Bella Bike Shorts Lined Up with the Best of the Best
Bicycling Magazine ran a round up of the best in shorts for every type of rider, and featured – ahem – us!
For “The Best Cycling Shorts for Every Type of Rider” the Bicycling Editors say they “tested everything from thermal bibs to ultra-thin summer kit to find your next favorite pair of cycling shorts”.
Of course, we’re delighted that our Bella Short made their list of the best choices in women’s bike shorts.
We like their one-liner summary of Bella Bike Shorts: “Comfy shorts without bib straps just for women,” and as they put it, “The Bella shorts come in at a reasonable price and won’t intimidate newer riders who are leery of bib-short options.”
They were nice enough to add that “Terry is also known for providing a wide range of sizes and styles for all different body types, not just the racer build that often gets the most focus from brands.”
Our Bella bike shorts were named by Bicycling as the Editor’s Choice winner for women’s shorts in the past. One tester enjoyed features such as the Bella’s “distinctive hot-pink perforated chamois, which delivered on its promise for increased comfort and breathability by wicking away moisture so I didn’t feel like ‘I’d wet my shorts after a ride’.”
Bella Bike Shorts are also available in a short version, great for shorter riders and those who prefer higher tan lines.
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Since Bella Bike Shorts first caught the eye of the Bicycling Editors, we have introduced some exciting new options in women’s cycling shorts. If you are interested in comfort and function be sure to take a look at our Chill 7 and Holster Hi-Rise bike shorts.
Terry/BCBS Wellness Revolution Finale Ride, Kicks Off With the Winner of the Bike Drawing
It was late May in Vermont: still cool, cloudy and recently much too rainy for comfort. Luckily, Mother Nature smiled on us for the last day of the Spring Wellness Revolution session, and gave us bright, sunny conditions – great for a group ride for our graduating program participants.
Everyone had their choice of distances: 5, 10, or 20 miles on undulating suburban and rural roads south of Burlington Vermont. The Terry team rode as group leaders or supporters, and everyone rocked the ride, celebrating new skills and confidence with new friends. As usual, those distinctive green helmets helped everyone stand out!
An early highlight of the day was the presentation of the prize drawing. One lucky participant was able to enjoy a first ride on a brand new Terry bicycle!
Congratulations to Gale, lucky winner of a new Terry Symmetry Drop Bar bicycle.
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Winner announced, Gale steps forward to claim her new bike.
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High fives all round – Gale is congratulated by Liz Robert, CEO of Terry Bicycles, and Megan Peek, Director, Community Relations & Health Promotion at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont
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Gale gets some bike set up pointers from Karyn Lewis, Terry Customer Service Ace and Group Leader.
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Style in symmetry: participants included an entire team from Burlington’s Cathedral Square – Joi Manley, Jennifer Hunter, Annie McCormick, Kerstin Hanson, and Pilar Paulsen.
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Gale’s new Symmetry already at home in a very urban setting.
City cycling tips from Wellness Revolution, plus a bonus tip for incident-free cycling anywhere
The skills to ride safely in an urban setting are an important part of what we teach in our Wellness Revolution program, run in conjunction with Blue Cross Blue Shield VT. They are essential for gaining (or regaining) confidence on a bike, and that’s a key to actually enjoying the ride.
These tips for safer city cycling are adapted from our urban cycling workshop session, led by program partners Local Motion. We hope they will help many more new cyclists ride safely and happily around traffic, and give experienced riders a few valuable reminders.
1. Respect the Law
It’s a good idea to find out what laws and ordinances apply to cyclists in your area. For example, here in Burlington, Vermont, it’s illegal to ride on the sidewalk in much of the city, but it’s permitted in other places. Ordinances allowing cyclists to perform “rolling stops” at stop signs are becoming more common in some parts of the U.S., but that’s illegal in most places.
In any case, follow the rules you would if you were driving. Cyclists who ignore the rules of the road place themselves and others at risk, and give drivers more reasons to think of all cyclists as a nuisance.
Your safety and the perception of cyclists depend on you.
You have the same rights and duties as drivers.
Obey traffic signals and stop signs.
Ride with traffic and use the rightmost lane headed in the direction you are going.
2. Be Predictable
This means riding so that other road users have a good idea of what you are going to do before you do it, and don’t have to react to sudden, unexpected moves. No surprises for others means safer cycling for you.
