How do I choose the best cycling shorts or tights for me?

It's simple. Choose shorts that make you feel good and look your best. Our chamois come in different densities. The low-profile, single-density ones are preferable for shorter rides, indoor riding, and multi-sport events like triathlons. Our double and triple-density chamois are better for longer rides. But, ultimately, it's a personal choice, so go with what works best for you.

Why do I need cycling shorts?

Padded cycling shorts are the second most important piece of a cycling outfit after a helmet. Padded cycling shorts provide protection against soreness and chafing in the pelvic area, so you can focus on enjoying your ride.

Are you products designed for women's bodies?

Yes! Our range is designed by women cyclists who understand what features are needed to provide the ultimate cycling experience for women. All products are designed in Vancouver, BC.

A First-Timer’s Guide to the RBC GranFondo Whistler

The famed RBC GranFondo Whistler is a ride like no other. It’s the only day of year you can bike on the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler, totally traffic free. The 122 km, 2300 m elevation course is so scenic that you forget how much your legs are hurting! Okay… maybe that’s wishful thinking.

For the best chance of success (and fun!), good preparation goes a long way. Here are some tips for before, during, and after the ride.

Michaela crossing Lion's Gate Bridge

BEFORE THE FONDO

1. Finesse a training plan

Take a look at the Fondo course online. See those hills? You’ll be climbing them! Make sure your training plan includes some good elevation. For me, the most important realisation was that the real climbing begins in the second half. Don’t forget to practice some hard efforts after 60 km of riding. You can put together your own training plan, find one online like Samsara's Century Rides Training Guide (FREE!), or consider hiring a cycling coach.

2. Find some friends

Cycling can sometimes be a solitary activity. But get ready to bike with thousands of fellow Fondo-ers! As with most things in life, group riding comes with practice. To learn the rules of the road, sign up for a 12-week Fondo Clinic, or join a cycling club. And look out for local meet-ups - Samsara holds free evening group rides for women. You’ll see me there as a ride leader!

3. Fuelling strategy

Over 122 km, you will need to eat. This is the time to practice when, what, and how much you’ll be fuelling. Aid stations are every ~20-25 km, but will you need some fuel in between? Can you eat while physically on the bike or is that a choking/falling hazard? Do you prefer to eat your carbs in solid form or will liquid carbs suffice? Consult an expert if needed!

4. Suit up

September weather in the Pacific North West can be a fickle thing. Obviously it’s hard to predict, but make sure you know what you’ll wear in rain or shine. I was lucky in my first Fondo to have great sunny weather. I wore the Samsara Adventure Bib Shorts to keep me cool and for the easy access pockets. If it were to rain, I would have donned my Samsara Stop The Wind Jacket or worn the Long-Sleeve Thermal Base Layer if cold.

Fondo training clinics

DURING THE FONDO

1. Start line

How do 5000 riders start at the same time? The answer is - they don’t! Based on your predicted finish time, you’ll be sorted into a corral. Faster riders first, slower riders last. Expect to wait until your corral is called up to the start line. Don’t worry - there are porta potties around! Last year, I started in the 7+hr corral. There were hundreds of people around me at the start line, but the crowd dispersed very quickly. By the time we reached Lions Gate Bridge, we were almost biking in single or double file.

2. Take advantage of the aid stations

Waffles, pickles, potato chips, gummy worms, electrolytes, pop… You can expect all of these and more at the five aid stations on course! Regularly spaced aid stations meant I didn’t carry any food with me (except for some emergency candy!), just one bottle filled with water and the other filled with an electrolyte mix. Remember - stick to your practiced fueling plan. No matter how enticing it is to put back 5 waffles at 8am!

3. Pace yourself

Ride at your speed, not anyone else's! The last thing you want is to go out too fast and bonk midway. Not fun. Some people program the route onto their bike computer so they know what’s coming next. For a budget-friendly option, print out a paper copy of the course map (including elevation) and tape it to the top tube of your bike. Easy!

A view of Stawamus Chief

Aid stations along the way

AFTER THE FONDO

1. Celebrate!

You made it!!! Grab your medal and head over to the Celebration Plaza in Whistler Village. Now it’s time to recover and relax, whatever that looks like for you. For me, this included chowing down on the free finish line meal before jumping in a nearby lake. Bliss!

2. Reflect on your ride

I’m sure you would have learned a lot about biking and yourself. Ask yourself what went well and what could be improved. Either way, give yourself a huge pat on the back for your accomplishment.

3. Sign up for next year?!

Vibes are always high at the finish line and you might be hungry for more. Snag the early bird special for next year’s ride… I’ll see you at the start line!

Michaela at the finish line

Michaela's Fondo kit

FINAL THOUGHTS

Best of luck with your RBC GranFondo Whistler ride. Don’t forget to thank the organizers and volunteers who make it all happen!

About the Author

Michaela Khan is a PhD student studying running science in Vancouver, BC. An avid cyclist on a budget, she’s mastered the art of affordable and accessible biking. Michaela has coached the RBC GranFondo Whistler Women’s Intro to Road Biking Clinic and is a ride leader for Samsara.

Follow her at @michaelas.happiness for more inspo and tips!