The Brommie training continued with a speedy
trip to the Barbican of 5.77 miles in 35 minutes with a max speed of 20.1 -
huzzahhh - on the flat! Then a further
19.84 miles in 2hrs 6 with a max speed of 24.3 (although a hill helped that!)
as I went home via North London.
Cycling is indeed all about the bike. Is it safe? Is
there the correct amount of air in the tyres? Do the brakes work? Is the chain rust free?
But after
that ......... it's all about feeling like you look a million dollars. Focussing my mind is the Brompton World
Championships a definite two-fold (hahaha!) affair. It is after all, a race, so speed is of the essence.
Starting with baselayers, my online research for all things Merino led me yesterday
to Icebreaker who have started increasing their range - shorts, dresses and
hoodies. As I don't shop online this meant a trip to Central London. I like to see pieces first, try them on,
check the fit and the size, see how they look.
On top of which staying in waiting for deliveries or queuing at the post
office clutching While You Were Out cards does not appeal to me - I'd prefer to
be riding my bike!
I headed to Snow and Rock in Covent Garden who apparently
have the largest selection of Icebreaker merino in Europe It's a pity they display it in such a way
that you have to pick up each hanger to see the item - like being in C&A.
The prices however do not reflect C&A in any shape or form....
Sadly, for me, the designs are a little too much
reminiscent of the 70s. Not the sort of sharp chic I was looking for. And dresses in merino at £145 can be beaten
by dresses in Lycra from M&S for well over a quarter of the price. Icebreaker baselayers however are second to
none - although not available in Europe's largest selection as you need to be
in a cycling shop for that. D'oh!
Painful!
Today however was a totally different
ballgame. A real treat!
My continual search to find wardrobe pieces that
combine super cycling comfort with uber style reached new heights today thanks
to Velovixen - a partnership formed on
two wheels - by cyclists for cyclists! A husband and wife team who having genuinely cycled the length of
America have now set up this brilliant online business sourcing - handpicking -
pieces that aren't just fundamentally brilliant for cycling but that still look
fabulous when you are not on the bike. Genius!
Although they are an online business, it is
possible to meet them by appointment which worked perfectly for me. A really fascinating time hearing about
their story, seeing their collection and admiring the imminent ride Philip is
about to start - the entire Tour de France prior to the Pros in July. I also saw the Thorn bike that Philip rode around America. It has been designed to separate into two parts to help traveling by plane. Their cycling story really is incredible.
Whilst the mainstream cycle shops like Evans
Cycles and Cycle Surgery are a one stop shop for all things bicycle - great for
getting started - Velovixen are a cut above the rest as their cycling knowledge combined with being independent means they can choose their suppliers as they find and engage new
designers and pieces. Pushing boundaries in terms of technology and design. Perfect!
I really loved their collection - sassy, great quality and they stock Vulpine which really is merino for
cyclists!
They also have a range of reflective items that are not the normal tabards - but are
smaller and yet still as visible. And because they are dealing directly with
designers they can feed back ideas and comments. Velovixen are definitely being bookmarked as
one of my favourites. What a find! Their story is worth a read in itself.
I am still not out of the woods yet tho! The
main worry for me in the Brompton World Championships is the dress code. Err - jacket and tie??!! For everyone?? I am a
girl! The team tie has been ordered but I have yet to work out how to wear it
and what to wear with it. I don't wear
ties - not least because I don't look or sing like either Bonnie Tyler or Lulu!
Will think on!! And I shall keep my eye on Velovixen
