Author: tpbWPadmin

GETTING THE MESSAGE OUT.

Partner Spotlight: Message Factory.

Julie Rochefort, Message Factory Founder & CEO

Julie Rochefort has some pretty lofty goals. Her vision for Message Factory is to make a difference for people — those who work for her, those who buy from her, those who live near her. She designs her own fabrics and has them knitted in Montreal, prints with water-based inks, uses organic fibers and recycled materials. Everything is made locally, sustainably and lovingly. Not only is it eco-friendly and socially responsible, but each piece also contains messaging that’s good for the soul.

Terry’s collaboration is cycling-centric, of course, and each season we work with Julie and her team to create one-of-a-kind items that tell a beautiful story. This season, it’s about intuition and listening to our inner voice. In Julie’s words:

You are the smile around you. You are intuitive. You are a soothing hand. You are peace. You are strength. One pedal at a time, you have the power to make a difference.

A liberal use of bamboo and organic cottons, loose fits and interesting asymmetry, wheels and bike love throughout…

Charme – simplify with a one piece

Bea – free in a flowing shift

Sweet Pea – perfectly framed

Walnut Top + Immortelle Skirt

Take flight in the Mandarine + Daisy Crop

April 17, 2020
WHAT’S NEW IN BIKE SHORTS?

You don’t have to be a princess to feel every stitch of a bike short after about mile 30. Leg bands seem to get tighter…waistbands start to dig and feel like they may be making a tattoo on your skin…fabric starts to itch…chamois, well, you don’t even want to think about what’s happening down there. We live and breathe bike shorts at Terry and are always on the hunt for ways to improve them so that you don’t even have to think about them when you ride.

We start the process with a list of issues we’re trying to solve and create a brief that goes to our design team. Schematics are built with specifications for details that can inform our manufacturing sample rooms. From there we work with fabric companies from all over the world to get access to the latest in technical improvements, sometimes developing our own fabrics for specific uses. At the same, we work closely with a chamois company in Italy to create new shapes, densities and ventilation zones for testing. All this takes at least 9 months, many samples and repeated fit sessions.

The result: new and updated Terry bike shorts with all kinds of innovative features for 2020:

New Fabrics

For longer distance cycle touring, we wanted a fabric that felt great against the skin, and was soft but with enough compression to provide muscle support for long days. Our new Wayfarer Short features the resulting French Meryl® nylon in a satin, matte finish. We decided it needed to be a color so behold, Indigo. This is one beautiful, comfortable, high performance bike short – and already one of our best sellers this season.

Additionally, we’ve upped the performance options on liners with the new Aria. Liners normally tend toward the entry level in terms of fabric and chamois, but we wanted to develop something new that you could actually ride in for several hours. By their very nature, liners add heat and bulk so the fabric we selected is a unique open mesh made of a nylon/spandex blend that feels great against the skin and definitely increases the ventilation factor.

Leg Bands

We’ve experimented a lot with leg bands and use many different types of them in our line. The main challenge is to keep shorts from riding up as you pedal, without binding/pinching against the leg (the dreaded sausage effect). Many of you are also unable to have silicone against the skin and most leg grippers use this in some way. We’ve developed a couple of new ways of dealing with leg bands. You’ll find them resident in our Chill Program (built-in leg band which doesn’t require a separate seam but has silicone sprayed in a 2″ pattern at the inside hem), GORE’s new C7 (which uses silicone strips rather than seams to secure the hem and keep shorts in place), as well as the Wayfarer and Bermuda (no gripper, just a turned up, zig-zag hem and a lot of tailoring finesse).

Waistband

We’ve come to the conclusion that short of going the bib route (which effectively removes a waistband altogether), higher and wider is more comfortable when you’re in the bike position. The key is shaping and structuring without adding heavy elastic. It takes some rather sophisticated sewing techniques to make it feel like there’s slight elastic in the band so it stays put, without actually having to use it. Our manufacturer in Spokane has that figured out for us and that’s what you’ll find in both the Holster Hi Rise and new Holster Prima Capri. And GORE offers a new stay-put feature in waistband design with the application of silicone to the inside rear waist in the C7 Short.

Another evolution in the approach to waistbands can be found in the GORE C-5 Short which has an elastic-free front waist panel that’s very wide and made of mesh — a ventilation dream. It stays up by virtue of a well designed side/rear panel with reinforcement.

Chamois

As riding inside has become an essential part of our cycling reality, we’ve worked with our chamois manufacturer in Italy to develop a new concept intended for studio and indoor use. We’ve taken reticulated foam technology to create a pad that’s significantly thinner and lighter, more breathable and ideal for indoor conditions. Like the majority of our chamois pads, it features 4-way Elastic Interface Technology so it stretches with you. The shaping is narrower, seamless and has Terry’s innovative soft wing construction to minimize bulk between your legs. It has has an antimicrobial cover that inhibits the growth of bacteria while maintaining the skin’s normal bacterial balance. You’ll find the Reticulated chamois being used in our Studio Capri.

Alternatives to Lycra

Baggy shorts have also evolved. They’re no longer wide-legged man pants. Innovations here include fabrics with higher degrees of stretch, unique waist adjustability and stealth-y pocket integration. We’ve extended our Metro Lite line to include liner-less options that you can choose to ride commando or with a high performance liner like the Aria (above). The secret is a center gusset that runs the full length of the crotch, removing seams in key saddle contact area.