Make your intentions clear to everyone on the road – give clear signals.
Ride in a straight line and don’t swerve between parked cars.
Signal turns, checking behind you well before making a turn or changing lanes.
Confirm for yourself that other road users have seen you: check for eye contact, slowing down or giving you space, etc. If you can’t be sure, adjust for your own safety. For example if that car is not slowing down even though you have the right of way, get ready to avoid it yourself since you’re the vulnerable one.
Ride where people can see you and wear bright clothing.
Use a front white light, rear red light, and reflectors – lights are optional but strongly recommended in the daytime, but don’t even think of riding without lights after dusk.
Make eye contact with other road users and don’t ride on sidewalks.
4. Think Ahead
Avoid having to react to surprises yourself, by paying attention to what other road users around you are doing. Paying attention to road conditions ahead also allows you to follow tip number 2 – Be Predictable.
Anticipate what drivers, pedestrians, and other people on bikes will do next.
Watch for turning vehicles and ride outside the door zone (The space where a
motorist can open their door) of parked cars.
Look out for debris, potholes, and other road hazards ahead, so you can plan your path around them in advance, allowing for other vehicles.
Cross railroad tracks at right angles, so your wheel doesn’t get caught by the rails.
Watch out for grates and access covers in the road, especially when roads are wet or icy.
If you use clip in pedals or toe clips, anticipate ahead of time when you might need to release a foot so you can stop safely. [Editor’s note: If I had a dollar for every time I’ve toppled over at a stop because I didn’t work my foot loose soon enough, I’d have enough for a welding mask to hide my embarrassment.]
5. Ride Ready
Take a few moments to prepare yourself and your bike before the ride, so you don’t have to spend any time beside the road dealing with unexpected problems.
Before you ride, do your ABC Quick Check – tip 6.
Make sure any bags or load you are carrying are closed and attached securely.
Carry tools and supplies that are appropriate for your ride.
Adjust or secure any clothing that could get entangled with any part of the bike – scarf, loose pant leg or skirt.
Wear a properly adjusted helmet!
6. ABC Quick Check
Performing this basic bike check before you ride will ensure your bike is in good condition and safe to ride. Timely bike maintenance can prevent crashes.
A (air)
To test the air, push on the tires to see if they give. If you can push the tire in more than about 1/4 of an inch with your thumb, it needs to be refilled. Most bike pumps have an air pressure gauge on them. Pump until the number on the gauge is a few pounds under the pounds per square inch (PSI) number written on the side of the tire. Check out this post by Georgena about the best tire pressure for speed and comfort. While checking the pressure, take a moment to look for damage on the sidewalls or tread of the tire. If you can see loose threads, the tire should be replaced.
B (Brakes)
Look to see that the brake pads are not worn thinner than 1/8 of an inch. When you squeeze the brake levers firmly, there should be a thumb width’s gap between the lever and the handlebar. If this gap is too small, the brakes need to be adjusted. When the lever is released it should snap back into position. Also, squeeze the brakes to make certain that, when applied, the pads are parallel and aligned with the rim.
C (Chain, Cranks, Cassette)
When checking the chain, turn the pedals backward and look to see that it’s clean and does not squeak. The chain should not have any rust. To check the cranks, wiggle both the left and right crank arms away from the bike frame. There should be no lateral movement. If they’re loose, Tighten the bolts. Look to see that the cassette, which holds the gears in the rear wheel, is clean and moves freely.
Quick release
Your bike may have quick release levers used to secure the seat post, wheels, and/or brakes to the bike. Check to make sure that all quick releases are securely closed. If the quick release is loose, hold the open lever with one hand while gradually tightening the adjusting nut in a clockwise direction with the other hand. Try closing the lever to test it. Tighten the nut until you feel slight resistance to the lever and then use the palm of your hand to close it fully. It should close firmly and securely, but loosen the nut a little if it is hard to close the lever – it should not be over tight.
Check
Before you set out, take a brief, slow ride to check that your bike is working properly and feels right.
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Photo of solo cyclist riding in city by Max Bender on Unsplash
Photo of urban cyclists at end of bike lane by Timelynx from Pixabay
Hemp is one of the oldest utilitarian crops in the world. Its fibers were used to make ropes and sails for Columbus, paper for Gutenberg’s Bible and clothing for humans long before we even had calendars. After the 1950s, hemp sort of slipped into obscurity, but interest has grown steadily in recent years because there is virtually no other natural material that has such a positive ecological balance while still providing such outstanding functional qualities.
