Dress for Success
The immediate thought that popped into my mind recently when considering the phrase “dress for success” was that of an ambitious career woman strutting around in practical heels and an expensive, feminine-but-no-nonsense suit. I could be way off. I’m no fashionista. “Success” is a very subjective term, meaning all kinds of different things depending on context. Regardless, the thought made me chuckle as I reflected on how dressing that way for success in a non-business situation could actually be dressing for abysmal failure.
It was a cold day when these thoughts came, and I was pedaling down what I like to call a rabbit trail, in a glorious natural area on my mountain bike. Heels of any sort, or a business suit, would be recipes for disaster in that environment. As a kid I balked at some of the fashions attached to certain sports. I still somewhat affectionately, somewhat mockingly refer to spandex road cycling clothes as “sausage casings”. As I’ve lived a bit I’ve come to appreciate that in the world of Sports Attire, form generally follows function (as we see in snug, aerodynamic road cycling gear).
My Silver Stallion in the snow
On my brisk ride that November day, I wasn’t looking particularly stunning, (not that the wildlife would care what I wore unless it was something appetizing like a bacon or peanut butter suit), but I was dressed for success on the trails! As a wannabe mountain biker, I have cobbled together some odd gear that works for me, rather than getting all the professional clothes and footwear. My pedals don’t require clip-in shoes, so I use some grubby outdoor runners reserved for particularly messy trail runs and rides. Next up, my wind-proof running tights. On top, a merino wool base layer, then fleece vest, covered all up with a running jacket. The hand and head accessories include a ‘buff’, helmet, and running mitts over some silk gloves.
Why this rag-tag collection of raiment? I’m glad you asked!
Feet: The running shoes are a well-ventilated mesh material, which is great for hot summer days, and terrible for cold, wet days. Solution: Gore Tex socks! Who even knew they existed? When I saw them at the store, I thought they might be novel for camping and am pleased to report they block wind AND water very nicely. (I do wear proper socks underneath because the Gore Tex ones provide no warmth.)
Legs: The running tights are not flattering but their amazing wind-blocking front panels are leg-savers. Tearing through the woods, it’s always the front of the legs that get coldest.
Torso: As for merino wool – I rejoice in this natural fibre that I first encountered in New Zealand. Unlike regular itchy wool, the fibres from Merino Sheep are so fine and soft that when knit into material, they almost feel like cotton. The benefit of wool is that it wicks moisture away from the body, but even if it gets soaked (sweat, rain, snow), unlike cotton, it remains very warm to wear. Furthermore, unlike synthetics like Lycra or polyester-blends, wool doesn’t get smelly from perspiration. It can have a bit of a wet-dog aroma, but not a nasty, pungent, body-odour smell! The vest provides a warm covering for my trunk that doesn’t cause me to overheat. If my middle section is warm, the rest of me will stay warm. The running jacket is water resistant, which also helps keep me warm, and has a bold reflective stripe (safety!), and, best of all, has zippers under the armpits that I can open to release excess heat. Wearing a vest rather than a sweater also facilitates this heat release beautifully. I want to keep sweating to a minimum so that when I do slow down to snap some photos, or watch a hawk take off, sweaty dampness doesn’t chill me.
Hands: The silk gloves are not fancy ballroom attire. Again, being a natural fibre, silk has an incredible ability to keep things up to 5˚ C warmer than a similar density synthetic fabrics. They also keep the cold off my skin if I need to pull off the mitts to take a picture. The running mitts boast a reflective strip, wind-proof front panel and keep my silk-covered fingers toasty.
Head: Finally, having a “buff” (a versatile bandana “tube”) with which I can cover my ears under my helmet, or pull up over my chin and nose, (if I’ve already got a thin wool toque on), is the final touch to keep me warm, frost-free and happy. If there is any precipitation I’ll also wear clear glasses so I don’t have my face locked in a perma-squint to keep snowflakes or rain out of my eyes. The helmet goes without saying, as it’s just the smart thing to wear to keep my grey matter better protected if a spill should happen.
So my winter biking get-up looks a bit like I’ve visited a rummage sale, but for me it’s a tried-and-tested “uniform”. Geared up this way, I can pedal onwards, enjoying the squelch of mud under my tires, or the crunch of frosty earth, without worrying about damaging expensive, designer clothes, and knowing I’m well equipped for the elements.
