Charged Up Cycle Chic

Charged Up for Bike Month with Urban Chic E-Bikes!

Crystal Springs Resort, Hamburg NJ  May is Bike Month and last week was Bike to Work Week. If you haven't heard, e-Bikes are the hottest thing going! The Charged Up Media Event was THE place to test drive power assisted and full powered electric bikes.

Work or play, cycle wear for everywhere!

Bike Commuting Made Easier
If you've been a bit shy about the thought of taking your bicycle to work or a long touring ride, an e-Bike might be a potential solution. There is less of a chance of getting all sweaty and hot with a little power to your pedal. Add a few very stylish pieces you can wear on and off your ride along with bicycle luggage and portable rear rack bags.

Echelon Skort by Terry.  Large Black Carry All by Give Love Cycle

What's in My Bicycle Bag? Here's what I have on board for every ride: Minemergency Pouch with Topricin, L'Occitane Almond Milk Handcream, pH Lighted Lip Gloss, 30 SPF Coconut Oil Sunblock, GM Collin Eye Serum, Visine, Energems, Probar Fuel, Water Bottle and Deodorant Swipes.

Pack your Bags!

Pedal Assist(ant)
I got the chance to test ride the BionX which is a pedal assist e-Bike system. What's cool is that you can install it on your favorite bicycle as there are different models to choose from. Even better is that since it is a power assist, you still have to pedal so you get a bit of a workout. The model I tried (on the Ohm) charges fully in only 4 hours and will run for nearly 40-50 miles after being powered up. BionX e-bike systems offer Generate Mode and Re-Gen braking which will help recharge the battery as you're going downhill. Its natural pedaling feel is perhaps the closest to riding a regular bicycle.  You're just not as worn out when you arrive at your destination!

E-Bikes, the Wave of the Future?
I definitely think so. For just pennies in electricity, you can bicycle farther and for extended periods of time. Steep hills are no longer a problem as I even tried The Mariner by ProdecoTech which is a cute little full powered folding bicycle.  Weighing only 45 lbs it tops out at 18 mph and gives you 25-35 miles of riding per charge. Full powered means no pedaling needed. Fold it, pack it and take it with you on your next vacation.

The Mariner Folding E-Bike by ProdecoTech

 
Ready to Get Charged Up?
You may need to check the local laws in your area as e-bikes are somewhat new on the scene. Still, they can make a world of difference in your riding experience and even become your "second car". You can go further, faster and haul more weight by simply slapping on a set of panniers. These innovations really take the limitations off of bicycling and is something I will be looking into more this summer.


Bags & Cycle Wear c/o Give Love Cycle and Terry Bicycles respectively.

Stars & Stripes 4th of July Picnic Chic - Synergy, Horny Toad Organic Cottons

Stripes done right. Striped Tank Dress made of 100% Organic Cotton by Synergy, Santa Cruz, CA

Kick off the summer with a bit of picnic chic that is both comfortable and good for the environment (not to mention sexy)! I'm talking about organic cotton dresses which have come a long way from the beige burlap sacks I remember from years ago. Nowadays textures and hues go way beyond boring brown colorways.  Organic dresses are also expected to support an active, outdoorsy lifestyle many of us are taking to, so fit and ease of movement are going to be things to look for.

Synergy's Tank Panel Dress works on your bike (with shorts underneath)!

What I wear under it all. These Terry Liner Shorts turn anything into bikewear!

Synergy Clothing makes all their 100% organic cotton dresses right in Santa Cruz, CA and offer a fresh take on west coast design. You can take this dress from your Fourth of July Picnic and bike ride to dinner at the club afterwards. Very versatile, flattering diagonal cut with straps wide enough to cover underthings. This is a stretchy cotton dress so you may want to order a size down.

Synergy Tank Panel Dress in Navy/White from Terry Bicycle's Catalog

Lead Photo:
Straw Fedora Tinsley & Daphne Scarf by Pistil Designs
Tank Panel Dresses C/O Synergy Clothing of CA
Gladiator Stiletto Sandals by Mossimo of CA for Target

Horny Toad Dizziness!
First the stripes and now the stars. This organic cotton number by Horny Toad is one of my season favorites.  The Dizzie Dress shown here in Nectar offers soft cotton comfort with a bit of posh sundress flair - perfect from the beach to a dinner date. This is active-wear that just looks beautiful and fresh with an airy fit and two sweet pockets. Adjustable straps and a ruched back make for a perfect fit around the bust-line. Add a little cotton 3/4 sleeve topper for the evening's breezes and the fireworks you'll be (making) watching.

Organic Cotton Dizzie Dress in nectar by Horny Toad

Raffia Sun Hat by Helen Kaminski - Australia
Dizzie Dress C/O Horny Toad 
See my full Dizzie Dress Review on Lucky
3/4 Sleeve Topper by Cotton On
Vista Calf Leather Wedges in Alpaca Available at Nordstrom

HornyToad Dizzy Dress in Lapis