When Maloja decided to add yet another natural material to their collection of fabulous performance fabrics, they reinvented hemp. Its fibers inherently reduce sweat and odor, regulate moisture and repel dirt – an ideal combination for functional clothing. On top of that, hemp materials are extremely durable and tear-resistant, so they are perfectly suited to sports like mountain biking and bouldering that require a bit of protection against abrasion.
The Martina is our favorite new all-sport bottom, combining Euro styling with super deep rear pockets, re-imagined hemp that feels amazing, ergonomic construction including a bike-friendly rear stretch panel, and unlimited activewear functionality. Feels good, fits well, performs beautifully, in 2 ideal colors.
Especially for our own Moms and all the Moms we love – thank you for getting us rolling on our training wheels, cheering us on when we outgrew them, and inspiring us to ride toward our greatest goals.
Here’s to you, Moms!
Paula appreciates a favorite Mom, Kathy
My BFF and I grew up in the same neighborhood, went to school together and moved to CA many years ago. She became the mom I never did and gave me the greatest gift a friend ever could – letting me be godmother to lovely Anna. Although they live thousands of miles away, we make a point to meet up and ride whenever possible.
New Dad Nik celebrates with new Mom, Dani
It has been a goal of Dani’s to get back on her bike since Andreas was born. In part what has prevented her has been the long winter we had in Vermont, but also because a newborn is a perfect distraction to all other things that used to take priority. However, on Dani’s first Mother’s Day, eight weeks and six days after Andreas was born, she will take to the road to feel the sense of freedom and independence only a bike ride can give you. That is, not before a stop at our local bike shop to get Andreas a bike carrier of his own for future family adventures.
Colin S’s Mom, Sheila, recalls hair raising adventures on a bike
In 1944 I was 16 and I would cycle every day from Fulham, where I lived, to Putney, where I went to High school. With no helmet or special clothing, my school uniform skirt flapping around my knees,
I would ride with my books on my back in a ruck sack and a tennis racket balanced across my handle bars, through rush hour traffic up Putney High street, stopping behind the buses and dodging around parked trucks. When I look back it sounds so dangerous.
Did I mention that WW 2 was still on and we needed to look out for “doodle bugs,” the pilot-less planes that the Germans were sending over which would come down and explode when they got over London?
How come I remember being so happy? It must have been a great bicycle!
Jeannette’s Mom, Gertrude, Rocking her Terry
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At 83 years young and two hip replacements later – my mother continues to enjoy taking her Soleil for a walk. Here she is wearing our Soleil Flow Spokes/Lavender from 2018.
My mother also pitches in when our summer season gets busy here at our Customer Service call center and Warehouse. Here she is watching over the Terry Warehouse Dog, Nellie.
Lisa celebrates two cycling Moms: Pat and Ronni
My Mom, Pat, was born and raised in Lockport, NY, a great little town on the Erie Canal. She has fond memories of jumping on her bike to go wherever she wanted, whenever she wanted! Her favorite bicycle was her “Victory“, a piece of WW II history. Her childhood love of cycling carried forward to our love of cycling. In this photo, this is me (Lisa from Customer Service) riding with my little sister Cynnie, in the New North End section of Burlington, Vermont… Home of Terry Bicycles!
My mother-in-law, Ronni, is an avid indoor spinner. She rides three to four times a week to keep a tricky knee healthy and strong. She is quite fond of the Terry Spinnaker bottoms, which she fondly calls her “Exercise Trousers.” She pairs them with a bright, stylish Soleil Flow top for a classy club look!
Colin D’s Mom, Lorna, remembered
I miss her gentle, steady encouragement when things were tough, and her keen sense of beauty in all natural things. She was not a life-long cyclist by any means, but she did ride a tandem around the English countryside with my Dad in the years after they were married. Maybe I inherited my cycling passion from them. We often chatted about the places she loved to go hiking and rambling in the Yorkshire Dales, and later enjoyed in the car as my sister took her for day trips – over the same roads and twisty, 25% grade climbs I had ridden as a teenager. Love always, Mum!
Kelly welcomes Mom, Sally, home
Thank you, Mom.
