, I tried to play it super cool, like I totally knew what was going on. I showed Anona how to lay things out with a towel near your bicycle, then supplied her with Gu packets like I had a whole backpack full of them!

Susan found us and snapped some shots of our outfits before we applied temporary tattoos to our legs and butts to look supercool. (This, by the way, totally worked and we did look supercool :).

On to the racing part.

A pool swim, hmmm. Four people to a lane and I was planning to use my most efficient stroke, the side stroke (pick an apple, put it in the basket – that's what I say to myself the whole time). When the big red clock struck 9am and the whistle blew, I was off with a splash! Back and forth I swam, finding my rhythm, remembering to breathe in my bright pink swim cap and one-piece tri suit. I looked up at the red digits that are the clock and thought “I've only been swimming for three minutes!?”. And on I went. I got passed by the man behind me, only to have him slow his pace a whole bunch. I had to tap his foot for three lengths of the pool before he would let me by again! I was pleased to see the red kick board indicating that I was almost done with the swim and made my final effort to end the wet part of this day. I flopped out of the pool like a whale.

I ran out to my bicycle and heard Katie yell my name! It put an extra spring in my step and I tore off my cap and goggles and slipped into my cycling shoes (zippidy do da). I clicked on my helmet, awkwardly jogged out of the transition area in my cleats, and jumped on my steed. Off we sped into the beautiful Oregon countryside, just me and my aero bars. I said 'thank you' to all of the volunteers as I rode by. The sun warmed my skin and the wind dried me off. What a perfect day! I felt sleek and powerful as my bicycle and I navigated the course. I offered words of encouragement to the other cyclists I passed and pushed hard up the hills. Whenever the thought of running came into my mind, I pushed it out, determined not to let it slow me down.

It seemed like no time before I was back at the transition area and waddle-ran to my area. Katie was here to cheer me on. She said “Don't breathe, just go run!”. I tore off my cycling shoes and tied my running shoes, cursing myself for not getting speed laces! I could have shaved a good 30 seconds off my transition time, I just know it. I clicked on my race belt and flailed my way onto the run course. I was off running through the trees on the grass and following the direction of the volunteers. My legs felt heavy, but very warmed up! My suit felt so good and it made me feel fast! I saw Anona out on the course and high-fived her (she looked super awesome in the TYR two-piece suit). A little later, I saw Jeff out ahead of me - it's so wonderful to see your friends out on the course. I was having such a joyful triathlon experience.

I found myself coming up on Jeff with about half a mile to go and when I reached him I said, “Let's finish strong, Jeff!” He immediately took off in a sprint and I hung on, battling to the last 200 meters on the track finish. Katie and Anona were on the corner and hollered for us. Susan was just going out on her run leg and she shouted words of encouragement. I managed to pull ahead in the last 100 meters and flew across the finish line like a gazelle, with Jeff hot on my tail. I was so overjoyed to be done, it felt really great and my body was tired and happy! Two thumbs up for triathlon and a nap in the grass.

The end.

Editor's note: Anna was 1st in her age group, 2nd place female overall, and had the fastest women's bike split of the day! Congratulations, Anna!

Tips for Riding in the Rain

2010-01-18T15:41:00.001-08:00

Let It Rain!

Here in Portland, we've had our one snowfall for the season but we have several months of rain ahead of us before our perfect summer weather arrives. With that in mind, we thought we'd offer up a few simple tips to help you have a BLAST riding in the rain!

Brake Early

Your stopping distance while riding in wet weather will be greatly increased (unless you have a bike with disc brakes). If you are in a situation where you might need to come to a sudden stop, lightly pulse your brakes to "squeegee" off the water on the rims in advance of actually needing to brake hard.

Light It Up

Even during the daytime, a flashing red tailight and a front headlight can help other road users see you better. You should also wear brightly colored clothing with plenty of reflectivity to enhance your visibility.

Avoid Puddles, Paint, Plates and Plant Debris

Puddles can be surprisingly deep and can hide potholes, rocks and even roadside curbs. The white fog line and other painted features on the road can be slippery when wet and should be avoided. Use caution when rolling over manhole covers and metal plates in the roadway. And a final word of warning: leave the leaves alone! Wet leaves and other debris on the side of the road can cause you to loose control, especially when turning or going around curves.

