For Whom BELL Tolls

Here in New England we were ecstatic to win the Bell Built Grant for a new flow trail on Burke Mountain in 2013. It was something the entire community of mountain bikers would enjoy. Bell has continued to award grants for trail expansions since, but for 2016 they have a new, profound focus, and it's YOU!

Oh yeah, ladies! The spotlight is on you. Bell has seemingly heard the cries, strike that, screams of the women regarding the industry and it's lack of focus on us. The industry that has exploited women for advertising purposes, published shameful marketing campaigns (Superior Bikes), and straight up ignored the existence of the female mountain biker (great way to promote your race, btw).

Finally, the Bell tolls, and hopefully the sun is setting on the controversy women have been fighting so passionately against in the cycling industry. 

"For 2016, Bell will be identifying 5 women in 5 towns to help us achieve our mission to get more women riding on dirt more often...."

Who else better to grow the women's industry, than the women themselves? Bell wants to help make that happen. Bell has stepped up to the plate with more than just a marketing campaign, but a true Put Their Money Where Their Mouth Is grassroots program.

"The Bell Joy Ride Program is designed to inspire and enable female mountain bikers with regular, structured, fun and social rides that appeal to all levels of riders. This is a space where female riders can enjoy both challenge and camaraderie in a non-race oriented environment."

Is this for real!!? I could not be more stoked about this! As a rider. As a woman. As a leader of my local mountain bike organization. As an ambassador of our sport. As someone who is constantly promoting more women on bikes! This is like the planets have aligned. 

Well, maybe. We are a little behind here on the East Coast, especially in New England. I have friends throughout the US organizing amazing women's events with amazingly supportive communities, and often realize how far ahead they are in this movement.

A short winter trip out West this past year confirmed my notion when I rode with women of various skills and time on the bike. They were growing their group rides much faster. The only variable is the amount of women's programs available, and continuing to rotate 

                                                                                   through their area during the year. 

We need more women focused programs and rides! 

We need the help!

Now, it's not that we don't have ANY women's programs or rides. We have several outstanding leaders here in New England that have been doing a great job for the past few years, but we need more.

Are you a leader? Do you want to help? 

You can apply to be one of the five Bell Joy Ride Ambassadors. Bell will be accepting application through November 1, 2015 and deciding whom will represent the Joy Ride program by December 1, 2015.

Men vs Women - Feeding the Fire with Bull Shit IMO

OK, here is my rant for the day. Yes, sexism is a thing. Yes, sometimes it is a ridiculous issue, but this article actually aggravated me in the other direction. It seems more like an attempt to keep the sexism, men v. women, drama rolling, rather than a valid report. These "12 Things" are a stretch at best, but if these are true complaints then these are my responses.

(You may have to actually review the article to understand some of my rebuttals.)

Does the man in your life fix your punctures?

Latest issue - Sidewall tear, but I knew how
 to mend it and I made it out of the woods.

In my house, I am the bike mechanic and all around maintainer of the fleet, and there are plenty of women out there that are more than capable of fixing and maintaining their bikes. BUT why wouldn't this be a question? From what I see on the trails, I am never shocked to hear comments like this. All too often, I've heard, read, and witnessed the "damsel in distress" attitude.

I was blown away when I read an article about what to carry on the trail and some of the women who responded openly admitted they just show up to ride, and don't worry about bringing tools or supplies because someone else on the ride will have them.

WHAT!? If that is your attitude, I will leave your ass to hike out! Man or woman.

If women want to stop being treated like they are helpless, then show up prepared to fix your own bike. Get a multi tool, a pump, CO2, some zip ties, and hell, get a freaking spare tube! Learn how to take care of your bike!


"Just like the men's version, but made to fit a woman"

Where is the confusion? What will it do for you? Everything it will do for the guys, but it will fit you better. It doesn't take an MIT grad to figure this one out.

If you want to know more about the bike, read the main description in the men's version. Stop whining, and go look. It's "just like the men's"! Same components, but "made to fit a woman". (Except those of us that don't fit on Women Specific set ups)

*Silence*

OK, yes, there is a chance that you walk into a bike shop to silence, but if they hounded you and tried to give you a tour, I'm sure there would still be complaints. Then it would be, "I don't need hand holding just because I am a woman."