Truly amazed by her grit and determination – not to mention her feline-like lives, I am beyond grateful that the woman who taught me to love and play in the great outdoors is finally home after a long hospital stay. And just in time for Mothers’ Day, with all her children near! It’s been quite a journey and taken its toll. The physical scars soon will heal, but the mind will continue to let go. A stark reminder to embrace the present and quick-release the pressures from the day, and tomorrow’s yet to come. As I look to ways for being more in the “present”, my mind drifts to a familiar bike ride on an open trail and I know she’s leading the way… thanks, Mom.
A long way from NYC.
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Chris recently rode Death Valley solo after his friend bailed on the ride. He lives and rides in NYC and is a strong supporter of Terry saddles. Here’s his perspective on his ride through some of the harshest conditions in the world.
Watch out for the desert people…
Desert people? Who are these desert people? Where do they live? Watch out for? Serious advice from unconnected individuals in LA., seemingly well meaning.
I live and ride everyday in Manhattan, I must have seen everything by now.
No advice on what they look like, how to protect yourself, just watch out.
Joshua tree near Vegas.
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We all know it’s fairly straightforward to ride the desert. Make sure you have enough water, sunscreen, food, bars, clothing, tubes.
Check the wind forecast the night before against your route. Bring your extra battery.
Have you noticed that every image that comes in your eyes is new when exploring new places on your bicycle?
You can watch your mind label new things.
Yoga class they are always focused on watching the breath, as it is a barometer of mentally stability in a difficult asana.
Riding isolated areas long distance solo is a meditation.
It gives us an opportunity to observe the mind and naturally allows concentration to rest on the breath. Exactly the Shamata meditation progression, the basic building block of many meditative traditions.
Maybe the new meditation retreats will be long bicycle adventures through isolated sections of the landscape, instead of sitting all day on a cushion in an old cold drafty monastery, I’ll sit on my Terry Century saddle.
Start in Santa Monica, where riders looked like greyhounds, beautiful animals perched and balanced.
City riding in California involves long red lights versus NYC. Plenty of fun pink and blue hair.
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Saddles of a different variety.
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Everyone in Silverlake has a dog which brunches. Stylish. Rt 66. San Gabriel River Trail. Cajon Pass. Victorville. Oro Grande. (Forgotton, but not dead)
I encountered a desert person riding into Barstow. A lone male walking against traffic (no cars to the horizon) who lunged at me while I rode by. His intentions were not friendly. I understood now.
The Mojave scenery is austere, quiet, brightly colored, spacious, and ever changing, even jaw dropping at times.
The mid April air is a pungent bloom of the wildflowers, something people in an 80 mph car probably miss.
Strangely, zero friendly waves from passing cars, perhaps because no one is riding these roads. I’m just a weirdo, all alone in the middle of nowhere. Everything you would expect. Pavement is generally perfect. Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas.
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The desert starts in Kramer Junction CA. and continues. Wind became important. Traffic disappears. You can hear a car from half a mile away.
Riding towards and into Death Valley from the CA side is visually stunning, invoking both big climbs and incredible descents.
Think spun out for 20 miles. Travel light, stay in motels, and make the big climbs. The views and sense of accomplishment are worth it.
Coming into Death Valley over Towne Pass is a 5000 foot climb at 9 percent. Hundreds of caterpillars and butterflies makes you look like a drunken sailor weaving slowly around the local inhabitants. Summit temp in April is 42 degrees. Eyes forward, it’s 17 miles downhill to Stovepipe Wells from the Summit of Towne pass.
And into Death Valley. Where the temps are 50 degrees warmer than the summits. It’s the only place you can be still shivering while looking at the thermometer saying 90.
Leaving Death Valley is a 3 hour climb from -190 below sea level to 4000 feet above, and a smooth quiet road headed toward Death Valley Junction. The temps drop quickly as you climb, which is a natural air conditioning effect.
As you crest the summit and leave Death Valley you see hundreds of miles in every direction. Snow capped peaks, valley floors, stretching 50 miles across.
The desolate scenery is the prized possession of this ride are the areas close to Death Valley are the place to remember. You are riding without a net.
I ride Terry saddles exclusively, both in NYC (Raven) and on long road rides (Century). They are tested and durable. They are comfortable and designed to keep going when your friends bail on a ride.
On a brisk Saturday morning in early May, Terry team members Colin Sturgess, David Howard, Serena Wilcox, Jeannette Segale, Karyn Lewis and Megan Peek (from BCBS) all joined me on the Burlington waterfront for the first Wellness Revolution weekend ride of 2019, along with approximately 30 participants!
