Reflection of a 100 years
We began with a graceful trek around town by bike, enjoying the beautiful evening, with an intention of helping women find safe routes to ride through the city. Bringing awareness to woman’s issues and celebrating the History of Women’s empowerment while connecting women that are inspired to ride bikes with those that long to be inspired. Last night the culmination of 3 months of plan and connecting to women in Des Moines came together at the old Varsity Theatre with a special showing of the film “Iron Jawed Angels”, starring Hilary Swank. Swank plays the inspiring role of Alice Paul as she leads the National Women’s Party to gain the right to Vote in America. Not only is their story of Courage and Will empowering, but the emotional relevance of the oppression that was and is Women’s Suffrage, is profound. On August 26, 1920, President Wilson signed the 19th Amendment into action because women of every genre, class, age, and color were able to unite and stand together for one cause that they believed in. This day was not the end of Women’s Suffrage nor was discrimination against women ended but rather the example was set that TOGETHER WE CAN!
You see, today I believe the complacency of society tells us that we are stuck in our situations. “We have no choice in global warming”, “obesity just happens to us”, “there is no time to do things differently”. I say this is not so. If women 100 years ago could stand together for what is right and good through the hardships of their time, then why can’t we join together to inspire change today? Throughout history women have been empowered by the bicycle as it’s accessibility, affordability, and ease of use allowed women the freedom to connect when other means of transportation left them dependent on men. I believe today our freedom to drive cars and be everywhere at once has created a new kind of suffrage for American Women. One where our obligations to keep up with the Jones’ leave us empty under a shell of materialism and no time to reflect on the simplicity of our human nature to simply Nurture. Our maternal instincts drive us to Go Go Go for our kids, for our partners, for our careers, but only lastly for ourselves. We become trapped in a cycle of busy-ness that prevents us from truly connecting with the hearts of those around us or the fertile soil beneath our feet.
When I pedal my bike all the commotion stops. My mind connects with my soul and my heart and I am able to clearly set my intentions. I am not saying that I have all the answers to make the world a better place but because I ride my bike I believe it is possible and I am inspired to try. Everyday I connect to more and more women that also have this experience on a bike. It is a freedom of independence that stops the clock. The work is in setting the intention and planning accordingly to get on a bike, once you begin to pedal you become connected to the moment and are free to be in it. I wish that every woman in the world could feel this experience. I have dedicated my life’s work to making it easier for more women to integrate the bike into their lifestyle. I am not designing clothes because I am a fashionista but rather I see a need for highly functional, practical, essentials that are durable, comfortable, and support women feeling confident to ride a bike anywhere then go on with their day once they arrive. I don’t believe you have to have My Alibi Clothing to do this, but I refuse to sacrifice any of the values so that these clothes just may make it easier integrate the bike into today’s busy lifestyle.
Posted on: May 15th, 2012
Women Empowered by Bike (then & now)
Did you know that the Woman’s revolution started on bikes? Really! It did! Because the bike was invented (and became available mainstream) women suddenly had a way to be independent. For the first time, civilized women could transport themselves alone. This freedom was exhilarating! The empowerment that women gained from it lead to a whole new awareness of the world. As we all know this Revolution has been going on for 2 centuries and has brought women many rights and freedoms that we take for granted today. This revolution still exists, though today it has a much different objective then the Feminist Revolution started in the 1960′s. I like to think of today’s Feminine Revolution as the Butterfly Movement. It is about women embracing their femininity. It is about reclaiming the unique powers of being a women. The Feminist Revolution was seeking Equality. It was asking society to give women an equal playing field with men in the work world. The victories of this movement have no doubt had a tremendous effect on our world and today there are more women owned businesses then ever before. Now though, the pressure women feel to have it all is a new struggle that we must overcome. As women, should we have to choose between being a mother and being a successful business woman? Should we have to hang up our skirts and wear the pants?
In today’s fast paced society it is easy to get lost in the busy hubbub. With errands to run from one end of town to the other, we get stuck behind the wheel of our automobiles covering the same 2-5 miles territory over and over and over again. We get pushed to run on auto-pilot from one monotonous activity to another. Trying to make the best decisions for ourselves and our families becomes less about listening to the true needs and more about keeping up with the Jones’s. Of course, we all know deep down inside that this is not fulfilling and to be individual is being human, but it is easy to say we don’t have time to lead life differently. We don’t have the resources to follow our passion. “I am just one person, I don’t make a difference.” This is today’s suppression.