We have a dizzying array of great bike shorts for women this year. Take some time to shop the news and read the reviews of our tried-and-trues. Our team of experts can help if you find yourself having a hard time choosing, so when all else fails, call us at 800.289.8379 and we’ll help you find the right short for you – guaranteed.

April 15, 2020
CYCLING IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS.

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We’re all glued to the news, and naturally, we take special notice of stories from the world of cycling. Cancelations, restrictions, postponements are happening all over, but thankfully there are some brighter moments too. All in all, it’s still a good time be grateful for the healthful freedom cycling brings us, however we manage to enjoy it…

How to keep cycling during the Coronavirus crisis

With social distancing becoming the norm across the country, the likelihood of shelter-in-place requirements becoming more widespread, and self-isolation as a way to protect our families and communities, we’re asking what’s safe and best to do?

At least for now, our answer is to keep riding outside whenever it is safe to do so, and doesn’t conflict with the recommendations of your local health or other authorities. There’s hardly a better way to keep fit and lower your stress level than to ride a bike in the fresh spring air.

If you can ride outside – enjoy!

If it isn’t practical – or even allowed – to ride outdoors, here are tips from the terry team to help you get set up for indoor cycling, and to stay motivated.
Read more…
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There are some more immediately practical benefits of cycling too, as commuters in some U.S. cities would surely agree.

Bike share and commuter riding goes through the roof as commuters avoid subways

It was encouraging to see bike ridership double in many cities, as people avoided subways and car pools, taking to the bike lanes to keep a safe distance from others and avoid recirculated air. Many people dusted off long-neglected bikes, and bike-share racks were rapidly cleaned out. Perhaps they will rediscover the joy of cycling along with the benefits of bike commuting, and keep riding once the threats perceived in public transportation have subsided.

Cyclists facing fines in some regions

Much less encouraging, in some parts of the world cycling outdoors is no longer an option. In Spain for example, the situation has been evolving over the last week or so. At first, people were told they could bike to work or to go shopping, but could not ride for sport. In practice, some local police were far more strict, threatening fines for anyone riding a bike.

In France and Italy it’s still officially allowed to exercise outdoors alone, cycling included, though it may only be a matter of time before this changes.

It’s very hard to imagine a cycling nation like the Netherlands without bikes in the streets. For now, bike shops have essential business status, and are staying open while bars, cannabis cafés and sex shops are closed.

Here in the U.S. it’s even harder to picture restrictions on cycling like those in Spain. Even so, since California placed a shelter-in-place order on about 9 million people, and the same tactic to stem the tide of COVID-19 infections is being considered in other places, it now seems possible.

As in other sports, the Cycling season is on hold or canceled

The season opening French stage race, Paris-Nice, was wrapped up a day earlier than planned, and that may well mark the early end of the French professional racing calendar for 2020. In Italy, the Giro d’Italia was postponed until Fall, although no changes have been made to the Tour de France… for now.

One of the strong reasons accepted by the many professional cyclists who live and train in Spain is that any crash (an ever-present danger for those who ride at their limits so long and so often) would take medical attention and resources away from those battling for their lives with COVID-19 infection.

Since Italy and Spain were the earliest and worst affected countries in Europe, the restrictions have grown tighter as authorities try to slow transmission of the virus. Most people are now being told to stay at home except for pharmacy and emergency trips – cycling for any reason is not really an option any more.

Celebrate the freedom of cycling, even in a world of restrictions

As cyclists we know riding a bike is a healthy and energizing activity, a low-impact form of exercise that clears the mind and strengthens the body. Cyclists enjoy better health than many others, generally, and surely strong hearts and lungs can only be helpful in fending off the effects of the virus if we do contract it.

We don’t know what the weeks and months ahead hold for us, but as cyclists we do have a sport/hobby that unites us in healthful activity, mental refreshment, community and companionship. We’re here to help you on your journey, so please stay in touch, keep riding as much as possible, and encourage others to do the same.

Here’s to tailwinds to come.

Read our top tips for making a fun indoor cycling set up, and staying motivated to ride indoors during the Coronavirus pandemic.

March 22, 2020
HOW TO CREATE A GREAT INDOOR CYCLING SET UP.
We may be a little biased toward riding outdoors, but quite a few of the Terry team actually do enjoy indoor cycling in the winter months, or as a convenient way to work out year round. Now that we’re facing increasing restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19, indoor cycling at home is an especially important option. We will ride outside as long as we can, but should the situation change we plan to be ready to keep riding indoors with a good indoor cycling set up.

We put our heads together to come up with some suggestions for setting up your own personal spin studio, and tips on staying motivated for indoor cycling during the Coronavirus pandemic.

How to set up your own personal indoor cycling studio

First, indoor cycling equipment doesn’t have to be expensive

There’s a lot of buzz these days about the Peloton bike, and new alternatives are popping up. The initial fee for the bike and monthly subscription for the service might seem a little steep at first glance, but it’s actually much more economical than a gym membership or frequent spin classes, with a number of advantages that are more important than ever now so many of us are spending so much time in isolation.

For one thing, people in a household can share the bike, and ride as often as they like. There are lots of choices of class leaders and music to keep it interesting, and the live performance stats can be very involving.

