Let's Ride Comfortable and Happy into Summer!—Check out the latest Saddle, Sore Newsletter!
Let's all grab a margarita (or a virgin one if you're under 21) and celebrate summer finally being here!
It's been a hectic year, to say the least, and I turn 30 on Sunday, so I'm getting psyched for that. I did a huge revamp to my active adventure/lifestyle site, TheOutdoorEdit.com both in the appearance and the content, and we made over our Consummate Athlete Podcast website, and there are some seriously cool episodes in the works. I also launched my new book series, Shred Girls!
But let's talk Saddle, Sore! I have a couple of articles in this newsletter: the first is a massive list of some of my must-haves for happy riding (I'll be posting it on the site soon as well, and adding to it regularly), so if you're in the market for a new pair of shorts, need some nutrition intel or want a leg up on the competition at the local MTB group ride, I have you covered. And keep scrolling for my favorite cycling-related podcast, plus some non-chamois-related cleaning you're probably missing.
And just a reminder: there's a button under this note so you can email me, because I am dying to know what you're into. What kind of content are you hoping to see over at SaddleSoreWomen.com? What kind of articles would be helpful?
In the meantime, do me a HUGE solid and forward this to a new cyclist in your life!
Ride Comfortable & Ride Happy,
Molly
YOUR RIDING MUST-HAVES
Getting started in cycling and not sure what gear you need? Here are some of my personal favorites that I've tested over the years, from chamois cream to socks! I'll be adding to this over time, so keep checking back in!
(You might notice that I'm not including any saddles on here. That's because I think it's so personal and so specific to every woman, and there just aren't one or two saddles that will work for everyone. So, for that, head to a couple of local bike shops, get your sitbones measured, and try a few saddles to find what fits you.)
Chamois Cream
Petal Power Chamois Cream
This chamois cream has become a favorite of mine in recent years, thanks to how silky smooth it is. It also smells freaking amazing, doesn't feel goopy going on, and works like a dream.
Buy Here
Chamois Butt’r Her’ 10-Pack
But for long rides, I also keep these small packs of Chamois Butt'r on hand. It's great for really long rides when reapplication is necessary, or for race days when I'd rather keep my gear to a minimum. (They're also great for the friend who forgot to bring hers, or for traveling. I've needed to do a lot of laundry from spilled chamois cream in bottles and containers, but these packets are spillproof.)
Buy Here
Cycling Shorts
Chaffree Women's Knickerboxers
If you're riding to work and it's more than a few minutes away, you should be changing underwear when you get to the office. Do yourself a favor and opt for these knickers instead of regular underwear for your morning pedal in: they're a bit longer, so you can safely ride in a skirt and not flash anyone, and they're designed for sweat-absorption and to be, as the name suggests, chafe-free.
Buy Here
Velocio Signature Bib Fly Shorts
If you've never tried bib shorts, please do. They will change your life, I promise. And these, with a zipper in the back, allow you to hit the bathroom without needing to take off a ton of layers. These are pricey, but I've had mine for almost three seasons, washed them and dried them hundreds of times, and they're still in great shape.
Buy Here
Club Ride Damsel Cham
Another great riding-to-work or on errands option, since you can wear these under regular pants and still have a bit of a chamois liner in there to make your ride a little more comfortable and a little less chafed.
Buy Here
Alternate version: Buy Here
Shebeest Petunia Bib Short "Polkamania"
This halter-style of bib shorts is genius for quick pit-stops in the ride, and avoiding the muffin-top issue that plagues us all in shorts.
Buy Here
Terry Bicycle Bella Shorts
If you're a die-hard short wearer, I don't blame you, but I do recommend that you choose a pair that's tailored for women, with yoga-pant-style paneling so they feel comfy even when you're bent over in the drops on your ride.
Buy Here
Jerseys
Shebeest Bellissima Print SL Cycle Jersey
Stretchy, comfortable, and flattering on pretty much any body type (and I've heard that from a wide variety of women!). I love their stuff, and the jersey is no exception. If you like loud colors, this is the brand for you. (I admit, I don't, but I go for the subtle patterns and shades.)