Butterfly Ride
This is the mindset that we must overcome as we enter the age of wisdom. To find the calm in the middle of the storm. To make the time in our lives to really be alive.
In America we are facing an epidemic of obesity that is matched only by a level of desensitization from an overstimulated abundance of information and technology. Young women today are faced with an unrealistic expectation of beauty created by a digitally enhanced image of the female body that has become accepted as normal. While mothers are trapped in their routines feeling hopeless in their bodies, either starving themselves to maintain their figure or buried under a layer of fat, daughters are driven to extremes seeking unhealthy avenues to boost their self-worth. Today’s eating disorder is driven by the extremes, commercialized misinformation on nutrition leaves women either trying everything without success or giving up entirely. The answer lies not in the tagline, but intuition. It is a centered balanced mental awakening that leads to a healthy body.
This brings me to the bike. One of the greatest gifts the bicycle has to offer us is the connection to the present moment. In order to ride a bike, we must set an intention to do so. Whether it’s to get some fresh air or exercise, or drive a little less, we must plan accordingly. This first step, of setting an intention then acting on it, is empowering. Once on the bike, we are forced to remain in the moment, connecting with the world around us. Every instance offers a different awareness, some moments create bliss while others inspire us to take action to make change. While riding a bike may not inspire you to give up your car, it may awaken you to how you drive your car. You may not instantly become fit, but it may inspire you to seek out healthy choices. By stepping out of the assumed efficiencies of our consumer driven society we are awakened to the simplicities that bring inner fulfillment. In setting these intentions we can challenge ourselves to make choices that enrich our lives and effect those around us in a positive way.
PS: The Bloomers are temporarily only available at Amazon and REI to contact me directly email info@myalibiclothing.com. Thanks for your support!
Posted on: March 8th, 2012
Trunk Show to Kickstart 2012
Saturday afternoon we had a great crowd pack the house at Rasmussen Bike Shop in Des Moines for the My Alibi Trunk Show. Ladies came out to preview the new 2012 line and learn 
about pre-ordering the products through the Kickstarter Campaign to help make the next production happen for Spring. It was great to see so much support from our new community here in Des Moines. With a Keg from Court Avenue Brewery and recycled bike part art from Brian, the event was more then just a girl thing. It was really great to have an opportunity to share the story of My Alibi 
Clothing and why I am so passionate about inspiring more women to discover the bike. Then Mike Colwell engaged the audience with compelling reasons to support merging entrepreneurs in DSM. “Keeping the equity local keeps the brand local”. Kickstarter is a great way for the public to support new products and help the idea people retain ownership of their concepts. It’s a win win situation as pledging to buy the new products helps fund the production and reduce the amount of initial debt accrued. Since no funds are charged or exchanged until the Goal is met there is virtually no risk involved. The designer is only obligated to ful
fill once the funds are raised and the backers only pitch in if the project is funded. Pledges as little as $1 help prove the market viability as the more backers and interest in the project helps other investors see the products market potential. Everyone wins as pledges as low as $8 receive rewards starting with Sexy logo stickers, Tshirts and at just $88 packages include the products being funded by the project. 
This project ends at 8pm on Sunday January 22nd, 2012 so please check it out today at
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1771574263/my-alibi-clothing-active-apparel-for-women-riding
Posted on: January 16th, 2012
What makes this line so Special?
If you think about your entire wardrobe, what do you wear the most? Is it the funky prints or that solid tank top that seems to go well under everything? Yes, the flashy fun prints accent 
all of our styles, but for most of us, there are a few essential basics in our closet that we wear every day. These clothes do not define our style but rather act as a foundation that make us feel good, allowing us to style up or down depending on our lifestyle. The 2012 My Alibi Clothing line is all about bringing some of the functionality that you need to feel comfortable on a bike, to these wardrobe essentials. This line is designed to bridge the gap between bike functional clothing and stylish fashion. By sourcing some of the most cutting edge technology in high performance fabrics merged with soft and supple hand feel, this line goes beyond your average basics, to offer moisture management, durability and quality of construction, along with flattering fits and a whole lot of extras. The 3 styles of Cami tops bring maximum support with the triple layer integrated shelf bra without the sporty look or too thin spaghetti straps. With three ample pockets placed appropriately in a longer cut, they are there when you need them, but don’t add to your waistline silhouette when empty.