If that price tag is an obstacle, or you’re not sure you’ll use a Peloton enough, there are much cheaper alternatives – a bike on a trainer and a free online app can get you a lot of the same benefits.

There are often great deals on used stationary bikes to be found on Craigslist, and it’s worth looking for new options online. Many are quite affordable – maybe not top of the line equipment, but good enough to be serviceable for a few weeks or months.

Another option is to find a trainer that holds the rear wheel of a road bike and converts it to a stationary machine. Since it’s a relatively small piece of equipment, a good quality one is still a fraction of the cost of a complete stationary bike.

Bike rollers are another modestly priced option. Rollers mounted on a sturdy frame are connected by a band so your bike’s wheels turn as though you were riding on the road. The bike is free to move from side to side a little, so riding rollers calls for a higher level of skill. This makes it more challenging and interesting too – it feels much more like riding outside.
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Create a spin studio ambiance, and include audio/video

There are lots of great options online for apps and programs that bring a higher level of excitement and fun to indoor cycling, and other workouts too. See Dave H’s recommendations at the end of this post.

Alysia C., Graphic Designer:

Find an online program or teacher that you like. I’m a big fan of Les Mills On Demand Sprint and RPM. They are fun, motivating and always a challenge.

Set up a dedicated space in your house if possible so you don’t have to do a bunch of set up before a workout. Decide what days you’re going to workout ahead of time and stick to a schedule. Hang up string lights to give you that spin studio vibe.

They have extended the free trial period to 30 days (this link only) They have yoga, HIIT, core and a bunch of other programs too.

Alysia’s home indoor cycling set up.

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How to stay motivated to ride, and keep indoor cycling at home interesting

Indoor cycling is a great way to work off stress and maintain fitness and health while activities are curtailed. On the downside, compared to the variety of sensations and scenery you find outdoors, riding inside on a stationary bike can feel a bit boring. Also, riding in a group in a gym with a good teacher and a great sound system creates an energy level that’s had to match at home. If you find it’s a little harder to get motivated for an indoor ride, here are a few ideas to help you get in the mood and get going.

Break it up, mix it up – one benefit of cycling at home is that you don’t need to prep for the weather, wear a helmet, pack and check everything you might need, or even dress as though anyone will see you. You can just slip on your minimal kit and go. That makes it pretty easy to choose a series of shorter rides instead of one long one.

If it suits your routines, try riding for 5 or ten minutes two or three or more times a day, and get a good fast sprint going in each one.

This could have a couple of great benefits – it breaks up one longer, perhaps rather-more-dull-than-we-would-like ride into a series of much shorter sessions that aren’t long enough to get boring.

Also, especially important if you are working at home on the computer most of the day: research on work and exercise habits shows it’s better to get up and move every hour or two than to be seated all day and have one big workout. Finally, that could be easy to accomplish.

Build your routines and your space around your indoor cycling setup

Colin D., Web Marketing: My buddy Jack tells a story of finding his internet based lifestyle impacting his health and fitness after a few years, and having difficulty getting in the habit of using the exercise equipment he bought to get back in shape. His solution was very practical and worked wonderfully. He put the pieces of equipment right in the way of where he needed to go to move in and around his workspace. Instead of just leaving his office to refresh his coffee, now he had to actually climb over his treadmill, and walk under his pull-up bars. He used that as the signal to do at least one rep, or minimal distance, each time. Soon it was 10 reps, and it really wasn’t long before he had rewired his habits to include regular, creatively varied workout sessions throughout his day.

Consider rearranging your bike set up so that using it for a while is just a natural part of moving through your day. I bet you’ll get the same health and wellness benefits as Jack.

Use this time to create new routines that focus on health and self-care

One of the difficulties we face when switching to working from home and restricted activities is that our routines are completely different. Settling into new rhythms can be very calming, and we have an opportunity to choose new routines that support our well-being. Reducing stress, staying healthy, and enjoying as much as we can are going to be keys to coming through this challenging period together.

Cam M., Customer Care:

I’ve found adhering to my typical routine while working from home has really helped balance my mood. This includes hopping on my spin bike when I finish working to decompress from the day, figuratively and literally switching gears into a night of relaxation at home.

I open up the windows in my home studio, breathe in the fresh air, and imagine the hills I’ll climb later this spring. I have found some awesome free spin classes to follow on YouTube. Additionally, our local yoga studio, Sangha Yoga, has been offering free live streamed yoga classes that I have been attending. They offer a sense of community and relaxation without leaving the house! I am using this time at home to try out new healthy recipes that are outside my typical routine as a way to spice things up; tonight my partner and I are trying our hand at making take-out style chicken and broccoli and egg rolls!