Buy Here
Velocio Women's Light Long Sleeve
I have worn this long sleeve jersey more often than literally any other piece of cycling kit that I own, and I own A LOT. It fits great, works fine even in hot weather, and with a vest, it's fantastic in the cold, and it's genuinely the most flattering piece of cycling clothing I own. I love the slate gray version, personally.
Buy Here
Terry Women's Bella Short Sleeve Jersey
This is a great jersey option for the bigger-chested and fuller figured cyclists out there. My sister swears by hers: they're available in a great range of sizes and are just ultra-comfy.
Buy Here
Accessories
HZH Compression Performance Socks Pack of 3
Bear with me, because this will sound silly at first, but cycling socks get lost more than regular socks. Maybe the dryer monster prefers my pricey cycling socks to my cheapo 6-packs. Whatever the reason, I hate having one sock from a fun pair left hanging. So, I started swapping over to basic cycling socks instead, and the fact that you can buy a three-pack of these is absolutely awesome. (The slight compression is nice too, especially if you have foot pain after rides like I sometimes do from swelling in my shoe.)
Buy Here
Sun Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Clear Zinc Oxide Lotion
I'm a fan of going natural with skin care when I can, especially after a particularly painful sweat-and-sunscreen-in-eyes incident that almost crashed me. Now, I opt for a sun blocker like zinc for my face because it doesn't sting, and it stays in place.
Buy Here
Topeak D2 SmartGauge
If you're a cyclocrosser or a mountain biker, adding a pressure gauge to your ride bag shows that you mean business, and you know what you're doing. This is just a better way to check tire pressure at low pressures (under 35 PSI) compared to a normal pump, and it's one of the easiest ways to improve your riding. When you can start assessing what pressure works best for you on certain terrains, you'll have better traction and better control, and better riding as a result.
Buy Here
Any stretchy skirt
Any stretchy skirt will do—but this is your changing skirt now, so you never end up driving home in your chamois, or stripping down on the trailside as a scout troop hikes by. (Bonus points if you use the skirt to wear for the drive home, sans undies, to let your lady parts get some air! (I like this one because I would also, in a pinch, pull it up as a tube dress, or throw on a nice top and wear it to dinner post-ride!)
Buy Here
Giro Peloton Cap
When it comes to in-ride or post-ride style, there is no greater cure for helmet hair than a stylish, simple cycling cap. It's a personal favorite in every iteration of hair that I've had, from super short to shoulder length. Toss hair in a low ponytail, pull on the cap, and suddenly, you're cycling chic, not hiding helmet hair.
Buy Here
Pack of 5 Road Tubes
Never get caught with a flat again, and be able to help out a friend—and avoid the insane shop charges of $12 per tube—by bulk buying a set of five tubes and keeping them handy. You'll end up using them, I promise.
Buy Here
Food
Nuun Hydration: Electrolyte Drink Tablets
I'm a massive fan of nuun, especially now that they've made their formula a lot more natural. I love the tablets because they travel SO much better than powder, and the fact that they provide electrolytes, some flavor and just a few calories makes them perfect for in-ride and post-ride hydration. (Also, for hangovers. But that's another post entirely...)
Buy Here
Clif Bar 12 Bar Variety Pack
Ahh, Clif Bars. Simple, classic food staples for those endurance rides when you want real food but you don't have a coffee shop in sight. They're just the right blend of tasty treat and sport-specific snack, and the variety pack is a great way to pick your favorite flavor, or just keep mixing it up! (Their chocolate-cherry gel is also my in-ride favorite when I'm doing any intensity.)
