Newbie to Touring doing the DALMAC help?

[Barb]

Don't forget the Chamois Buttr!!! And most importantly don't let anyone tell you that MI does not have hills LOLOL! I have not done Dalmac...too many miles for me, but I did ride the PALM last year.

[Cha Cha]

Only thing I'll add here is buy the best shorts you can possibly afford and buy two - one to wash and one to wear. But, if that's too much, buy one pair and wash them daily - better to do that than suffer with cheap shorts. Turn them inside out in the store and look at how the chamois is constructed, and especially note where the seams are. When you try them on, walk around, crouch down into a riding position, and really move in them. (Don't worry, the people in the bike shop will not notice or care - in fact, they should encourage you to do so.) My favorites are the PI 3-d's, and at $120 a pair they are not cheap. But - no pun intended! - except for the first two days riding, I have had absolutely zero soreness.

I recently bought the top of the line Specialized, and don't like them too much as the chamois feels too wide. But everybody is built differently, so try on a bunch and get what works for you. Moral of the story is don't skimp on the shorts - if your bottom gets sore, you're not going to want to ride, so start off right.

Okay, end of sermon!

Oh - I actually wear thin runner's socks with a quarter top, they come in 2-pair packs and they end up a little less than $5 / pair.

Good luck and enjoy!!!

[emily_in_nc]

Hi Kristen,

Re. helmets: There have been some gals here with tiny heads who have managed to find a small size that fits them. In fact, I have a women's specific model, supposedly one size fits all, but it's pretty small -- it is slightly too small for me (I wear a S/M in most "unisex" helmets). It is a pink Specialized and has a visor. I was planning on listing it on ebay but if you like pink, PM me and we can work out a deal -- I'll sell it to you for cheap! I can send photos first, if you like. I've only worn it a handful of times.

If you don't like pink or prefer to try before you buy, you will probably be able to find a good fit by trying all different makes and models at a local bike shop. If you have to buy a child's helmet, so be it. It's the most important piece of gear you'll buy! (Good cycling shorts are second most important.)

Emily