Marley Blonsky, Author at Adventure Cycling Association https://www.adventurecycling.org Discover What Awaits Sat, 09 Mar 2024 16:18:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5 https://www.adventurecycling.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cropped-web_2-color_icon-only-32x32.png Marley Blonsky, Author at Adventure Cycling Association https://www.adventurecycling.org 32 32 Gearing Up to Get Out, At Any Size https://www.adventurecycling.org/blog/gearing-up-to-get-out-at-any-size/ https://www.adventurecycling.org/blog/gearing-up-to-get-out-at-any-size/#respond Mon, 12 Feb 2024 22:46:13 +0000 https://www.adventurecycling.org/gearing-up-to-get-out-at-any-size/ When I started riding bikes nearly 10 years ago in Seattle, it was a struggle to find even a basic pair of padded shorts and jersey to fit my plus-size […]

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]]> When I started riding bikes nearly 10 years ago in Seattle, it was a struggle to find even a basic pair of padded shorts and jersey to fit my plus-size body. Finding technical gear such as a raincoat or rain pants? Ha. Good luck.

So I made do. I rode in leggings from Old Navy and athletic-style tops from Costco.  I found a used rain cape and cobbled together outfits that allowed range of motion and were comfortable enough. And while this worked for commuting and short-distance trips in the city, as my riding turned more adventurous and longer distance, I needed purpose-built cycling clothes. I eventually found some options through a combination of second-hand stores (shoutout to the Seattle Goodwill’s Annual Bike Weekend) and deep internet searching, but it was way harder than it should have been.
plus size woman on a bike
The author in general athletic wear
Marley Blonsky
Ten years later, I’m happy to report that the landscape for gearing up as a bigger-bodied rider has gotten exponentially easier. Numerous brands cater specifically to larger sizes, and many traditional cycling brands have expanded their sizing to fit a broader range of bodies. Today’s plus-size rider has options! I am so excited to dive into this world, as everyone, regardless of size or shape, deserves to have clothing and equipment that works for them.

A Note of Sizing Caution

Size charts in the cycling world are wildly inconsistent. Many brands that only go to a 2x or 3x will have the same measurements as other brands that tout a 4x, 5x, or even 6x. Before ordering, check the size charts! Measure yourself and take note of your bust, waist, hip, bicep, and thighs. Ignore the size and instead match your measurements to the size charts. This way you’ll wind up with garments that fit and save you the hassle of returns or poorly fitting clothes.

Where to Shop: Online Vs. In-Store

plus size woman on a bike
Marley Blonsky
While our options have increased, most of the extended and plus size options are still available online only, often directly from the brand you’re interested in. Nearly every brand has at least a 30-day return window if it doesn’t fit, and if you’re unsure on your exact size (and your budget allows), order both sizes with the intent to return what doesn’t work. I also think it’s important to let retailers know that bigger bodied folks are actively looking for gear that fits us. So if you’ve got the emotional fortitude, it never hurts to call your local bike shop or outdoor retailer and ask if they’ve got gear in your size. Not only will you potentially be able to try things on in-store, but it also sends a demand signal for bigger sizes!

The Gear You Need to Get Started Bike Touring

Gear for Bad Weather Days

There’s a saying in cycling that there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing. And this is very much the case for bigger bodied folks, as finding technical clothing such as rain gear and outerwear for cold days is that much harder. The key to bad weather days is layers, starting with a moisture-wicking base layer, and building up from there. For those nasty days when I find myself on the saddle, these items are essential to staying warm and dry, and are offered in inclusive sizing. Where possible, we’ve linked to the plus-size options.

Rain and Snow? Just Go.

Gear for Perfect Weather Days

plus size woman in the water
Sometimes perfect weather days call for a swim
Marley Blonsky
My absolute perfect day on the bike is 75 degrees, slight cloud cover and barely a breeze. Gearing up on days like this is easy. Here’s what I wear for those days.

Staying Fresh on the Road

Space is at a premium when traveling by bike, which often means packing light, and rewearing clothing for multiple days without doing laundry. Staying fresh under these circumstances can be challenging – but is totally doable! My best suggestion for this is to wear natural fabrics, such as merino. SmartWool makes great base layers, t-shirts, and socks that are naturally antimicrobial, helping lessen odor build up. I also recommend changing clothes as soon as you get to your stopping point for the day. I love to pack a lightweight camp dress to wear while I air out my cycling clothing on a clothing line (compact and easy to pack), or tree. If I’ve got access to a freshwater source, I’ll wade in, using the opportunity to both wash my body and my cycling clothing, being sure to thoroughly dry my chamois.

Keeping It Clean (Down There)

Traditional Cycling Clothing

plus size woman on a bike
Marley Blonsky
I am the first to admit that I never understood the appeal of a traditional cycling kit — until I wore one that actually fit. Turns out that a properly fitting kit provides all sorts of advantages, including comfort for long days in the saddle, moisture control, and protection from the elements. Check out the offerings from the following brands:

Outerwear, Base Layers and Non-Lycra Options

woman eating a coconut
Marley Blonsky
For many adventure cyclists, the idea of putting on a lycra kit when on bike tour (or on a daily ride) just doesn’t jive with their style. Here are some great options for bigger bodies wanting to ride with a different sense of style. All of these brands have inclusive sizing for larger bodies. **The author is sponsored by Shredly, with a special Marley Blonsky X Shredly product line launching in Spring 2024. 

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