Women who bike the distance: Kati

Welcome to the new Wednesday series: Women who bike the distance!
This is a dedicated space for women that kick butt in the everyday errands, commute and fun rides, and decide to take it a curious, wanderluster step beyond comfort to miles and miles ahead to see what's out there, do long distance rides, camping and explore the landscapes.
Please do leave your comments and/or questions for the featured riders and enjoy!
xxo.m

Kati is the first post, which is a beautiful mix of the Women Who Bike series and going the distance awesomeness. Ride on, you awesome woman!!

Women Who Bike the distance: Kati
**all photos below provided by Kati

What is the longest ride you have done?!
+What helped you learned that you would go long distances?

Well, the longest ride I’ve done is the 72 mile Tahoe loop, which isn’t that long. It’s not a incredibly hard ride, but it’s BEAUTIFUL! The first time I went, me and my friend lucked out because Route 28 (Nevada side) was closed for about 10 miles, so there were no cars! We had the whole freshly paved road to ourselves. We couldn’t have asked for a better ride.

The second time around Tahoe, we happened to ride the same day as the Tahoe Loop ride, so there were hundreds of other riders on the road. It was nice being a “in” the race, without the competition. We were cheered on, and received some water at the rest stop. I love the ride so much, I plan on riding at least once a year for as long as I can.

The greatest thing I ever learned about riding long distances is that “your body can go further than you mind thinks it can”. So whenever I feel like quitting, I know my body can still keep going because I’m strong, I’m determined and I’m having fun.

Me and my bike loving man


My new bike, an first year anniversary gift from my employer, Rickshaw Bagworks



My road bike.


Bike shadow!


Another bike date.


Armwarmers.

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How would you characterize your bicycling style?
K. assertive, carefree, cautious, competitive, law abiding, slow and steady

Something basic: how often do you bike and what for?
K. I bike everyday for work. And if I'm not to tired on the weekends, I can be seen sporting spandex on the hills of Marin.

What could be done in SF to encourage more women, including teens and younger, to bike?
K. Better female casual bike clothes, at a reasonable price. But seriously, maybe a big sister program to encourage women, to teach them to ride safely and to not be afraid to be aggressive.l gear or only on weekends. So, people like you who emphasize biking while being stylish help.

How many of your best dates/friendships started with biking?
K. The first date with my boyfriend was on our bikes, and we are happily cycling after. :) I'm lucky to have found a great family of friends who bike since I moved here five years ago.

I surprise people when I bike by (or with)
K. - my killer new Pearlizumi florescent yellow jacket! I don't care what anyone says, I'm visible, and I'm proud. Better dork than dead!

My favorite meal after a long ride (or in between) is:
K. - veggie pho (#100) from evergreen garden. otherwise an 18rabbits bar for long road rides.

The best way to hydrate in between rides is:
K. - home made sparkling water | at home.

A personal item I must have or bring while riding my bike.
K. My florescent pink and yellow striped arm-warmers.

My message to women who want to try biking:
K. don't be afraid. It's fun and it makes you feel good physically and emotionally. There's something about wearing a skirt on a sunny day while riding your bike that makes you feel beautiful, and gives you a sense of empowerment.

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♥ Gracias Kati!! ♥
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If you'd like to be feature in this series, or know of some awesometastic woman out there that goes the distance, send me an email at: bikesandthecity /at /gmail