Make your indoor cycling and workout space an environment that you enjoy using

Danielle L., Controller:
- Being active reduces stress. Extremely important right now.
- Try indoor biking while on FaceTime or streaming scenery.
- Try a treadmill or elliptical if you don’t have an indoor bike.
- I find good motivating music helps me escape the issues in the world for just a little bit.
- It can really help to get other family members to join you, so you can motivate each other, maybe even get a little competition going. Make a game while outside or riding.
- Try creating your own scenery in your indoor cycling space. Give yourself a challenge to create your perfect ride – by the water, the park – and make it a place where you like to spend time.
Mix it up and get the energy flowing with music

Phil D., Ecommerce Director:
- I prefer rollers over a stationary bike or trainer, I find the ride isn’t as boring. Although, you can’t stand.
- Download a good audio book or listen to a workout playlist of songs that get your blood pumping.
- I have different daily interval routines of varying degrees of intensity to keep things interesting.
- Use a heart rate monitor – the metrics make it interesting and give you another way to stay motivated.
- Incorporate other exercises for variety.
Find online apps to connect with other athletes and energize your indoor ride

Dave H., Sales:
- I prefer a stationary bike where I can use a cycling app and participate with others in the same situation.
- There are a large number of apps and programs available to choose from depending on your desire to be pumped up by music, the ride or other cyclists.
- The programs that tend to be used the most for indoor training are Zwift, Bkool, The Sufferfest, Concept 2 Logbook, Tacx Aps and of course Peloton.
- Here is a lengthy list of apps with their benefits and a link to their websites:
  https://www.strava.com/apps/indoor
Lisa W., Customer Care, asked: What is the best cost saving indoor program/entertainment? I’m looking for something free that I can watch on my laptop while I ride indoors on my spin bike? Good visuals/great tunes?

Dave H. replied: We are lucky that we can ride outside to breathe in some fresh air and let our minds wander, but if you need something free to enjoy on your laptop or tablet while you ride inside, here are a few of the least expense cycling apps I found:
- ERGVideo / Windows OS
  Software is free to use and ride power workout files. Supports up to 24 riders.
- BigRingVR / Mac OS, Windows OS
  7-day free trial
- Kinomap / iOS, Android
  Unlimited free limited access
- Bkool / Mac OS, Windows OS, iOS, Android
  30-day free trial
Once your indoor cycling studio is all set up, find our best recommendations for indoor cycling clothes and gear here.[vertical-spacer]
March 22, 2020
CYCLING IN THAILAND – BEACHES, SUNSHINE, & KILLER HILLS.

Terry friend, Caroline Mangione, escaped the frozen north for an exotic cycling adventure, riding and island-hopping up the entire Thai peninsula. She discovered many delights and charms away from the usual tourist hot spots, and found some surprisingly steep hills along the way. She also took some Terry cycling gear with her and put it to the test. Let’s enjoy a vicarious bike vacation as Caroline shares her adventures cycling in Thailand…

Contributed by Caroline Mangione

Thailand: Beaches, Bikes, and Sunshine. The perfect mid-winter cycling destination!

Approaching the end of my undergraduate college career and the start of a PhD program in chemistry, time to ride and expendable money are two things I don’t have an excess of. Brainstorming some ideas for a bike trip with my riding partner Ben, Thailand came into the picture. Beaches, warm weather, and inexpensive cost of living made it an extremely attractive destination. Soon enough, we booked our plane tickets, and serious planning could begin.

I became familiar with Terry when I started at my first bike shop job in 2014. The Butterfly saddle was the go-to option whenever a female rider came in with complaints associated with their uncomfortable, stock, unisex saddle. Spoiler alert: it happened often, and I was one of those females.

Before long, I purchased one for myself. I still refer to it as my first “big girl” saddle, as it allowed me to turn painful 20 mile rides into century rides with no issue. Needless to say, I was thrilled when I could connect with Terry and be outfitted with some clothing for my trip.

With an above-average snowfall in Utah, training took the form of skiing, as road riding was nearly impossible. I eyed my warm weather riding clothes in the corner of my room for weeks: a Soleil Hoodie, the Bella, Bella Prima, Peloton, and the Holster Hi-Rise short. In addition to these, the oldest jersey I’ve kept is a nameless Terry short sleeve from at least 10 years ago, there was no way that wasn’t coming with.

Our plan was to fly into Phuket, a resort island off the southern coast of Thailand, flying out of Bangkok, in the north, 17 days later, with a combination of ferry rides, islands, and about 500 miles of road to cover in between. A “credit card tour” is what we had in mind: only packing clothes and toiletries, eating and sleeping wherever struck our fancy that day. The map shows a rough map of our route, courtesy of Google.
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For reference, this is what we left behind. Winter jackets and sweatpants were shed as our friend dropped us off at the airport, as there was no way we’d be lugging sweatpants up the coast for the next few weeks.
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22 hours of travel later: a sigh of relief when the bikes showed up intact (note: bike boxes fly free on international Delta flights). After a taxi ride to our first hotel and assembling our bikes in our bungalow room in Phuket, the maiden voyage was a ride to “Big Buddha”: the third tallest statue in Thailand, overlooking the entire island of Phuket. The ride was a kicker, featuring tight switchbacks, roadside elephants, and 16% grades. It was a killer of a first ride of the trip (and year!), but my granny gear saved the day.

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A couple nights in Phuket allowed us to adjust to the time (they’re +14 hours from MST) and more importantly, getting used to riding on the left side of the road.

Island hopping meant lots of ferry rides:
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Khao Phanom was next. Roadside fruit was a huge theme of the trip, as many homes had a fruit stand right out front. Coconuts, watermelon, mango, jackfruit, durian, bananas, etc., all for about 40 baht ($1.27 USD).
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Nearly everyone rides on mopeds in Thailand, and the roads felt much safer because of them. Slower speeds on average, and the few cars on the road were much more aware of slower vehicles on the shoulder. Road quality was great the whole way: smooth sailing for our heavy, loaded bikes.

