Ladies' Night 12/7

Last Thursday the women of Ladies' Night discussed winter riding and our preferred gear. The biggest trouble spot? Gloves. We all had various complaints about our different handwear. The most effective glove set-up present in my opinion was Verna's -- a simple combo of SmartWool liners under a pair of well-made, old school mittens, the kind with a hearty (but faux) leather shell and lofty (but faux) wool interior. (Pictured below at the end of the mustard plaid sleeves.) She found them at the Crowded Closet for cheap, like $5 or something (how much, Verna?).



This once again proves to me that we don't need overdesigned, cycling specific gear to survive the weather, cold or hot. Sometimes it's helpful, but I'm usually disappointed (and usually at an expensive lesson to boot). My glove combo pictured here (at the end of the mustard mohair sleeves) is the DeFeet (cycling specific) synthetic liners with Pearl Izumi (cycling specfic) lobster gloves. The lobsters (a three-fingered mitten) are $80 of inferiority, and I'm excited that they're already falling apart after three years. Excited because I don't feel so guilty beginning the hunt for a second-hand replacement.



Thanks to all the ladies for another great night.

the Cute Hat Brigade

Jennifer brought Wally

Five women, working talking laughing

Ladies' Night 11/16

Ladies' Night 11/2

Jennifer & I overhauled the hub of her front wheel, while Amy & Jen cheered us on.



Ladies' Night began after Holly & I had many discussions about getting more women into bicycle repair and culture. She told me about her experiences at Plan B in New Orleans. They were doing a Ladies' Night once a week, and she said it was one of few refuges during those first grueling months of rebuilding. After she told me about it, she simply asked if we could do something like that at the Bike Library.


Why didn't I think of it before??? It has been a true pleasure to be a part of it, and last night Holly & I discussed the progress we've seen in the regular Ladies' Night visitors. When we get together there is a symbiosis in which we all exchange information. By teaching I am learning, and that is empowerment.

Ladies' Night

is this Thursday (Nov. 2) from 5:30 until 8:00. Oh my, do we ever have fun...