She's Got Leggings

And she knows how to use them. Hey, my dad listened to a lot of ZZ Top when I was growing up - I couldn’t help myself! In my years of biking in cold weather, I’ve identified the best garments that work well with my style and the time I spend in the saddle. Today I’m giving a shout-out to leggings!

I have some cotton leggings that are great for the fall and spring. They are warm, have a tight knit that helps to block the wind, and are super comfy. 

The ultimate in leggings for winter are fleece leggings, which look like typical leggings on the outside, but have plush, brushed fleece on the inside. These are warmer and better at blocking the winter wind than cotton leggings. Bonus - they are very quick drying and can handle a light rain or snowfall.

For freezing days - and you know we have plenty of those here in Wisconsin - I double them up. Yes, two luscious layers of fleece leggings. It’s like having your legs in a windproof, warm cloud!

I wear skirts most days during the colder months because it’s hard to beat the warmth and comfort of fleece leggings. My pants aren’t nearly as warm and it’s not comfortable to squeeze my skinny jeans on over leggings or long janes. 

Not only are fleece leggings perfect for cold-weather riding, they are also inexpensive to add to your wardrobe - I’ve found them at TJ Maxx for about $10 a pair. Don’t avoid the weather - avoid not dressing properly for it!

Good-Bye Winter Uniform!

I'm not one to ditch my everyday clothes for anything special simply because I get around on a bike. Still, in the freezing Wisconsin winter, I pile on the necessary gear for warmth: thick mittens, wool coat, winter boots, and even ski goggles, when freezing winds would otherwise sting my cheeks and cloud my vision with tears.

Under this gear, I'll have on some variation of the following outfit: wool skirt, fleece leggings, and a wool or cashmere sweater. Pretty much everyday. 

It's been nice to break out some of my other clothes now that it's warming up some. I'm longing for the day I can trade in my winter boots for my Minnetonka moccasins. Soon!

Winter Wardrobe - Most Worn

When it comes to biking in the cold, I always go back to the same favorite pieces:
 

1. These boots are three winters old and holding up great. Warm, dry feet are critical to comfort, but having cute footwear is also important (right?!).

2. Wool socks are super warm, moisture-wicking, and don't get smelly.

3. This grey cashmere sweater is warm by itself, but is also loose enough that I can put it on over another layer. Its neutral color makes it easy to incorporate in many outfits. This sweater was thrifted by my mom, who has found many other second-hand wool and cashmere sweaters for me.

4. This skirt has been worn for many, many miles. I found this vintage Dolce & Gabbana gem at a thrift store in Rockford, IL about a decade ago. I'll probably still be wearing it in another 10 years!

5. Fleece leggings are warm, cozy and keep me in skirts throughout the winter. For very cold days, I double them up, which works well to block the wind.

6. This scarf was given to me as a souvenir from Scotland by my mother-in-law. After wrapping the soft cashmere around my neck for the first time, I was hooked on this pretty scarf.

Choose Your Bike Bag Wisely

A bike bag should not only feel great on the bike, it should also be suited for a variety of destinations: work, a hike in the woods, errands, the gym, or a beer stop.

I prefer a backpack to carrying a bag in my hands and I find messenger bags uncomfortable when weighted down. A Fjallraven Kanken is a comfortable backpack to carry that has served me well for over a year now. Here are the features that enable it to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle:

1. Plain and classic-looking design. I think this bag looks nice and works well with my wardrobe.

2. Water-resistant, tough fabric. I don't need to make extra preparations for snow or light rain, because the interior of the bag stays dry. Also, I don't have to worry about snagging or ripping the exterior.

3. Pockets! The side pockets are perfect for stashing my sunglasses and phone, making it easy to pull them out and put them away. The front pocket is where I keep all my daily essentials within reach.

4. The main compartment is large enough to give me the option of carrying a 13" laptop, gym bag, some groceries, picnic supplies, or typically whatever else my ride requires. Yet, the Fjallraven Kanken backpack is small enough to be practical and unobtrusive.