Whenever I'm out by these farms, I'm on my bike, usually running errands like getting groceries. As much as I love rainy, dreary weather because it's perfect for knitting indoors, I'm going to miss the clear skies when I'm on my bike.
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Since I talk so much about my bike, I figured I'd show it off. It's a 2012 Cannondale Quick CX 3. All that neon orange is actually duct tape that I put on for visibility, because I love orange, and because when I bought it, it looked so darn fancy I was afraid it would attract thieves. Now it's just right for me. It has shocks that can be locked out, which is what I usually do since I'm rarely riding on trails, usually just on country roads. I'm a brand new rider - I bought this bike just before we moved, about two months ago, and before that I hadn't ridden since I was a kid. Hills are still a challenge, but I'm getting stronger and enjoying it. I like the feeling of riding my bike, especially if I'm doing something that I could use a car for - it makes me feel powerful and independent.
And, it's making me think a lot about what kinds of hand knits people might need for cycling. That, of course, makes me want to design a collection of active wear garments and accessories. If you cycle, run, hike, ski/snowboard, etc, what have you wished you could knit for your active life? What do you look for in garments that you use for these activities, whether they're commercially-made or hand-knit? Have you had any serious flops in garments or accessories that you tried to take on the trail? What went wrong? I'd love some feedback from experienced folks, especially since I'm relatively new at this. Please comment below if you have thoughts on this subject.
those are such gorgeous photos! i used to live in an amish/mennonite community... so lots of farmland. love it. those trails look like something i could tackle... haha city biking though? no. not for me :) i also think it's a fantastic idea to design active wear! and wool is so great in the cold and even wet weather. xo
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm pretty freaked out by biking in the city too. I probably would have started biking long ago, but living in the Seattle, I was too scared of traffic. I agree completely about the wool too!
DeleteThe photos are very nice! The one with your bike on the lane is particularly appealing to the cyclist in me. Re knits-know nothing about it but just bought today a neck gaiter from Ibex at: http://shop.ibex.com/Apparel/Zing/Neck-Gaiter . Seems that type of thing & related might be great as a knit item that could may be be a niche category the way @littlepackage does with her cycling caps. Just saying. Thanks for sharing the pix. Jim Duncan
ReplyDeleteThanks! That photo is my wallpaper on my laptop cause it makes me feel like everything is a possibility. Thanks for the thought about knitting gaiters too. It's amazing what a difference having your neck covered makes in overall warmth when you're riding down a hill, & wool is, again, perfect since it doesn't clam up like cotton, but is warmer than synthetics.
DeletePS. You have some beautiful photos! Makes me miss Tucson, especially the sunsets & the storms.
Yes, that is the photo's appeal, very enticing to see the lane disappearing and the shot framed so that the bike looks like a hero/heroine ready for the mysterious journey. Cool! You live in a neat part of the world. Thanks for the kind words. Jim Duncan
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photo's! I found you through a Knit Fit's Facebook post and so glad I popped over. I grew up on a farm so love the barn photo! My husband and I do some casual hiking and in the winter I always wear wool hats and gloves.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading! I'm hearing a resounding vote for wool accessories, which is fantastic, since I love designing such things!
DeleteI often wear skirts and tights, so I'd welcome leg warmers. Or maybe even a cool cabled leggings pattern (shorts/leggings seem like a niche you're pretty good at).
ReplyDeleteI second Jim's neck gaiter idea--I always need my neck to be warm. Maybe a hat/cowl thing that can go under your helmet and still wrap around your neck?
When I'm riding, I'm always looking for that perfect combination of form-fitting (so I'm not worried about loose clothes getting caught in spokes, etc.) but not too constricting.
I can't wait to see what you come up with!
Yay, leg warmers! I agree with cycling in skirts & after today's ride in the rain I'm definitely thinking that some leg warmers that cover my knees would be most welcome. That fitting balance is definitely an important consideration for active wear - I'll be keeping that in mind throughout the process for sure.
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