Live from the Katnip Lounge, The Kat Pack!

Starring: The Baby *Tiny Johnson * Felix * Rupert * Scouty * CC * Sweet Pea * Maui * May Ling * Salem

and...*Angels Grayce, KonaKitty, and Sylvester* always loved, never forgotten




Sunday, December 16, 2012

Sunday with Sheebie

Friends and Kitties!


Technology is a wonderful thing.  Take windbreakers for example--when I was a kid the classic windbreaker jacket was a nylon shell with a thin fabric flocked liner, and it totally Did Not live up to the moniker; I think the wind considered these types of jackets a mere annoyance in it's mission to transform a small child walking home from school into a kidsicle.  Nowadays, it's a whole different story.  I recently purchased a new windbreaker that scoffs at anything below a gale.  This thing is phenomenal--I'm pretty sure it's made from magical fairy dust polymer. I got a Pearl Izumi Barrier Convertible Jacket.  The sleeves zip off so it's a  vest, too.  The fabric is incredibly lightweight, and warm.  Worth every penny, and I'm a cheapskate.

Fun on Wheels
Scott pimped my ride for me!
I never knew such a wondrous fabric existed, in fact, in the past couple of weeks I've had a crash course in all sorts of performance related fabrics due to the fact that I need to look stylish riding my new bike.  Oh, and I'd like to stay warm, too.  It gets cold here--really--this morning it was in the low 40's and there was lots of snow on the mountains.  (Where it belongs.)  The aforementioned wind can be sharp because of how it funnels through the valley and 20+ mph gusts are common, summer and winter.

I usually detest shopping for clothes but eBay and Amazon really came through for me this time.  Since my everyday clothes roster is all black and gray I decided to go for some wild bright shirts (so the emergency helicopter can spot me where I've wiped out, LOL) and my Windbreaker of Wonder (WoW) is a bright screaming yellow.  So, when I go out riding at this time of the year I am thusly attired: carbon-fiber helmet, liner cap with shade brim, gel gloves, ergonomic and gender appropriate chamois-padded shorts, windproof knickers (with articulated knees!), compression bra, jersey, shoes (thanks Mom and Dad!), and the WoW.  I'm comfortable, exercising, and trendy!  Life is good.  

So last Tuesday I took my new jacket for a spin on my longest ride to date, I rode about 50 minutes with a couple of breaks for water and scenery, and I'm here to tell you, the right equipment really made the ride enjoyable, even though there were a couple spots where I was convinced that death was imminent whilst pedaling uphill.  Not one molecule of wind assailed my hide until I got warm, unzipped, and invited the air in.   It was fabulous.  We had a front roll through Thursday with a record 0.77 inches of rain and much cooler temperatures, so my next ride will be interesting to see how warm I stay wearing my present kit.  The paving dudes have been working all week on the bike trail connectors that go by our house, and I'm dying to get out and explore.  I'm writing this on Saturday afternoon and if the the sun is still shining when I get home I'm gonna gear up and go do some science.

*Later*

The results are in; the WoW performed fantastically in colder weather!   I was so comfortable I ended up going a lot farther than I intended.  Scott took a couple of extremely flattering husbandly photos of me in full regalia.
Front

Side
And off I go!

Happy Sunday, and have a great week!

XX  Sheebie  XX

31 comments:

  1. Uh, Sheebie? I love your new cycling duds, and your bike, and you, but.... 40F is not cold. HAHAHAHAHA! Boy, you've acclimatized to the southwest!! :)

    MINUS 40F is another story...

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  2. Ah, yes, I must say, 40 degrees - well - The Shepherd would say that is ideal working weather - me - give me two or three coats - maybe some down... But, that's a good lookin outfit - Happy trails! T.

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  3. Looking good, Sheeby. Looking good!

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  4. Next stop: Tour de France? Gotta hope you're not doping, though.

    Much.

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  5. Don't listen to all these naysayers! Low 40s is almost freezing! My human bundles up whenever the temperature dips below 60 - we are proud southern California residents and wouldn't have the weather any other way!

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  6. Wow, the cat's can't complain about that outfit! Have fun!

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  7. Screaming Yellow sounds like the purrfect color for you. And I mean that in the nicest way. srsly. haha!

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  8. Temps in the 40's - that's almost like summer here!! Four days last week we were below freezing day and night and we are hoping it won't be that cold all through winter.
    Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

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  9. Wow, you're looking like a true cyclist! And I bet you glow in the dark too! ;)

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  10. Oh dear, that Spitty is too funny. Next stop, Tour de France. We think your outfit is just perfect and we will never lose you thank COD. Glad all those duds are keeping you nice and toasty. I do admire you for all your bike riding. Now all you need is a basket on the front and take one kitty at a time. LOL.
    Take care and have some more fun.

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  11. Stylin... My fashion look can be summed up in two words: homeless bum.

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  12. You look like an athlete or sumpin'.

    It was 29 degrees here yesterday morning and the morning before.
    This is 15 miles inland from the California coast. Yikes!

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  13. Something bright is a must for bike riders! Be careful out there.

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  14. We think 40 is frosty, too! You look pawsitively great in your new duds? We kittehz think nothing can compare to fleec, though. Happy biking!

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  15. 40's is considered Springtime here, but I'm not saying anything....you look fab in that biking outfit! Keep on rollin', pally!

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  16. You're looking cool and so professional in your technical riding gear!

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  17. Sheebie...first off have you told us where Sheebie came from...we like it and it looks quite stylish on your ride.

    My human sis and bil recently invested in bikes we'll mention the jacket to them too.
    hugs Madi and Mom
    PS
    Tree climbing is perfectly legal but the consequences are not!! MOL
    Ironically enough I have never had any interest in the tree; however, Milky-Way had a gift for it.

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  18. Awesome regalia! You look great! I think 40F is cold! I think it's so great that you're cycling. It's making me rethink my dull indoor exercise routine.

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  19. Me and mom say´s like Tom, Tama-Chan, Sei-Chan, Bibi-Chan, Gen-Chan, Vidock, Violette = All that exercise... sigh...... :)

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  20. You look great, very professional! We had temperatures of 26 last week and it never got above 30 for 3 days.

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  21. I am jealous--I haven't been able to bike ride outside in two months. You are styling in that outfit--but aren't you breaking tradition with your "regular" fashion look. LOL :-)

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  22. Looking good! In fact, you look like you've lost weight. More room for holiday nom noms.

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  23. Nice ride, Sheebie!!!
    But cold??? You don't know the MEANING of cold.
    ; )

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  24. Lookin' good!!!!
    Naturally our Mom got tired reading about you cycling for 50 minutes ;) hahahahaha
    For now,she will stick to walking.
    heeheehee
    Purrs Tillie and Georgia,
    Tiger,Treasure,JJ and Julie

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  25. awesome! I have bike envy :D The one thing I love about cycllng is the wild jersies :D oh, I'm going to have to dust off my bikes and air up some tires...

    have fun!

    ~C

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  26. Sheebie, you're looking way sharp in your riding gear!

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  27. Bright Yellow is a great idea! Now the lousy drivers will be able to see you!

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  28. High paws Miss Trish AKA Sheebie! My Mom luvluvluvs her bike too! ....'crept...she says 'no photos'...MOL!

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Oh Boy...this is gonna be GREAT!