Another ferry ride brought us to Kho Phangan: one of the most scenic places I’ve visited to date. Between the lush green jungle and clear blue waters, every direction I looked was postcard worthy. The island had about 50 miles of paved roads in total, but not without plenty of elevation gain. Islands in the Gulf of Thailand seem to shoot up from nowhere, and Kho Phangan was no different.
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Our last ferry ride landed us in Chumpon; a coastal city and the start of the bulk of our mileage. This sign right as we exited town was a great send off: “HAVE A GOOD TRIP” in English underneath the same message in Thai. I was initially nervous about traveling somewhere with such a different language, but most signs were like this one: written in Thai with an English translation underneath.

The next day was planned to be a bigger one, 96 miles from just outside Chumpon to Prachap Khiri Khan, with a mid-day stop at Baan Krud beach.

55 miles in and 40 to go, a nap in the shade was necessary. Temperatures reached over 90°F most days, and the sun was inescapable. Sunscreen on my legs and a baggy sun-proof hooded shirt is my go-to outfit on long days like this one (enter the Soleil Hoody and Peloton short, amazingly breathable and so lightweight).
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The next day involved riding through Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park. The coastal landmark is home to large cave systems within the giant mountains that shoot up into the sky. Although time didn’t allow us to fully explore the trails, riding through the park was a treat. (Note: we did not find the monkey.)
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Hua Hin was our destination that night. This is where I experienced a true night market for the first time. For reference, this was on a Monday night; these nightly markets allow locals to buy fresh produce and meals from neighbors, in addition to souvenirs and keepsakes for tourists. The woman with the vegetable-covered bicycle was my favorite.
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Another market was on our must-visit list: the Mae Khlong Train market. This market still serves the local population as a standard market, but its unique location makes it a tourist attraction as well. This market has long been a central location to trade seafood. Not long after the market was established, train tracks were placed right through it, in 1904, for the transportation of goods. In resilient fashion, the market stayed put. The tracks now provide a walking path for customers in between passes of the train, which happens eight times a day. Canopies are retracted and tables of goods on roller tracks are pulled back to allow for the train to pass. Business resumes just as quickly as it was paused.

The final day of riding was from the railway market to Bangkok. 55 miles, two flat tires, and some tired legs later, we made it to our hostel where we would spend the next five nights of our trip. The off-bicycle time was split between bunches of new restaurants, street food vendors, markets, temple visits, postcard writing, a cooking class, and souvenir shopping.
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As exciting as Bangkok was, I am equally in awe of the less traveled areas of Thailand. Experiencing both urban and rural Thailand in the same trip was extremely special, and doing so by bicycle made it that much better. Many of the coastal tourist attractions are accessed by bus, meaning the average tourist doesn’t stop in between these hot spots. Between these spots were where most memories were made: roadside fruit stands, friendly street cats, waving hi to groups of children playing soccer by the road, riding through the coastal salt flats and being greeted by smiling faces of the workers, and being fed out of the living rooms of the locals, made for some unforgettable memories.
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Thanks again to the team at Terry for the excellent riding gear that made this trip that much sweeter!
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March 21, 2020
TUNE IN AND TUNE UP.

It’s a Great Time to Get Productive.

Getting your bikes into proper shape for the season is a necessity and and can be truly rewarding if you have enough patience and a little guidance. We’ve ferreted out some of the better youtube videos that provide tips and step-by-step instructions. If you have a bike stand, that’s a plus, but don’t let that stop you — it’s not a must. Bucket, brushes, hose, dish soap, chain lube and that’s really about all you need.

Take an additional step and start the season with new handlebar tape and new saddle — cheaper than a new bike and a definite improvement to key touch points.

Chain cleaning: Georgena’s classic how-to:

Pro Bike Cleaning with Deceuninck/Quick Step:

Replacing Handlebar Tape:

Choose a New Saddle (use our interactive saddle selector):

March 19, 2020
FAVORITE QUOTES FROM THE WEEK.

“The pause button has been pushed.”

I’m a girl scout at heart…

If you tell me something is about to happen, I prepare.  In Vermont, this scenario usually comes in the form of an impending snow storm. I am the person who checks the pantry to be sure we have a day or two’s stock of everyone’s favorite goodies and basic staples.

For the past two weeks I have behaved in a similar manner, with one exception… I knew we would need more than a day or two inventory to get through, and since I live with my mother, the fewer trips out into public the better.

As of last Friday, all was good at home, my office grew to more of an at home command center and I was ready for all that might unfold.  The new Terry catalog was arriving in homes and lots of spring rides were in the planning stages, so I had no shortage of projects to keep me busy.

Today, I have a new hurdle…. how do I navigate the quiet waiting?  With a snow storm, I go to the window to see how many exciting inches have fallen, and dress for a romp in the snow with my dog.