Stay Alert

You aren't the only one who can't see as well when it is dark and rainy. Assume that motorists do not see you and exercise even more caution than usual while playing in traffic.

Take Your Time

Riding slower gives you more time to detect and safely react to roadway hazards.

“There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.”

10 Gear Recommendations for Wet Weather Riding

Fenders

Fenders dramatically reduce the impact of the road spray kicked up by your bike. Without fenders, water from the front wheel soaks your feet and lower legs, while spray from your rear wheel leaves a characteristic "skunk stripe" of mud and grit up your back and in your shorts. If you've ever finished a long rainy ride and found your chamois pad full of road grime, you know what I'm talking about!

Fenders are available in a huge range of styles and sizes to fit almost any bike. Here are some the leading fender manufacturers:

A properly sized fender (you can add mudflaps) also makes you a polite rider on group rides -- no one wants to ride behind someone who is sending up a rooster tail of cold muddy water.

In addition to shielding you and those around you from the spray, fenders are also crucial protective equipment for your bike itself. All that dirt and muck gets into your headset, bottom bracket and drivetrain and causes premature wear.

In rainy Oregon, many of us have a dedicated "rain bike" that has fenders permanently mounted.

For those of you in less wet climes, or who only rarely ride in the rain, several companies manufacture fenders ("race blades") that can quickly and easily be put on and taken off a bike.

If you think fenders aren't cool, you haven't seen these works of art.

Waterproof Jacket

In warmer weather, even a jacket made with the most breathable waterproof fabric will still soak you from the inside if you are exerting yourself over an extended period. Consequently, good ventilation is a key requirement in a waterproof cycling jacket. Things to look for:
- pit zips or other extra ventilation options,
- extended cuffs that can open up to provide airflow up your arms,
- a back vent to allow the air that enters through the cuffs and pit zips to flow around your body and out your back without "puffing up" the jacket too much,
- and a long "tail" on the back of the jacket to cover your butt when you are hunkered down in the cycling position.

Waterproof Pants

Many cyclists already own a waterproof jacket, but a pair of waterproof pants can be just the ticket for riding / commuting when the rain is really coming down. Features to look for include:
- zippers on the lower leg so you can pull the pants on over your shoes,
- velcro adjusters on the lower legs to keep the pants from "ballooning" and getting caught in your chain,
- stretch panels or other features to allow for flexibility in the hip and knee areas,
- reflective piping for increased visibility.

Booties and Shoe Covers

While they won't necessarily keep your feet completely dry, booties and shoe covers block the majority of the rain, wind and grit. The thicker thermal booties are good for cold and wet weather, while you may want to investigate some of the thinner shoe covers if you inhabit a warm but rainy climate.

Winter Boots

If you are looking for a truly waterproof cycling shoe, look no further than the Sidi winter boot. This shoe has a thin layer of insulation along with a 100% waterproof Gore-Tex upper. The cuff at the top of the boot takes a bit of getting used to, and you'll need to think about how to keep water from running down your legs into the shoe to avoid turning this waterproof boot into a leakproof bucket! (Hint: the pants go outside the boot - don't tuck them in.)

Waterproof Gloves

Finding a truly waterproof cycling glove that isn't also super-insulated for cold weather can be a bit of a challenge. At the thin, non-cycling-specific end of the spectrum we have the SealSkinz Glove, while at the "perhaps-a-bit-to-warm" end, we have the Pearl Izumi Barrier Glove and the Gore Countdown Glove. In the middle ground there are a number of windproof, water-resistant gloves that combine svelte styling with enough water protection to get you through anything short of a steady rain. The Gore Bike Wear ALP-X Windstopper Glove is one of our favorite "in-between" wet weather gloves.

Foot and Hand Warmers

Sometimes you don't care if your feet and hands get wet, so long as they stay WARM. As a bonus, you can tell your friends you've got an exothermic reaction on your hands!

Helmet Cover

While it may be a myth that we lose most of our heat through our heads, staying dry up top is still a worthy goal. A helmet cover will keep the cold wind out of your helmet vents and shed the rain before it plasters your hair to your skull in a drippy mess!

Anti-Fog Lens Drops or Wipes

No, we don't have mini-wipers, but we do have some anti-fog wipes and drops that can come in handy when cool and humid weather tends to fog up your lenses.

