With warm weather, it’s nice to have the option of lightening up on clothing material. I don’t mean wearing less—only choosing lighter-weight items. When I’m taking cycling trips, I often track weather patterns and forecasts for a couple of weeks in advance, so I know what gear to pack.
I’ve long been a fan of the Wild Rye women’s cycling brand. The clothes are comfortable, and above all, the brand takes a variety of body types into consideration—curvy in different places, long legs, short legs, athletic legs, and booties. For summer cycling, I love the Wild Rye Riley Lightweight Bike Short.
Made from a fabric that’s 90% recycled polyester and 10% spandex, the shorts have an athletic fit, but four-way stretch, which is perfect for active women. A DWR finish makes the shorts resistant to mud, rain, and the unavoidable splashes that come when you’re least expecting. The fabric is also rated UPF 50.
The shorts have three pockets—two in the front, and one on the side (which is large enough for an iPhone Plus). There’s a gusseted crotch for comfort and a stretch panel at the back waistband for a flexible fit around the midsection, where it’s nice to have a little bit of forgiveness.
The Riley Lightweight Bike Short has what you need for summer roads and trails, without adding extra weight to make you sweat more than necessary. The short comes in three colors/patterns, all of with list for $109 on the Wild Rye site. Witchy woman (pictured) includes earthy and eclectic elements like candles, moons, and snakes. Sicilian summer brings the vibe of lounging in the sun by the seaside. Painted poppy rocks orange poppies symbolizing health and regeneration. Get your favorite print, or more than one to last through the warm months.