This is not exciting, and we’ve all been in need of support.  So I looked to my wonderful customers and here are some of their thoughts of inspiration and direction:

“Dress for the weather and enjoy the lighter traffic!! ” Nancy in Indiana

“We can still ride, right?!” Buffi in New Hampshire

“My bike is powered by positive thinking.” Terri in Pennsylvania

“The weather is too nice to ignore.” Melissa in Florida

“This is an opportunity to focus on ourselves and our well-being, because for this one moment the pause button has been pushed. Don’t squander this opportunity to focus on yourself and do some of those back burner things. Declutter your life by only adding back to your routine those things that really inspire you.” Anne-Christine in California

“The last few weeks I’ve been eating my way through the stress and I am grateful for the relaxed fit options as I get back on track!” Lisa in Vermont

“Thrilled to see an Indigo short.” Marti in Colorado

“Rode from Paris to Prague last year and hope to bike in Spain later this year…in the meantime I’m still riding outside even though it’s still chilly here.” Felice in Oregon

“I bought a spin bike 3 months ago and am very grateful for not only the exercise but the mental health boost.” Sharon in greater Chicago area

“I forced myself to ride today, because I knew I’d feel better…and I did.” Kelly in Pennsylvania

And a few that came after our CEO, Liz, sent out a note about what we are doing in the midst of all this:

“Thank you for this message. I appreciate each effort made for all of us. Here in MN, snow still around, howeevr biking will be possible eventually. Always to improve outlook, and literally practice balance. Virtual hugs,” Lin in Minnesota

“Good on you, Liz and your team! It’s because of your conscientiousness, I’ll continue to be a loyal customer and refer you to all my bicycle riding friends.” Long-time customer, Anita

“Thank you for communicating this. I am so glad to see that as a small business you are able to prioritize employee health and safety along with continuing operations and customer service. I was already a loyal customer, and this is just another reason to remain so!” Another long-time customer, Kathy

From all of us at Terry – THANK YOU for hanging in there with us and giving us these words of encouragement. You keep us rolling.

Lisa Wilkes has built the customer service department for Terry and gets more personal fan mail than all the rest of us combined. She’s also in charge of our Ambassador program, runs events and supports women’s cycling in a wide variety of ways. As a former cycling coach, this all comes naturally to her and as a result, we lean on her for advice and morale boosting – now more than ever.

March 19, 2020
FAT BIKE FRENZY – A WINTER CYCLING FUN FEST.

Fat Biking in February – a Perfect Antidote to Cabin Fever

Terry customer service heros, Cam and Lisa, gave fat biking a try for some winter cycling fun, and found out why people love fat bikes so much. This activity could be both the most fun you can have on a bike AND the most fun you can have in the snow.
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Cam’s first fat biking adventure

As a Vermont transplant, I had never been on a fat bike before Sunday. Being a true opportunist I was excited to try something new, and any intimidation I felt for the behemoth of a bike standing before me melted away the second I was in the saddle. I was initially surprised with how light I felt and how maneuverable the bike was. Like a kid kicking off their training wheels, I was speeding out of the parking lot and onto the trails in seconds.

The conditions were a bit icy so I limited myself to a novice route, which I was thankful for as my new-found hubris might have encouraged me to try and top the mountain. I could spend all day on one of these, getting lost in woods and thought. Weaving around the trees and barreling down the hills was the most winter fun I’ve ever had, I felt unstoppable. After having such a blast outside I didn’t want to go back in, so I spent the rest of the day with wind-marked cheeks and a smile from ear to ear, playing on the frozen lake with my dogs. I shed the cycling tights but wore my Sunblocker Jersey and base layer into the evening.

I was colorfully and comfortably dressed in our new Sunblocker Jersey in Color Jungle, Petite Coolweather Tights, and Wool Cylosox. I started off the sunny 30 degree day with a Sherpa lined jacket but by the time I hit the hills I was able to shed off that layer and ride down in just my Sunblocker with my fantastic Craft baselayer underneath. The Flex Chamois offered me continuous comfort throughout my ride and perfectly countered the stiff standard saddle that was on the demo bike. My partner who rode the track without padding was jealous to say the least. I was biking in my Blundstones, which I would like to say is out of the ordinary for me, but actually is my go-to for winter cycling. The Wool Cyclosox kept me warm and were perfect for moisture wicking, while gripping my foot in the proper cycling position in my not-so-proper footwear. Overall, I couldn’t have been better prepared in my all out Terry outfit.

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Lisa was fully prepared and still surprised!

My fat biking day began with lots of layering! I started with a Soleil long sleeve top as my baselayer and my Coolweather Tights for padding and warmth. I pulled a Mandarin Thermal jersey over the Soleil and added a headband, neck warmer, sunglasses and some warm winter gloves. On top of all this I added a fleece vest and a short down jacket.I arrived at the demo on a chilly day, and had a bit of a wait for a bike, so I pulled wind pants over my Coolweather tights, and switched my headband for a hat…I was much toastier and still feeling limber enough to ride.

Dakota tags along for some fat bike fun

I was paired with a “small” fat bike but it still looked huge! These things are beasts! I was assured that my fat bike only weighed about 30 pounds, and I was amazed at how light it felt once I got going! I was surprised to find how maneuverable a fat bike is. It looked to me like it would be hard work to ride, but I found that on packed trails I could cruise easily and felt like I was floating along. I had a blast and can’t wait to go again!!
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Check out this post for a closer look at the ins and outs of winter cycling gear.

February 9, 2020
TOP PICKS FOR WINTER CYCLING GEAR – Q & A.

Everything you wanted to know about winter cycling gear, and maybe some things you didn’t know you needed to know!

What do I wear for cycling in winter?

Part of the answer to this frequently asked question depends on what type of riding you will do. If you are commuting to work for as much of the winter as you can, you will probably choose some different pieces than someone who is riding competitively or training through the cold months. That said, the principles are the same.