Reflective Bits

Add some bling to your ride or enhance your kit with these reflective adhesive products. We also have a variety of reflective wear including reflective vests and legbands.

Welcome, Anona!

2009-11-16T08:42:00.000-08:00

One of TE's newest staff members, Anona Whitley, is a recent transplant to Portland OR. The story of how she moved by bike from Illinois to Portland was written up in the News-Gazette of Illinois. You can read it online HERE.

Not Quite 24 Hours

2009-10-14T21:48:00.000-07:00

Ride Report - Ring of Fire 24 Hour Time Trial 9/12/2009

There are ~10 billion stars in the Milky Way galaxy, and ~10 billion galaxies in the universe. 3 miles outside of Maupin Oregon, I stood straddling my bike, sucking on a Gu Roctane, and staring up at what seemed like every single one of those 10 billion billion stars.

16 hours earlier, at 6:43am, I rolled up to the start line of my very first 24 hour time trial, the Ring of Fire. I felt surprisingly calm, despite the daunting ride ahead of me. Perhaps it's because my very good friend Richard had volunteered to crew for me. I knew that no matter what happened, I could count on him to be there for me throughout the event.

The 157 mile day loop featured nearly 15,000 feet of elevation gain, starting right out of the parking lot with the climb out of Maupin. All morning I rode northwest getting progressively closer to Mt. Hood. Richard, driving my pickup, leapfrogged me along the way. He kept me fed and logged my fluid intake, making sure I drank a minimum of one bottle per hour. I rode strongly, summiting Bennett Pass on Mt Hood, savoring the descent on the other side as my reward. The subsequent climb up Forest Road 44 was less challenging than I'd expected, and the long descent into Tygh Valley gave me a chance to rest up a bit.

Throughout the day, the temperature rose higher and higher, eventually reaching nearly 100 degrees on the pavement. At 3 pm, after 112 miles and more than 10,000 feet of elevation gain, I made the turn onto Bake Oven Road, a 45 mile out-and-back. I'm sure there's a “real” story attached to the name “Bake Oven”, but amongst ultra racers in Oregon, Bake Oven is notorious for being a long hot climb that challenges even the most fit athletes.

Sure enough, Bake Oven proved to be my biggest test of the day. Not long after starting the climb, I started to feel chilled and to break out in goosebumps. I recognized this as a sign that my body was overheated and that I needed to take a break. As soon as I reached my support vehicle, I called for a time out, my first “non-bio break” all day. For 15 minutes, I sat in the shaded passenger seat of my truck, applying cold water to my face and neck, and drinking cold liquids. Finally, armed with an extra bottle of water for dumping over my head to stay cool, I set out again, feeling renewed.

I knew the key to surviving the climb up Bake Oven Road in that heat would be to ride at an easy pace and to continue to stay hydrated. It took me 3 hours to ascend the 22.5 mile climb, but I reached the summit feeling good. Because Bake Oven is an out-and-back, the climb also afforded me the opportunity to see how many people were ahead of me, and by how much. I was shocked by how few people were descending while I was climbing. I would later find out that the heat had claimed many victims. By 6pm I reached the turn around. The intense heat of the day had passed and I felt rejuvenated. I made the 22.5 mile return trip in an hour.

I pulled into the race HQ at 7pm, having finished the 157 mile day loop in 12 hours & 15 minutes. I took a 1/2 hour break to change into a clean set of cycling clothing, affix headlights and taillights to my bike & helmet and to strap on some reflective bands for safety. During that half hour, the sun had gone down, and I set off on the 27 mile night loop in almost complete darkness.

I've often ridden my bike in the dark, mostly while bike commuting, but that has been “town riding” usually accompanied by street lights and plenty of motor vehicle traffic for light and company. Thus, it was a bit unnerving to head off into the inky blackness of the night loop. The roads on the night loop are VERY lightly traveled, and very lightly populated. Thus, I had nothing to rely on for guidance other than my headlight. I knew the route in daylight, but in the dark of night, everything looked different and I felt as though I was continually cycling into a black hole. Unlike the day loop, rider support vehicles were not permitted on the night loop. So I was well and truly alone out there, with just my thoughts for company.