The Reversible Skirt, simple skirt, Pedal Pusher Capri and Bermuda shorts are 
all made of a highly technical woven fabric that only stretches one way to allow it to fit comfortable and move with you, without stretching out and sagging like most knits. Since we have removed the chamois, and all these bottoms can be worn with or without the Bloomers. They are more then just bike clothes, but they fit comfortable and work well on the bike then on to the rest of your day. Since the fabric does not snag or pill (or shrink in the dryer!) they will withstand the vigors of a MTB ride, while looking good enough to wear to the office, or dinner date.
The Original My Alibi Bloomers are intended to bring the comfort of the best quality padded bike short, to every woman’s lifestyle, by creating an under garment that is feminine, comfortable, sexy, and leaves no panty lines. One customer wrote, “I love my Bloomers and the diversity they give me for looking cute on my bike! I never thought I would be able to wear skirts so freely as I cruise through town and bike trails. Now I feel great on my bike for more reasons than just the exercise! To Abbie, this is the point: you should be able to wear what you want and go where you need to, feeling confident and beautiful, on a bike.
The Kickstarter fundraising campaign is designed to allow the public to help fund the production by pre-ordering the new products. This crowd-funding platform is an exciting new way
for people to put their money to work bringing new ideas to life. Since the products are being offered as rewards for the pledges it becomes a win-win situation for everyone involved. Since supporters only pay out after the goal of the project is met, the risk involved is eliminated for both the supporters and the creators. With just 10 days left to raise $50k, we hope you will get excited to help make it happen!
Posted on: January 12th, 2012
The Bloomers Test Outstanding
April 2011 marks the 4rd Anniversary for My Alibi Clothing and the original Bloomers. Though they have earned a reputation of being ‘a bit expensive for underwear‘ these sexy little shorts, pack a powerhouse that just may make you feel like WonderWoman. Nearly 80% of My Alibi’s direct customers have written in to tell us just how much the Bloomers have made biking more accessible for them. Leaving no panty lines yet securing the highest quality chamois in place makes them so comfortable that you almost forget you have them on.
Many of you have probably heard about some of the “extreme” product testing I have been doing on them. So, it seems appropriate to celebrate 3 years with a bit of clarification of the cool facts (we all know how the stories get bigger as they go around… but really there have been some amazing observations).
Though the Bloomers were in development for over a year before I was pregnant, I was 6 
months along when the finished product arrived. At first, I was sure it would be another 5 months before I would get to wear them as I was doomed for the extra big/extra stretchy version that goes up over the baby bump. To my surprise they worked perfect even with the belly! It was just in time too as the regular black spandex was no longer doing the trick. Little did I realize at the time just how helpful growing little Dustin was going to be to Product Testing. As a result of such a comfortable chamois, I road my MTB on Marin singletrack until I was 8.5 months booming. (Ok, those last couple of weeks I was stuck on the flats except for a few downhill runs facilitated by my sweet husband who drove me to the top of Mt Vision). I did everything I could to stretch them out but they hold their integrity to this day!
That same pair of Bloomers (pictured above on the first day they arrived from Italy) has been through the ringer. All cyclists know it is a faux paux to dry your spandex, ESPECIALLY ON HOT! But I did it. Over and over and over again. It didn’t seem to phase them, thanks to the highest quality Italian Lycra and Pro Quality Gel Chamois. The Pink version did get a little muted by washing with dark blue jeans (oops) but its funny, I actually like the color better (don’t tell anyone!!)
Of course the next phase of product testing was on the bike. As many will attest to, just running to town suddenly got a whole lot easier with the Bloomers in the wardrobe. Skirts, yoga pants, capri’s, even jeans become an easy option: paired with the Bloomers. No more lumpy, frumpy feeling. No strange binding elastic lines. No suffocation of vital body parts. Just booty protection, and a sheepish smile knowing that no one around you needs to know your wearing them. (Except when you run into your girlfriend and you just can’t help but tell her as she is fidgeting in her Spandex gear.)
Then of course, there is the mountain bike side of the Bloomers. Let me tell you! I put some miles on this pair in the dirt. In fact, I have scoured Northern Cali and beyond to find they are perfect for the hour spin or the epic Downieville downhill –where I actually crashed in a gnarly rock garden in these particular Bloomers with the above pictured Pedal Pushers BEFORE that photo was taken, see any holes or snags? Not a mark made… but we are talking about the Bloomers.
