skorts for riding my bike

Brenda will remember this, because she now has them.

When I was in my boot for the whole, very hot, summer of 2012, I wore several skorts from LandsEnd.

LandsEnd has generous cuts. They were size 6 and very roomy. So I could get them on and off over the boot, they were loose and cool in the heat, I could put my foot up and not flash the world.

At the end of the summer, they were boxed and sent to Brenda because they were darling, someone should get wear out of them, but I was totally sick of them.

I still can't look at the chair I sat in for middle's pregnancy (she is now 20). So, this is a trend for me. Some things are beloved and worn until they wear out, but if it is a confinement thing, when the situation is over, I want them g-o-n-e.

I am a skirts and dresses girl almost all the time. I go to the grocery store in a dress. I run errands in a dress. I clean out the dishwasher in a dress.

The first time I got on my bike to ride to the pool, I was wearing a dress. I pulled the front part of it sort of through my legs and sat on it. And I almost fell over trying to maneuver because the dress got hung up on the seat. Middle saw this and my husband saw this and said - that is not going to work.

I just am not so much of a shorts girl unless it is absolutely necessary (zip lining for example).

I did not want my same type skorts again (still sick of even the general idea of them) so I looked for other options.

I found solid KNIT skorts from LandsEnd that are shorter and fuller. Not obscenely short, but shorter, which actually looks very cute and is great for being out of the way on a bike. And while they were skorts, they do not look at all like the ones from the summer of the boot. Totally different vibe.

I had never really understood the appeal of running skirts until I tried these skorts. I realize they are not the same thing. But the look is similar. Now, I totally get it.

Both of the skorts pictured below are a full skirt with a full short under it. It is NOT a skirt in the front and shorts in the back like some skorts are made.

When I was looking online, this is the style I thought I would love. I ordered it in a 6 and an 8. When it came, the fullness around the middle bothered me. I definitely needed the 6 (actually wondered if I needed the 4). I had to try the 6 on, several days in a row, to decide if this was a keeper. And jury is still out, I get to edge of returning them, and then can't decide and wait for the next day to try again. 

This skort is perfect example of why I have to TRY different garments in different sizes. Looking at this style in the online catalog, I did not think I would like it. But since there were only two knit, plain skorts, I ordered both styles in two sizes each. This one ended up being the one I LOVED. I needed the size 6 in this one also. 

I immediately ordered this same style in gray (size 6). And ordered two more in navy. When I am home from my bike ride, I can do lawn work in these skorts or do my abs/arms work. I know from experience if I LOVE something, get more, because next week or next year, they might not be available. And these are so basic that they go with anything. Very generic bottom.

I am not a khaki color girl. But this skort does come in that color. 

My new bike

My former bike was a garage sale find.

We got a new seat and handle bars.

The additions allowed me to sit up straight which was easiest on my lower back.





The last time I was on that bike was 2011.

In 2012 I broke my foot/was in a boot for the summer and was having equilibrium problems.

In 2013 I did not get on my bike nor in the pool (for whatever reason).





My family rides bikes to and from the pool all season.

Even if I was not getting in (the water and weather is WAY to cold for me so far) the pool, I at least wanted to go with them this year.





My husband has not liked the narrow tires on my garage sale bike since the beginning. He is afraid of ruts and holes in the street, crevices between grass and sidewalk in many lawns, space between planks on wooden walking bridges.





We bike shopped last week. We went to each bike shop in town saying - we need wide tires, peddles slightly forward of seat, handlebars which would allow me to sit upright, broad seat, 3 speed, back peddle style brakes.

These were beach cruiser style bikes.

I really just had to ride each one to see what I liked.

Yes, expensive.






I ended up with a Brownie.

I have ridden it to the pool and back, several times now.

It is very comfortable, easy to ride, steer, stop, balance.

I like it very much.

It was worth the money.





I honestly thought middle would immediately want one, but surprisingly she did not. She actually prefers a boy, cross country type of bike. That is good. My husband was not buying another one.  .  .





Here is a borrowed picture of the light lavender color brownie I got -

Here are 2 borrowed pictures of the basket my husband got for me -

Basket detaches from the bike with the push of a button and can then be carried by its handle. So I can put my pool things in it, and then carry the whole basket into the pool area. I can't carry anything heavy (like 5 water bottles or script for youngest's next show in a big binder) or it messes with the steering. But my towel, phone, drink, etc is fine.