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Jeannette prepares her group for the long-ride.
The bright green Giro helmets made quite a visual. Everyone was timely, and happy to help! I could not be happier with the morning, a wonderful confidence-builder in the series of workshops and group activities of our ever-popular Wellness program.
Our group began riding on the bike path, and two chain drops later we assembled at Leddy Park, where the participants were given 3 options for ride length.
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Karyn in her element, leading and inspiring!Dave, Colin, and Lisa – ready for action.
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Option one was to continue to the Causeway for more mileage (led by Jeannette and Serena). Option 2 was a North Ave option to practice road riding (led by Karyn and Dave) and option 3 was to return on the bike path (led by Lisa and Megan). All the while Colin kept track of us from his truck…not an easy task.
All three groups prevailed and a truly good time was had by all! Some of us have “barely been on a bike in decades,” others just needed a brush up on their urban cycling skills. It’s wonderful to see the groups come together, women young and young-at-heart gain confidence in their skills, and everyone enjoying cycling more as part of a healthy lifestyle.
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This is the time of year to get your ride calendar booked. Here are a few upcoming women’s cycling events, a few of which we are sponsoring.
Tour de Fleur, May 5, Billings MT
The Tour de Fleur is an annual May event that celebrates women, spring and the joy of bicycling. Launched by Billings Trail Net Executive Director, Kristi Drake, this TDF welcomes riders who decorate their bikes and themselves in floral regalia and set out amid a shower of fresh petals tossed by encouraging fans and family members. Terry will be there so come say hello, or better yet, sign up to ride here.
Cindyrella Classic, May 11-12, Wisconsin
Mother’s Day weekend benefit rides with optional routes and all kinds of goodness.
PIGTAILS at Prairie Trail is a fun bicycle event geared towards women. One-day, 48-mile springtime fun ride starts and ends in Ankeny’s Prairie Trail and rides the High Trestle Trail.
The 32nd annual edition!! Little Red is a woman-only event that raises money to fight breast and ovarian cancer through the research efforts of the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. Spend the day riding through the beautiful Cache Valley in Northern Utah, with a choice of five different routes.
Be a part of the largest women’s mountain bike event in the world at the 10th Annual Beti Bike Bash. Whether you like to ride, race or just enjoy riding with your friends, the Beti Bike Bash brings together the cycling community in a unique and supportive environment. The highlight of the weekend is a women’s mountain bike race catered to all levels. If you want to learn more skills and gain confidence on the bike, join the VIDA MTB Series clinic on Saturday, and check out the Little Bellas for ages 8 to 13.
Idaho’s premier ladies-only bicycle ride that boasts 5 scenic distances (from 10 to 100 miles), catering to beginners and accomplished riders alike. Fully supported (by prince charmings) and lots of fun.
Every spring, groups of savvy cyclists descend upon Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton. For a few short weeks, select roads in these select parks are open to cyclists only as the Park Service prepares to re-open to the onslaught of RVs and vacationers. Roads are plowed out, no services are available, animals are awakening and the natural features are all yours.
Solitude and Post Ride Facial at Mammoth Terraces
For some, this is an annual must-ride. For others, it’s on the cycling bucket wish list. For the Missoula Montana crew, it’s a traveling party complete with costumes, mothers-in-law on tandems and kick-off bloodies at the Two-Bit Saloon in Gardiner.
7 year veterans, Kylie & Kirsa
Of course it’s not without its challenges as weather can be extreme, animals unpredictable, cell service nonexistent and you need to be totally self sufficient. I find it a true test of apparel and bike packing. This year was a particularly excellent testing opportunity for GORE’s new Infinium technology (coming Fall19) which combines GORE-TEX® and WINDSTOPPER® into a shockingly light but thermal package. Look for it in the Fall19 Terry catalog.
In addition to Yellowstone, the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park and Grand Teton opens for cyclists in late April, providing a car-free experience that will spoil you forever.
Arriving daily at Terry, our new Summer Cycling Collection may be our best yet. From our limited-edition Tour de France themed prints to our high performance new Rebel Cycling Skort, to the latest in cycling accessories, we’ve brightened, lightened and loosened things up this season. Enjoy this preview.
Breakaway Jersey, Newsprint (100th anniversary of the yellow jersey)