The first loop was mostly uneventful, though the effort of the day was really starting to weigh on me. My legs, while not cramping, were very tight, and my right Achilles tendon started to ache. I began to think ahead to October 18th, and the half marathon I'd been training for for almost a year. Would continuing to ride jeopardize my ability to run that race? As I pulled into the race HQ at the end of the loop, I began to consider calling it a night at that moment. 184 miles was respectable, I thought.

But of course, peer pressure is a strong and powerful force. Race staff and fellow competitors encouraged me to take a break, have a snack, then get out there again for another lap.

So, I did just that. And three miles up the climb, my headlight died.

There are ~10 billion stars in the Milky Way galaxy, and ~10 billion galaxies in the universe. 3 miles outside of Maupin Oregon, I stood straddling my bike, sucking on a Gu Roctane, and staring up at what seemed like every single one of those 10 billion billion stars.

My ride was over. I had covered 187 miles and climbed ~17,000 feet in 16 hours. As I stood staring up at all those stars, I realized that I was OK with that. While I didn't ride 24 hours, I knew I had accomplished much of what I'd set out to do that day. I'd had a great time, I'd maintained a positive attitude and I'd cheered loudly for each and every racer who passed me that day.

And so, with that, I plucked a red taillight off my helmet and used it to light my way as I slooooowly descended back down into Maupin, while in my head I was already plotting my training plan for *next* year's race.

24 Hours

2009-09-10T16:54:00.000-07:00

"Don't even consider stopping. Know when you take off that you're going to ride all night."

Sunrise in Maupin, Oregon this coming Saturday morning will be at 6:39am. At precisely 6:43am, I will mount my trusty Felt. If all goes well, I will not get off (save for the occasional "bio break") until precisely 6:43am on Sunday morning, 2 minutes past the 6:41am sunrise.

"Comfort = speed. Don't wear your lightest shoes if they're tight."

In it's 5th year, the Ring of Fire Time Trial has attracted riders from all over the Pacific Northwest. Only one woman, Sandy Earl, has ever entered the 24 hour event. She covered 282 miles. This year, SIX women, myself included, have bellied up to the bar.

"Eat. Food. Warm food helps you stay awake. I like chicken noodle soup."

The course is, to put it mildly, challenging. The "day loop" is 157 miles and gains nearly 15,000 feet of elevation. After completing that, riders will ride laps around the "night loop", a 27 mile circuit that gains approximately 2200 feet of elevation. Sandy's 282 mile course record includes more than 25,000 feet of climbing.

"There are a lot of vault toilets on the night loop from the bridge on. Use them, don't waste time going into your room."

I've never ridden a 24 hour race before. Can I stay on my bike for 24 hours straight? I don't know. Will my stomach rebel after so many hours? I don't know. Will my Terry Damselfly saddle, which I love on a century ride, love me back after 18, 20, 22, 24 hours? I don't know.

"The temperature can vary about 15 degrees over the course at night - very cold on the approach to Tygh Valley... your support people should dress you for that temperature and just let you whine about the cold spot."

So, how will I judge my success? Well, I'll be delighted if I'm still conscious and riding come 6:43am Sunday morning! Beyond that, I'm trying not to set any expectations for myself, other than to try to have a good time, maintain a positive attitude and cheer LOUDLY for any and all racers who ride past me.

Wish me luck!

Want to follow the action? "Live" race updates will be posted throughout the event here: http://www.raceacrossoregon.com/roftt_teams/ Details about the event can be found here: http://www.raceacrossoregon.com/roftt

Many thanks to Sandy Earl for her many words of wisdom and advice.

Ride Report: Pie Champ Ride

2009-06-25T13:27:00.001-07:00

Team Estrogen IT wizard & pie lover Jeff Mendenhall tells the tale of Tuesday's Pie Champ Ride, one of hundreds of creative rides happening over a 2-week period all around the Portland Metro area as part of Portland's annual Pedalpalooza event. For more details on Pedalpalooza, please visit http://www.shift2bikes.org/cal/viewpp2009.php

In many ways it was inevitable that Jeff would enter last night's pie eating contest. He comes from a long line of pie eaters who have escalated the traditional Thanksgiving pie into a requirement that the pie-to-people ratio at that blessed event be maintained at a minimum of 1:1. One of Mr. Mendenhall's most treasured posessions is his "Pie for Strength" T-shirt. He is frequently asked by friends and neighbors to bake a pie for dessert. Given this rich history, and the fact that he is an avid cyclist, it is completely understandable that he would find the advertisement for a Pie Ride irresistable.

http://www.shift2bikes.org/cal/viewpp2009.php#23-927

Jeff and his partner Susan rode their tandem bike from Hillsboro to the start of the ride in NE Portland. At 10PM sharp, a motley collection of 30 or so cyclists riding everything from BMX bikes to hand-crafted Tall bikes, left a non-descript parking lot and coasted downhill about 1 mile to the "Whiffie Cart" where the contest was to be held.

