Women's cylcing apparel in DC area??

[aicabsolut]

Yeah, mine weren't the most expensive, but I wanted a long inseam, and these were the longest I could get--and still not so long. I like coverage but also I like muscle support from more fabric--it takes me a really long time to get good and warmed up, and compression helps. My Cannondale shorts are amazing, though they could be a couple inches longer too, with a great chamois and not as expensive as comparable PI styles ($79).

City Bikes only had about 2 pairs of those tights last week so they probably did sell out. But for good tights, they run in the $150 range, and as a newbie from the south (I'll probably move at the end of the year but don't know to where), I'm not so excited about that. But I'm not excited about stepping outside in my knickers here in a few minutes either

[Velobambina]

It was colder right before sunrise, so you lucked out if you left your house around 7:30am. Much to my surprise, I found myself overdressed and my feet warming up as I headed for home around after logging in a 40miler.
Last year's coldest ride was the day after T'giving. It was 11 degrees and my gatorade FROZE solid! Keep your fingers crossed that we have a mild and snow-free winter.

[aicabsolut]

My fingers and toes were plenty cold today still, and calves, but I had nice layers on the upper body. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't go out in 11 degrees.

Do you have good suggestions for long, low-traffic loops? With all the stop and go, it's hard to work on any distance (esp. since I don't really know where I'm going other than on a trail--sort of). I wind up feeling like I'm just doing intervals. I would've done a couple small loops today if my LBS hadn't screwed up and made it where I couldn't get into any of my hill-riding gears. (see rant on another thread).

Anyway, I'd love a low-snow winter. For the whole region. I'd love to take my bike out in the country around Staunton and Charlottesville when I go there to do holiday visits, but I'm not keeping my hopes up too high.

[Velobambina]

Lobster gloves (PI Amfib ones) are my personal cure for cold hands. When it's really cold, I pop a chemical hand warmer in each glove. Works like a charm.

I'm still trying to find the solution to keeping my feet decently warm. I have wool socks, high-quality booties/shoe covers, etc. I think I'm going to purchase those Gore-Tex socks that TE is selling, just to see if they help. I've got ruby slippers (red sidi doms) in a whole size too large so I can layer. Last winter, I used chemical foot warmers, so when it gets below freezing, I suppose I'll have to rely on those again.

Have you thought about riding loops at the Nat'l Aboretum (I know I spelled that wrong!). It's on NY Ave, heading east from the city. There are hills there and this time of year, low traffic.