So we covered, stretching them out, insane laundry practices, Urban riding, MTBing, skirts and the new function they give the rest of our wardrobes. Touring is a no brainer. I get the best stories of women traveling around the world on bike in the Bloomers. Unfortunately, you can’t tell that they are wearing them in any of the pictures, but that is the point, right? The only angle that the Bloomers didn’t shine in was for long road rides. It’s not that the chamois isn’t sufficient, but it’s kind of difficult to wear anything over them, so if you live in Florida, San Diego, or Kona, you might try them on a blistering hot day and let me know what you think! As for wearing them alone? Not everyone’s cup of tea but I have to say when it was 102 degrees in Fruita, I was stoked to work on my tan lines on the singletrack.
So after 3 years of great rides I decided to take that first pair apart and see how well that chamois really held up. After a tedious hour of taking out the stitches, I was shocked to find the gel insert had no sign of deteriorating!! Now in my years of racing, I went through some chamois’! Pretty much every single one I ever owned (especially if it was team specific) broke down in less then a season, some of them almost fell out, and in most of them the foam had compressed to nothing in the key spots. I am not talking about cheap bike shorts either. I paid $100+ for at least 3 pair per year. I couldn’t believe it, these 1000+ day old Bloomers, that had been through the wash at least 5 lifetimes (in the fabric world 80 washes is a lifetime), were almost as good as new! The body shows no sign of wear (I am using it currently to test out some less expensive chamois for a cheaper version; more on that later), the Chamois top was as soft as ever with pretty even wear that didn’t effect it’s performance, and the gel insert was perfect!
My conclusion: (Now if you know me, you have heard me say this…) My Alibi Bloomers are a wardrobe investment that will pay for itself in gas saved, calories burned, and the smile on your face. But don’t just take my word for it. Here is what a couple of customers had to say:
“What I love most about your bloomers is the low waist, and the chamois is incredibly soft and comfortable. I just love them!” ~Laurie
“WOW … they are AMAZING! GREAT PRODUCT … I will tell all my girlfriends for certain. ” ~Louise
“I was a little apprehensive to spend so much on the Bloomers at first but they were so cute I went for it. After wearing them a few times I love them so much I am buying 3 more pairs!“ ~ Sara
Of course, that is just a sampling of the praise from My Alibi customers. The Bloomers are the prized possession of those who have made the investment. Are you ready to feel beautiful on your bike?
Posted on: April 1st, 2011
The Bike integrated Lifestyle
You have somewhere to go: that place where you learn and grow, give and take. How you get there greatly effects who you are in that place. Traffic, radio (talk or music: it’s all white noise), running late — always. Or you may just find you are always in your car. You, my friend, have a choice.
The bike integrated lifestyle is a choice. We choose where we live, what we do, who we socialize with, don’t forget “How We Get There”. By living your life on your bike, you will see your world more closely. The buildings seem grander, the flowers are brighter, the people seem happier, the clouds take more form.
Now remember, I said you have somewhere to go. It may be school or work OR it may be the coffee shop, playground, grocery store, or pub. It is about integrating the bike into our lifestyle in a way that supports who we are as individuals. Connecting to Self, Community and Environment in a deeper way is the BIKE INTEGRATED LIFESTYLE.
Posted on: November 13th, 2010
Green Lifestyle (on the bike)
The bike is a key element to a Green Community on many complex levels. For most people the obvious reason is anti-CAR. Of course, in our traffic jammed society, this is an important factor. The more people that implement the bicycle into their transportation regime, the greater the impact we can have on lowering fuel emission pollution, lessen traffic congestion and slow the ever escalating need for more concrete expansion. There are also personal benefits that occur naturally when we choose to pedal our way around town. The absence of road rage leaves most bike commuters arriving with a smile even if the circumstances were not perfect.There is just something about the wind in your face and your heart pumping that makes the effort worthwhile In our busy lives connecting to our bodies on the bike can almost be a surreal experience. The bike becomes a place to reflect and clarify the mind. The physical act can be strenuous but the rhythmic action releases endorphins that allow for conscious thought. The combination of mental and physical activity gives our complex brain’s a chance to find balance in a world that otherwise demands us to tax one piece of our intelligence and let the other elements shrivel. Of course, there are other means to find this center but the awakening of the mind to the environment around us is a unique experience to the bike that requires us to take action in our lives. For those commuting through densely populated cities, this may resemble a new sensitivity to bikes when behind the wheel of a car. 
Or a profound realization that some trips actually take less time by bike without traffic and parking conditions. Or maybe just noticing a mural, or finding something beautiful along the way that you would not have otherwise noticed. For those escaping to the woods the experiences could stimulate a desire to preserve nature and take action to protect the environment. No matter how brief or extended ones ride may be there is no question that social interactions made on a bike have a greater sense of worth then the numerous motorized passings we make each day. The opportunity to share a smile or brief “Hello” offers us a sense of connectedness that is essential to the development of community. The time spent pedaling becomes a ritual to engage in the culture surrounding us. It gives us a choice to participate in creating the future and being the change that we want to see in the world.