The field of challengers was small. Only 6 brave individuals stepped up to the plate to participate in the "no hands 3-pie speed eating" division. 3 foolish but gutsy men opted to compete for the title of "Pie Champ" and try to break the current record of 7 pies.

As he engaged in pre-race banter with the other competitors, Jeff felt he had a good chance of winning the 25 free pies that were being offered to the winner of the speed eating contest. "After all," he said, "this is just like eating 3 medium size pieces of pie, and I routinely eat that many pieces of pie AFTER a large Thanksgiving meal. How hard can it be?"

At the start of the clock Jeff dived face-first into one of the golden fried piles of gooey, coconut creme goodness and gobbled up the first pie in mere seconds. But then he had to come up for air and actually swallow all the pie that was stuffed in his cheeks. By the time he was halfway-through the second pie (a chocolate pudding concoction), the crowd was chanting something about only 1 bite left. Unfortunately, Jeff still had an entire pie to go!

The winner slurped up three pies in 2 minutes and 14 seconds. She employed a winning strategy of using her face to smush all 3 pies into a slimey mass and then hoovered it all up with amazing speed. She then thoroughly demoralized the competition by proceeding to eat a 4th pie, all in less than 4 minutes.

Mr. Mendenhall says he'll be back next year, but only as part of the chanting crowd.

Hearts, Flowers & Butterflies

2009-06-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

It’s a common customer refrain: “Why do apparel companies always make women’s product in nothing but hearts, flowers and butterflies?? And pink – yuck! Why do manufacturers think all women want to wear pink??”

Oh my, where to begin?

First, you should know that it drives me bonkers when bike industry vendors “shrink it and pink it” as a means to attract female customers. I can recall an especially egregious case of a vendor trying to sell to Team Estrogen a “women’s floor pump”. What, I asked, made these pumps women-specific? Why, they were pink, of course! Not surprisingly, we declined to purchase them.

When it comes to women’s apparel, I have several priorities when making buying decisions for the website.

1) Has this item been designed to fit women well?
2) Does this item provide a good value at its price point?
3) Will the color/print photograph well enough to look good on the website?
4) Will the color/print appeal to our customers?

I am confronted with the hearts/flowers/butterflies/pink issue every time I try to answer questions 3 & 4. After eleven years of selling apparel online, here’s what I’ve learned.

A) Brighter/bolder colors photograph well and sell best. Saturated hues of red, blue and pink are always strong performers. Orange, yellow, green and purple tend to be hit or miss, either because the color is difficult to capture accurately, or because the color is “out of style” in a particular season. “Easter egg” colors, ie. pastel hues of blues/greens/lilacs, etc often sell poorly because they can look grayish or washed out online, even if they are quite pretty shades in person.

B) PINK is a perennial best seller. Time and again, if we carry a style in several colors, pink almost *always* outsells the other color options. I recently did an analysis of search terms people type on the TeamEstrogen.com website. Searches for “pink” outnumbered every other color search by more than 14 to 1! Consider this search data for a recent time period:

504 pink
36 green
36 red
36 orange
33 purple
30 blue
28 yellow

So, it would seem that the people who dislike pink items are far outnumbered by the people who specifically want to buy pink items. An interesting historical aside is that pink was traditionally a *man’s* color. Pink did not become associated with women until sometime around WWII.

C) Prints always outsell solid/color-blocked jerseys. We’re told by our vendors that the opposite is true for traditional brink-and-mortar retailers. We’ve come up with 2 theories as to why that might be the case. First, prints tend to “pop” off the webpage and catch a shopper’s attention. We have many, many prints that aren’t typically found elsewhere (some of which we request vendors to make specifically for us) and customers seem to gravitate towards them. Secondly, bike shops often have limited floor space and the shop’s buyer (oftentimes a male) may be inclined to purchase mostly solid colors as they are more of a “sure thing” than a print that the buyer is unsure will appeal to his market’s female customers.