I'm not shy. If I want to talk, I will go chat up whomever is in the shop, but I like the respect of walking in and being able to look around without being followed. If I'm looking for something specific, I will ask.

Here is a solution, speak up! Talk to them! Say Hi! Maybe they are shy. Maybe they are the same with every customer. Maybe you are not special just because you are a chick. Stop being offended by EVERYTHING!

Are you going to be ok without a compact?

Yes, I've experienced the issue of being profiled. I am a chick, so I don't ride as hard, or know what I'm talking about. It has happened. I got over it. I just shop elsewhere. Respect me, respect my money, or lose out. Not going to cry about it.

I got a "pass" from my wife/girlfriend to do this event...

I could go on about this one for days!

Seriously? This offends? Maybe as women you don't understand this struggle, but as a chick who rides with a bunch of guys, I can attest to their struggle. I think the entire "can I please go ride my bike" saga may be more infuriating for me than them. I can't believe how often some guys struggle to get out of the house to go ride. Maybe if their partner didn't act like a prison guard it wouldn't be such an issue.

On the flip side, I've also heard women who struggle with this same ordeal. I even know of one who went from learning to mountain bike to becoming a complete roadie because her husband did not like her riding in the woods. She is completely happy and still on two wheels, so who am I to judge.

Do you have trouble finding jeans?

Not sure what the complaint is here. YES! Yes I do have trouble finding jeans, and I know a ton of women riders that struggle with this exact issue. BIG stretch here.

"Vets and Women"

This is not OK. I understand the race promoter side of this, but there should be separate podiums even if the actual race runs these groups together. It's difficult in the race world when there are not enough women attending to have separate categories. Learn the whole story, don't just think it is because it's the "women" category. Help the promoters get more attendees. Engage. Get involved. Or live with it. Change comes from solutions, not complaints.

Weight loss, men shaving their legs... who cares.

Lucky Saddle!

What woman is tired of hearing she has a nice ass? Maybe by the same freak every week, but in general? I say, "Thanks!"

I call Bull Shit!

Are women actually "sick of hearing" these things? Is this really what women focus on? I know a TON of female riders and I'm not hearing this stuff.

IF, in a larger population consensus, these are the things women are actually complaining about then, I, as a woman, say "MAN UP!" Pull up your big girl panties and stop being offended by everything. Maybe it's more of a roadie thing, I don't know, but, as a woman, I am tired of all the men vs women media drama. There are plenty of valid issues within the industry, and then there are articles like this. I want to read about technology advancements, products, places to ride, skills... all the real stuff.

Reality TV does not belong in the woods. I ride to get away from the BS of the world. Don't bring it into my happy place.


***Update: Since writing this blog in rebuttal against the original article, the article has now been amended to be less men vs women. Here is the updated version.

Gear Review: Troy Lee Designs Womens Skyline Short Speeda Yellow

First impressions:

When TLD released their 2015 line up, I was stoked to see some awesome new colors and fabric patterns for women. I have a couple pairs of older TLD Skyline shorts and I love them. TLD has been a favorite of mine because of their true American sizing style. I'm sure most of us have struggled with the sizing conundrum of the cycling industry at some point.

Based on the information provided on their web site size chart, I ordered a medium with the hopes that these "baggies" would fit my waist AND still be baggy on my thighs and quads. When the package came, I removed the shorts, and I was immediately pleased with the light, silkiness of the fabric. Perfect for warm weather riding!

Time to try these babies on. I pulled them on with ease. The waist fit great, with a little extra space. The cut was form fitting and flattering on my curvy hips and butt. No non essential waist pocket bulkiness. No sagging crotch. Feeling kind of cute in these things, and the patterned print will definitely catch some attention on and off the trails.

                                                      Pros:

• Cargo pocket - Always a plus in my book. No need to buy the men's design to get the cargo pocket with TLD.

• Fabric - Absolutely love it. Light, silky, and pull resistant.