What you need to stay comfortable cycling in winter is actually very similar to clothing for other winter sports – particularly alpine skiing. There are quite a few similarities between the stance and movements of the two sports. Also, both involve strenuous effort that raises body temperatures, alternating with more relaxed periods where it’s easy to get chilled. Clothing for both sports requires a balance between the temperature produced by effort and cooling due to wind.

Commuters and casual winter cyclists can do pretty well with ski gear in a lot of cases, especially if they ski and have ski clothing available already.

More dedicated cyclists will benefit from clothing made specifically for cycling, for better fit and comfort, and practical bike and cycling friendly features.

Looking for winter bike clothing recommendations? Check out our Staff Picks for the Best Winter Cycling Gear.

First principles – Four Words to Guide your Winter Cycling Wardrobe:

Layering, Wicking, Windproofing, Breathability.

Going to extremities

Extremities get chilled first, both because our bodies direct blood flow to our core to stay warm, and because they are out there in the cold wind, and obviously the faster we go on bikes the more wind we make for ourselves.

Preventing the wind from getting to extremities is therefore the first line of protection for winter cycling.

Gloves require good insulation with wind proofing, but must still allow dexterity to control the bike, which makes the search for the perfect winter cycling glove a constant quest. We have some great options, with wind-blocking fabric and split finger or mitten designs. For those of us who have colder hands to begin with, mittens or split finger designs will perform better, as fingers held together stay warmer than when individually pocketed in gloves. Mitts also have room to slip a disposable hand-warmer behind the fingers, which can feel like a life saver.

Good shoe covers are essential when it gets cold. An extra layer on your feet with good wind and water proofing can keep you riding happily in very cold temperatures. Many cyclists opt for neoprene overshoes, made from the same stuff as wetsuits for diving. Gore-Tex and Windblocker are even better options, as they are easier to get in and out of, do the same job, and are more comfortable to wear.

We’re all (cold) ears.

Choose a helmet liner or headband that goes over your ears. They will thank you by not falling off as icicles, or at least by not giving you pain both freezing and thawing. A good helmet liner is thin enough to fit under your regular helmet, with straps adjusted to make room, and has good thermal and wicking properties. It’s hard to beat a merino wool blend fabric for this job. A windproof helmet cover makes a big difference too, keeping out both wind and road spray or precipitation. Keeping your head warm is half the battle for winter cycling.

Face reality

Tearing up in the freezing wind can be a real problem for winter cyclists, and ski gear comes to the rescue here. Many winter cyclists opt to wear ski goggles and it can make all the difference. A full face balaklava, or buff over the mouth and nose can keep the freezing wind off your face very effectively. Scarves can work too, but tend to be harder to keep in place without constant adjustments.

Layering up

A short or long-sleeve baselayer or two are the foundation of your winter kit. Choose base and mid layers with good thermal qualities and good moisture transport. There are some great synthetics out there that fit the bill, and lots of cyclists love merino wool as a natural and very practical choice. Avoid cotton, which does not wick well – that trapped moisture next to your skin can bring on a severe chill.

A medium weight layer over the base can be a mid or heavier weight thermal jersey. Choose a high neckline, and zippered front to allow ventilation when you’re working hard enough to get hot.

A windproof gilet or vest makes a great top layer for moderately cold temps. This is a vest with a cycling cut and rear pockets, to keep your core warm and block the wind. When it’s really cold a windproof jacket is an essential addition. Look for breathable, water resistant fabric.

One thing to watch out for when layering up, especially for female cyclists – extra layers in the saddle-contact region can increase likelihood of chafing and discomfort. We recommend cold-weather weight cycling tights with a good chamois as a better option than padded shorts with a chamoi-less layer over the top. That said, layering up is the key to enjoying cycling in the colder temps, so see what works for you. A top quality chamois and the minimum of layers to keep you riding comfortably is the goal.

Breaking down your complete Winter Cycling Kit

Torso:

Chilly: Baselayer, mid-weight thermal jersey, windproof gilet or vest. Easily zipped or doffed to adapt to warming up and cooling down.

Freezing: Add a windproof, breathable shell. Keep the vest if you need an extra layer.

Super-cold: Swap in a heavy-weight jersey, or double up to get more insulating layers.

Legs:

Chilly: Thermal tights with chamois.

Cold: Heavy-weight thermal tights with a chamois, or if layers work for you, no-chamois tights over your chamois lined shorts.

Super-cold: Add windproof, breathable cycling pants over the top.

Head:

Chilly: Thin thermal helmet liner.

Cold: Add a breathable windproof helmet cover on the outside.

Super-cold: Add face protection – a buff, balaklava, ski goggles.

Neck:

Chilly to super-cold: A buff or bandana can keep the wind off your neck and stop it sneaking down your jacket. A heavier neck-gaiter is a great addition when it’s colder.

Hands:

Chilly: Thermal gloves, windproof thermal gloves.

Cold: Windproof mittens, split-mitts, or a thermal glove with a windproof shell mitt over the top.

Super-cold: Choose a mitt with pockets for air activated or USB powered hand warmers. Consider bar mitts for ultimate cold weather protection.

Feet:

Chilly to cold: Longer, warmer socks, and thermal windproof overshoes/show cover over your regular cleats.

Super-cold: Slip air activated warmers inside your overshoes, over your toes, if you can fit them (smaller ones are available – check ski gear outlets). They will still help if slipped in by your ankles. Depending on the riding you’re doing, you might prefer to switch to flat pedals and wear a winter boot that’s not too clunky for pedaling.