D) OK, so if prints sell well, why do the prints always seem to be hearts, flowers and butterflies? Ah, this is harder to answer. Some of our vendors are creative with geometric prints and alternate designs (see Sheila Moon or Shebeest for a few good examples) but in other cases it’s because the designers lack imagination. We’re always thrilled when we find designers who are thinking outside the heart-flower-butterfly box, but some seasons it is slim pickings. To address this, we recently sponsored a jersey design contest on the team estrogen forums http://forums.teamestrogen.com to put the design process into the hands of our customers. We received dozens of entries. Nonetheless, many submissions, as well as the winners by vote of the forum members, included styles that had flowery themes.

We will always try to offer to you apparel in all colors of the rainbow, and in every conceivable print. At the end of the day we will be most successful, and our customers will be most happy, if we give you what you ask for. And for some of you that continues to be… hearts, flowers, butterflies and pink.

We welcome your comments!

Bra Fitting 101

2009-05-14T12:43:00.001-07:00

Sports bra manufacturer Moving Comfort estimates that 75-80% of women wear the wrong size bra. Wearing the wrong size bra can have dramatically negative consequences. An ill-fitting bra is uncomfortable, can easily cause chafing, restricts or inhibits range of motion and can result in long term damage to or sagging of a woman's breast tissue.

If you surf the internet looking for bra fitting methods, you'll rapidly discover there are multiple ways to address the question. To help you better understand bra terminology and get you on your way to a better fit, we've put together a Sizing Guide on our website.

You can find that guide at: http://www.teamestrogen.com/content/sports-bra-sizing-guide

If you're unhappy with your current bras, and have been looking for an excuse to pick up some new ones, now is a great time to check the selection at TeamEstrogen.com. We are running a promotion on all sports bras from now through May 31st. Find all the details here: http://www.teamestrogen.com/content/promotions_braSale

Why I Participate in Triathlon

2009-05-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

by Katie Jordan, TE Staff Member

When Susan asked me to write a blog entry about triathlon I wasn't sure what to write. It was hard to write about just one aspect, because it touches my life in so many ways. I tend to be a tech-y, data oriented, analytical athlete, so my first thought was to break down and explain each discipline. But really, what fun is that? As I sat and thought about it for awhile, all my training and racing memories flowed by and made me excited and giddy. So, I decided to share with you what triathlon means to me and how it touches and inspires my life every day.

I remember the first time I watched a triathlon. I was a young kid, maybe 7 or 8, flipping through the TV channels. I stopped on NBC's broadcast of the Triathlon World Championship in Kona. Immediately, I became glued to the TV, amazed by what I saw. As I reflect back, this was the spark to what became a burning inferno. As I grew older the flame grew as I dabbled in and out of swimming, biking and running. I am not a natural athlete (some might say clumsy :)) and never found myself to be great at any of the three disciplines. It wasn't until a few years ago that I pieced them all together and did my first triathlon, and what do you know? I found something I was good at.

Like most triathletes, I was quickly addicted to the sport. It is so much more to me than swim, bike, and run. It's a test of my limits, strength and courage. It's the positive race atmosphere and the community coming together to put on the events. It's another competitor smiling at me on the bike or giving me a thumbs up on the run. It’s the crowd cheering “Rock on, lookin' good” when I'm bloated, tired and possibly feeling at my worst. It's eating a half gallon of ice cream guilt free! (I'm not advising anyone do this; I'm just sayin' :).

Triathlon gives back what I put in. It has taught me time management and planning. Have you ever gone to the pool and forgotten your swimsuit, thereby missing a workout? Or maybe discovered two left running shoes in your bag? Do this a few times and planning will become second nature.

I have a new found appreciation for nature and am thankful to live and train in such a beautiful city. There is no better way to start the day than running toward the sun when it's rising, or racing the daylight on my bicycle when the sun sets. Somehow the sky always wins. I never seem to learn that!