• Design - All around great features. Two-way stretch in the hip/leg for pedaling. Relaxed, two-way stretch waist to prevent muffin top. Multiple pocket locations for whatever your preference. True waist fit! No hipsters here. Lean into that bike with crack-free confidence, "so you can focus on what you love best: The thrill of the ride."

• Patterned Print - Thank goodness for some bright colors without the overload of girly. I finally have a pair of riding shorts that are not black.

Cons:

• Cargo pocket could be a little bigger/deeper. Big enough for the average smart phone.

• No zipper!? The double button, zip up fly design in my older Skylines was replaced with a double button, velcro fly design for 2015. I'm not a fan. The velcro will wear. It sticks to the inside flap opening, which I'm also not a fan of, and is already creating pulls in that.

• No waist adjustment. I bought the medium based on the measurements. I love the relaxed fit to allow for comfort, gear, and to prevent the dreaded muffin top, but the option to cinch the waist would be most beneficial.

• Baggie not baggie enough. I know not everyone has larger thighs, but not everyone with a small waist has tiny little thin thighs. We ride bikes. We have quads!

Personal fit:

I'm 5'5", 150 lbs. and I have curves, hips and butt. No box figure here. The shorts are extremely flattering on my curves and I love that. With my genetics, plus the quads of a mountain biker, I would prefer a more relaxed fit through the thighs and quads. Personally, I prefer the form fitting waist, hips, and butt, with a slight flare to the legs. Humidity, sweating, and tight legged shorts aren't friendly, but weren't bad in these shorts either. The proposed flare style is also conducive to the shorts moving freely over knee pads, instead of being bunched up above them. 

My measurements:
Waist -  80cm / 31.5 inches (Almost a size Small)
Hips -  101cm 

Thighs - 62cm 

Quads - 52cm

I applaud TLD for taking in the over baggie design to create a more form fitting and flattering cut for women, but we're not all created equal and some thigh/quad room would be great. Maybe look at an additional "relaxed fit" option in the future. I could go up a size and possibly have more leg room, but the waist would be WAY too big at that point. Adding hip and thigh measurements to the size chart would also be beneficial. This lack of information left me second guessing what size to order and delayed my purchase for some time.

Overall, minus my personal cons and personal fit preferences, I love these shorts. I've received a ton of compliments on them and have shared why I love TLD shorts with every compliment. Now to go back on DirtyJane.com and order some more!

___________________________________________________________________________

From TLD: 

You spoke up and we answered. No flowers, no butterflies, just the bod, aggressive styling you want and expect from Troy Lee Designs. Unsurpassed fit and quality tailored just for you. No frills and no fuss so you can focus on what you love best: The thrill of the ride.

• 2-way stretch, highly durable 90% Polyester / 10% Spandex mix

• Secure zipper front stash pocket

• Zipped cargo side pocket

• High quality ribbed spandex stretch panel

• Lycra backed fly opening

Self Medicating: A letter of Gratitude to my Dealer

I walked out of the hospital today unable to fight off tears that automatically rolled down my face, and I immediately thought of you. I need a fix. I need to escape this reality. I know you can help. I know you’ll make me feel better. I know, because you are the reason I have survived the past couple years. Every day is another struggle, another hurdle, another wall, and I have gotten to the point of self medicating through you almost every day now.

I think the world has given self medicating a bad rep. We all need a resource to keep us going. We all need a resource to help us stay strong through the challenges of life. We all need a resource to help us escape when needed. Some of us just need more doses, stronger doses. Some never find the right medication. Some don’t survive.

It’s funny and sad, in a way, when people comment with how lucky I am. I don’t think needing a daily fix is a “lucky” thing, but it does help me cope and for that I am grateful. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for all you have done. You are always there for me when I need a fix. You’re never too busy, never too tired, never unwilling or unable to supply me with the exact dose I need. Because of you, I, myself, am not in a hospital or worse. Because of you, I can escape, recharge, and make it through another day. You are my source of strength, courage, confidence, and stability.

Thank you for getting me lost, so I can reconnect and find myself. Thank you for beating me up, so I can feel my strength. Thank you for making me lose my balance, so I can find stability. Thank you for scaring me, so I can feel the courage and confidence I need to keep going and get through another day. 

To my dealer, my supplier, my drug, my bike.... Thank You!