Buy Here
Thrive Market Subscription
I was leery of this subscription service when Peter wanted us to get it, but it's actually been freaking awesome for all the crazy health food and sensitive skin supplies that we're super into these days. There are awesome deals on our staples (like Epic Bars for on the road snacks, sardines for him, and our favorite teas), plus eco- and skin-friendly detergents, soaps and makeup. The subscription is pretty inexpensive—think Amazon Prime, but with more health food options, and the boxes come quickly whenever you order. Plus, you get good freebies and deals as you go. We use it to restock our pantry when we're home, but the other major use is when we're in areas that don't have good health food stores or we're only in for a few days, we'll get a box shipped ahead to the hotel or rental or nearby post office so we have food waiting when we get to town. It's a handy system for healthy travelers—I'm actually planning to implement it this fall with the team I work with so that every race weekend, a box of their goodies is ready and waiting, saving me the headache of haunting local health food stores and wasting a ton of time I don't have!
Buy Here (and get 25% off plus free shipping!)
Books & Training Plans
Fuel Your Ride
My no-nonsense guide to cycling nutrition.
Buy Here
Saddle, Sore: Ride Comfortable, Ride Happy
Why you're here: get all of your awkward cycling-related questions answered!
Buy Here
SmartAthlete 3-Month Training Plan
A 3-month training plan designed to help any cyclist, but especially someone new to structured training, get fitter, stronger, and ready to crush her goals for the season. It also has gentle reminders about making sure you’re taking care of your body and your bike in addition to simply putting in the training hours.
Check out the plan here
Get in touch with other women cyclists, ask any of the questions you've always wanted to ask on our Facebook Page, plus find out about events & other fun stuff!
PSA: What Are You Forgetting to Clean?
Cleaning your bike and your kit is pretty obvious, but what about everything else? I recently went through a bit of a skin conundrum where I was freaking out that I was having hormonal issues... and then I realized that it wasn't my hormones that were causing me to break out, it was my gross, gross helmet strap. Because who thinks to clean that? So, here are a few other things I've come to realize need regular cleaning, but that we tend to forget about.
Helmet
Seriously, your helmet straps and pads are super important to clean regularly. I soaked mine in my bathroom sink with a bit of dish soap (and made sure to rinse it really well). This is really key in the summer when you're sweating and have sunscreen and bug spray building up on the straps. It can get pretty freaking gross.
Chest strap
Again, avoid chest acne by washing your heart rate monitor chest strap on a regular basis: most are detachable so they can go right into the washing machine with the rest of your gear. It doesn't have to be after every ride, but it's probably something you should be doing on a weekly basis.
Read the rest of the list here
UP-LEVEL YOUR TRAINING
SmartAthlete Coach Peter Glassford has partnered with me to make a great training plan for my readers! In it, we incorporate many of the training concepts from “Saddle, Sore” into a 3-month training plan designed to help any cyclist, but especially someone new to structured training, get fitter, stronger, and ready to crush her goals for the season. It also has gentle reminders about making sure you’re taking care of your body and your bike in addition to simply putting in the training hours.
Check out the plan here.
If you don't already have a copy of Saddle, Sore, you can buy one here.
Know a Young Cyclist?
Get her inspired over at Shred-Girls.com, a site devoted to featuring both fictional and nonfiction looks at cycling for young middle-grade riders (and potential riders).
Visit the Shred Girls
Discounts for Readers
Save 25% on Cat's Tongue Towels
Cat’s Tongue Towels are always go in my saddlebag and my race bag before rides and trips. They’re designed to get grease off, whether it’s off of your hands when you have to stop to change a flat (anyone else end up with grease smeared on their face after a ride?) or off your bike where the chain left a mark, the towels work really well. I LOVE the individually wrapped ones for rides and when we fly places, but the canister is perfect for sticking in your car and having at all times.
Check them out at catstonguetowels.com and use the code MOLLY for a 25% discount!
20% Off Petal Power Chamois Cream
I'm super excited that Petal Power is offering SaddleSoreWomen.com readers a 20 percent off discount on chamois cream—stock up! I love their Joy Ride System—it has a pre-ride cleansing wipe, a fantastic chamois cream, and a post-ride shower gel. Cannot recommend their stuff enough!
Check it out at petal-power.com and use code SADDLESOREWOMEN for a discount!