I've been given lessons on patience and am often humbled by the sport. We're given one body and have to work with what we have. We can test our limits but must also know our limits so as not to abuse ourselves. Abuse is only for race day. (Kidding!) As someone who is still rather new to the sport, I've made many mistakes. Live and learn, right? A recent injury sparked creativity and made me realize that I can make lemonade out of sour lemons. A fracture to my fibula prevented me from running on land, so instead I took it to the water and kept up my run endurance via aqua jogging. When the glass becomes half empty tip it over (with lid on!) and now the glass is half full. I've learned we must always think outside the box, and be ready to execute alternate plans. Always race with a smile as it is contagious and does a body and soul good.

I'm often inspired by watching friends or complete strangers achieve personal records or defy boundaries. Triathlon is accepting of all - young and old, fit and curvy, those with amazing genetics and those that may be disabled. We all race together yet I think the majority of us race against ourselves – searching and reaching for that next PR. The start of the race begins in the water and will end at the glorious finisher’s line. Everything in the middle is what we call triathlon.
This year I've set my goals/dreams high, as I've signed up for Ironman Canada, hoping this will be the first of many Ironman races in my future. My friends and family tease me (in a positive way of course!). They think I'm a little “crazy”. I reply “I'm crazy in love with multi sport.”

Editors note: Katie was the 2nd place female finisher at the 2009 Canby Gator Grinder Triathlon on May 9th, 2009. She is pictured above along with TE staff members Renata, Jeff, Susan and Edna, Renata's son Erik, and TE friend Laura.

For race day, Katie chose to wear a Louis Garneau Shark Power Trisuit.

Sneak Peek: She Loves Hills Jersey

2009-05-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

This spring we held a cycling jersey design contest over on the Team Estrogen Forums. Our intent was to choose one, possibly two, jerseys to produce for sale on the TeamEstrogen.com website. Easier said than done...we were so delighted with the design submissions that we chose FOUR designs to produce.

Here's a Sneak Peek of the 1st production sample of the She Loves Hills design submitted by TE Forum member Urlea.

The petals on the daisy read:
"She Loves Hills
She Loves Them Not
She Loves Hills
She Loves Them Not"

The back of the jersey has a single petal inscribed with "She Loves Hills".

The jersey is being produced in sizes XS-XXL and will feature a 3/4 length hidden zipper, 3 back pockets and no elastic at the waist or arm openings. Delivery is expected in about 8 weeks!

Business Casual

2009-05-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

Recently I was invited to attend a luncheon benefiting the re-election of Earl Blumenauer, a Congressman from Oregon who is a key member of the Congressional Bike Caucus. The dress code was “business casual”. Being in the bike biz, my definition of business casual *might* be a wee bit different than, say, your average banker. Nonetheless, I knew I could pull together a stylish outfit that would be as functional for the event as it would be for the bike ride to get myself there.

Here is the result:

The Skirt Sports SexyBack Dress has a built-in shelf bra, T-back construction, and plenty of stretch to move with me as I pedaled to the event. It was a beautiful spring day here in Portland - clear and a little cool. So, I paired the dress with a Sheila Moon Bolero, a pair of Shebeest Pedal Pushers and my Sidi Dominators.

What do you think? Did I achieve my “business casual” goals?

2009-04-24T16:41:00.000-07:00

We have a great new feature on our website: outfits! You can even embed the outfits you create on other web pages. See below:

Women's sportswear at Team Estrogen

We'll have a more detailed post about our outfits feature and how to use it, coming up on Monday.

UMCA Hall of Fame

2009-04-21T17:28:00.000-07:00

TE's very own Sandy Earl has been nominated for inclusion in the Ultra Marathon Cycling Association Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame "honors cyclists whose careers best exemplify the spirit of the sport". If elected, Sandy would be only the third woman to achieve the distinction, joining 6-time RAAM finisher Seana Hogan as well as Susan Notorangelo, who has both won RAAM and set a transcontinental tandem record with husband Lon Haldeman.

Sandy is no stranger to ultra cycling. As a veteran of numerous 24 hour events, Furnace Creek 508, Race Across Oregon, etc., Sandy loves to take on a challenge. For 2009, she is looking forward to her third finish in the women's solo division of the 530 mile Race Across Oregon, with the aim of qualifying for RAAM 2010.

Sandy is also an experienced crew chief for ultra-cycling events. Even solo attempts are "team" events in that a rider relies on a strong crew for race support. Sandy's riders always finish, a testament not only to their fitness, but also to her superior organizational skills, positive attitude and team-building skills. And some really strong coffee for the crew.