Posted on: October 5th, 2010
Green Business Certified
It seems Green is the new Black these days with everyone trying to capture the Environmentally Conscious consumer dollars in the marketplace. The other day I noticed that even Clorox has a new Green detergent. Is it really “good for the environment”? Living in Marin County,CA, any time I feel my Green Ego bursting I just go to the Good Earth for a Green Check-Up. There you are sure to get a raised eyebrow if you forget your bag or throw anything in the trash.
For My Alibi Clothing being a certified Green Business is a commitment we don’t take lightly. Treading lightly on the planet is the core principle at the root of this small apparel business. Not only are the products themselves designed and manufactured in the most environmentally responsible ways available but the product concepts themselves are meant to inspire women to utilize a bike as a form of transportation. Being Green is more then buying recycled products, it is a commitment to continually analyze every action in our lives to lower our CO2 output. If that means, riding the bike two blocks to the local market to buy milk rather then jumping in the car to drive across town to the more trendy “Green Store” or if it means finding a factory overseas that doesn’t dump pollutants into the local water source, we are looking for every opportunity to instill green values into our lives and products.
My Alibi products are designed to get you out there on your bike more but that isn’t the only thing that makes them green. Product durability is one of our highest priorities. Not only are the styles designed to endure seasonal trends but the quality of materials and production are chosen to create a high quality garment that won’t wear out. This means we take R&D really seriously. So when you buy a pair of My Alibi Bloomers you can be certain that they are an investment that will accentuate your wardrobe 10,000% (or more) longer then that $80 would have gone in your gas tank. The cool thing is too, they actually help you burn fat while still smiling (another thing that SUV can’t do!). Help us celebrate My Alibi Clothing as a Certified Green Business by purchasing your pair of Original Bloomers!
Posted on: August 27th, 2010
Feeling down? love the downhills…
I love to ride my bike downhill. The thrill of the the speed, the challenge to respond quickly, and the wind in my face are all pleasures that reverberate through every inch of my body on the descent. These rewards are like candy to my soul that has inspired me to excel on the climbs. Yes, I learned to ride fast uphill to get to the downhill more quickly. With time, I have come to appreciate the uphill struggle for many reasons but I must say that climbing to the top of a mountain before descending only makes the joy more fulfilling. A hard earned reward signifies an accomplishment, which greatly increases its value.
This translates beautifully to life. Ironically, in our lives we cherish the ups and dread the downs. I challenge you to embrace those humbling experiences with your chin up. Take on the challenges with a graceful smile and “See Through It”. If a negative drone persists, take it to the bike. You will be sure to surprise yourself with what treasures you hold in your heart.
Posted on: May 6th, 2010
Why Climb Hills?
“I would ride my bike, BUT there is a big hill!”
I can’t tell you the millions of times that I have heard this excuse. That’s all it is too… an excuse. Okay, so maybe I am being a bit harsh but there is a reason. You see, the hills are where it’s at! Climbing to the top is an accomplishment no matter how small the hill or slow you go up, there is fulfillment at the top. For most of us the reward comes in the downhill… without hills there would be no ‘downhill’. Most bikes today are designed to go uphill well with many gears to shift and make it easier on our bodies. I am not going to let you get away with saying your bike isn’t a climbing bike either, as I can climb up that mountain just about as strong on my single speed.
The greatest thing about hills is the amount of learning that can happen when we embrace them. (Calories burned is definitely a bonus too!) Of course, the variety of lessons is as vast as the range of sizes hills come in. Whether it is a consecutive set of small rollers or a huge mountain with varying pitches, the more you practice the better you get. It is in these challenges that we find inner strength and physical fitness. Many people think of riding a bike as a physical activity that is tiring, but I want to challenge you to experience the rejuvenation of the mind that is almost unavoidable on a good ride.
Read this little story about my ride on Monday to illustrate this Mind/Body experience. If this gives you just one little glimpse of inspiration, let it be this: The mind opens the door to the body’s potential just as the body does for the mind. For more enlightenment surrounding this concept, I highly recommend the book Thinking Body Dancing Mind. If you still need a bit more inspiration to embrace that hill, skip the gym and try a new hill everyday for a week. Then tell me what happened.
Posted on: April 24th, 2010