Knees:

Cold knees are more injury prone. Go for covered knees and wind-proofing in chilly temps. Some people like to look tough in shorts in winter (yes I am looking at you, Bruce), but they’re not doing themselves any favors long term.

Winter cycling gear Q & A

What should I wear for road cycling in winter?

Road cyclists are still interested in speed, even though they may brave some frigid temperatures to stay in shape over the winter. That means forgoing bulky winter gear in favor of closer fitting pieces that won’t catch the wind, draining energy. Most road cyclists continue to clip in with their usual cleated shoes. The secret is to dress in layers, with emphasis on thermal qualities, moisture wicking, and breathability. Wearing warm and windproof gear on extremities is particularly important. Keeping head, hands and feet toasty helps winter cyclists keep core temperatures where they should be. As cyclists, when we get chilled it’s our extremities that feel it first.

How cold is too cold to ride a bike?

It isn’t too cold to ride a bike until it’s too cold for you to feel comfortable and be safe. Otherwise, as long as you’re enjoying it, keep riding. Of course, you might need some special clothing and equipment to keep cycling through frozen conditions. With the right winter cycling gear many hardy cyclists keep riding through the toughest northern winters.

Can you ride a bike in winter?

Yes, you certainly can! It really depends on having clothing that keeps you warm and comfortable in freezing temperatures, and having a bike that’s equipped to be safe to ride in snowy, icy conditions.

How do cyclists stay warm in the winter?

Cyclists keep themselves comfortable riding in freezing temperatures by layering their clothes, and making sure their extremities are protected by windproof and waterproof outerwear. Insulating, moisture wicking and breathable fabrics really help. Wind and waterproof gloves, overshoes and helmet covers are essential winter cycling accessories. In really cold conditions cyclists can also use air activated hand warmers tucked in gloves and overshoes.

Wearing a number of thin but warm layers with a windproof shell over the top keeps the heat in very effectively. Choosing breathable fabrics and shell helps regulate moisture. Since cycling can make you sweat quite a bit even in the cold, it’s important to avoid getting clammy. High exertion keeps your core temperature up, but if you ease up your effort and there’s too much moisture in your clothes you can get chilled really quickly. Moisture wicking fabrics and breathable shells are the answer to that.

How should I dress for winter cycling?

To enjoy cycling in winter keep these 4 words in mind: Layering, Wicking, Wind-proofing, Breathability. Cycling specific winter clothing will give you better comfort and range of motion in cycling positions, along with the convenience of bike-friendly features like pockets in the right places, ventilation, bright, reflective materials, and a fit tailored to minimize energy draining wind-resistance.

What is the best winter cycling jacket?

The best jacket for winter cycling is the one that has the right combination of cold weather protection features for the riding you will do, and the best fit for your particular shape and size. There isn’t one answer that’s right for everyone, so the best place to start is with a list of must-have features. Try on any you can find in your size at a price that makes sense to you. Try the jacket with the minimum and maximum number of layers you would expect to ride with, and in cycling position. Look for wind-proofing and water resistance, breathable fabric, taped seams, zippers in the right place and ability to adjust with gloves on. Make sure the fit feels good in your cycling positions, with no binding around arms, shoulders and neck. Look for a reasonably snug fit over your layers – avoid loose fabric that can flap in the wind and drain your energy.

Looking for product recommendations? Check out our Staff Picks for the Best Winter Cycling Gear.

February 9, 2020
AN ITALIAN INVITATION…FROM LISA.

Lisa Wilkes has built the customer service department for Terry and gets more personal fan mail than all the rest of us combined. She’s also in charge of our Ambassador program, runs events and supports women’s cycling in a wide variety of ways. As a former cycling coach, this all comes naturally to her and as a result, she gets invited to some really amazing things. This time, she’s inviting you…

For many years I cycled around the United States and dreamed of riding internationally. That dream become a reality in 2017 with Santana Adventures and the opportunity to travel to Croatia, live on a ship for a week, and ride through great villages and islands.

We landed on a beautiful fall day and were whisked off to the historic walled city of Dubrovnik for a very cool walking tour….Star Wars and Game of Thrones have filmed here! With eyes wide and expectations growing, I set sail on the MV Belle of the Adriatic, and began my Tour…mind you I had never slept on a boat before.

For seven nights, we cruised, docked, cycled, explored, ate regional cuisine, threw an impromptu fashion show, sampled local wines, olive oils, and truffles, filled our heads with life long memories, and met great new friends… finishing in Venice where we played and explored for a few more days.

The cycling portion of the tour included many mileage options, at our own pace. You could ride your own bike or rent (e-bikes and tandems were available, too.) We picked routes that fit our interests and abilities and there always seemed to be a little something for everyone.

Bill and Jan McCready continue to create these wonderful adventures, and at the end of next season, September 2021, I will continue my exploration of Italy, this time starting from Venice and sailing on a smaller cruise ship. After 2 days in Venice, where I plan to master the art of rowing a gondola, this river ship will venture up the Po River Valley to host a week of various-length rides. Unlike Croatia, there are no hills!

Here are some of the tour highlights SantanaAdventures.com/venice-2021/ Can you join me? If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to me at: lwilkes@terrybicycles.com

February 7, 2020