Sandy said "I was initially ambivalent about accepting the nomination - looking at past inductees, I'm nowhere in that league! I'm also hoping that I'm nowhere near finished with my ultracycling career so writing a retrospective on it felt a little weird. As a nominee, I'll have a bit of a writeup in an upcoming UMCA magazine. Several individuals have been nominated, and the choice is put to the membership. Inducted or not, it's a hell of an honor. "

To read more about Sandy and her ultracycling career, click on over to Triathlete Diva's blog post about Sandy.

To learn more about Race Across Oregon, visit the RAO website.

To read more about participating in an event as part of a rider's crew, you can read my tale of serving as crew chief for a 2005 RAO team here.

Adventure Cycling Contest Winner

2009-04-21T17:04:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Tarin H of Warwick, NY! Tarin's name was drawn from the thousands of entries we received for our 2009 Adventure Cycling trip giveaway.

For more information on Adventure Cycling, visit their website at http://www.adventurecycling.org/

If you'd like to hear about *your* next chance to win a getaway, or simply want to keep up with the happenings at Team Estrogen, please sign up for our newsletter here: http://www.teamestrogen.com/content/newsletter

Bike Talk Podcast

2009-04-13T12:10:00.000-07:00

If you missed the broadcast of Bike Talk's Women on Bikes show, you can download the podcast here:

http://tinyurl.com/c4bvbw

The show was jam-packed with interesting guests; I was honored to be a part of the show. Here's a rundown of who participated:

CRYSTAL from ROCK N ROAD CYCLERY
LIZ & SHAY from CICLE talking about adult bicycle education
RENEA from JAMIS BIKES
NATALIE from SWEETPEA BICYCLES, a custom bike manufacturer
LORRI from VELO GIRLS CYCLING CLUB
SUSAN from TEAMESTROGEN.COM
JAQUIE PHELAN From WOMBATS

You can learn more about Bike Talk at http://biketalk.us/

Sneak Peek: Sheila Moon for Fall 2009

2009-04-10T16:02:00.000-07:00

Here at TE HQ, we're in the midst of making our purchasing decisions for Fall 2009. Today we met with Sheila of Sheila Moon Athletic Apparel to preview her Fall Line. Her apparel for fall revolves around functional and fashionable looks for the urban cyclist.

As always, I couldn't resist taking a few minutes to try on some items. One of her signature fabrics for fall is an amazingly snuggly ribbed fleece in 3 colors, including the black fleece full-zip hoodie I'm wearing above. I loved the long, over-the-hip length, as well as the loooong sleeves with thumb holes. Totally functional on or off the bike! Her other signature fabric is a wool-blend houndstooth (67% wool/25% poly/8% nylon), worn above in Sheila's Wool Riding Britches and Wool Cycling Cap.

Sheila pays attention to the details that make these pieces ideal for cycling. Note the reinforced seat panel for durability and the articulated knees on the Britches. Hidden under the hoodie (though visible while riding) are the Britches' two back pocket zippers, which are reflective for safety while riding in low light conditions. The hoodie has plenty of length in the back, and 2 back pockets for storing essentials. There's even a pocket on the hoodie's sleeve, ideal for stashing your cell phone for quick access.

We expect to take delivery of Sheila's Fall 2009 apparel collection at the beginning of September. Stay tuned!

On the radio tomorrow!

2009-04-10T11:16:00.001-07:00

I've been invited to be on a bicycling-focused radio program tomorrow! Every Saturday from 10am to noon (PST), Bike Talk is broadcast live from a community radio station in Los Angeles. You can stream the live broadcast at http://biketalk.us/ or subscribe to the show's podcast.

The second Saturday of each month focuses on women's cycling. This week's guests also include cycling coach Lorri Lee Lown from Velo Girls. http://www.velogirls.com/

Have questions? The show features a call-in segment, so get ready to dial. It would be great to hear from you!

Welcome!

2009-04-09T11:18:00.001-07:00

Thanks for visiting the new TE blog. We are planning to use this space to:

deliver "micro tutorials" of interest to our customers,
answer frequently asked questions from our customers,
show in-depth product reviews by TE staff,
and post news about exciting new products as they are introduced.

We are open to suggestions - what would *you* like to see us do with this blog?