When I started getting into cycling, I looked for some attractive, well-made, good-fitting cycling clothing, and luckily, I found Vanderkitten. My first few months of cycling, I picked up a few pairs of Specialized shorts and a few shirts from REI and Specialized. At group rides and organized rides, I tried to blend in, while I gaped at the so-professional-looking riders sporting jerseys full of brand names. Obviously, these were some Serious Riders With Serious Sponsors.
Eventually, I realized these jerseys simply were sporting the names of companies who supported the charity rides, and if you paid the entry fee; sometimes you receive a jersey full of sponsors – voila! Instant sponsors! Less intimidating.
I didn’t want to ride down the road, back of my shirt full of auto parts, airlines, cycling part manufacturers’ ads, and definitely not beer advertising. As a beginning rider with not a single “century” under my belt – ah – rather – under my heart rate monitor – I felt it would be a bit premature to wear the colors of any company even remotely related to cycling. Even more than “putting on airs,” it would be wearing the trophy before earning the accolades and putting in the miles.
It seemed different riders kept to different themes – some riders wore garb sporting coffee, some flowers, others patriotic. As an “unproven rider,” I stuck to anything I could find with nearly no brands visible. And I continued to rack up the miles – on RunKeeper, on Strava, on FitBit… But I yearned for “pretty clothing” to wear, especially since I was riding two to four times a week.
Secretly, I scanned Pinterest, Amazon, even eBay for ideas. A theme to my riding, a symbol, a color, perhaps… Boats? Nah. Fish? Nah. Cats? Hmmmm…
And I found it! A California company, Vanderkitten, had everything I needed; great high-visibility graphics, matching kits, reflective bits, great design elements, and performance, while specializing in women’s sports. “We pride ourselves in rebelling against the ‘just add flowers’ and ‘shrink it and pink it’ recipes that are so dominant in women’s active lifestyle apparel.” Although a sailor, I rarely use salty language, so their “kitupkickass” and “Women Who Kick Ass” makes me giggle a bit. And it inspires me to ride harder.
Women living extraordinary lives are the models, and the technical apparel is printed, cut, and hand-sewn in California. AND IT HAS CATS ON IT. MEAN CATS.
After purchasing my first couple items and absolutely loving them, I saw the opportunity to audition for one of 12 annual 2018 brand ambassador slots. I submitted my application, waited, and was chosen. I was shocked. They liked me! They welcomed me! I had found a cycling family! And they are tough – everyone from elite athletes to amateurs like me!
Then the fun really began – not only could I shop the regular pages of the Vanderkitten web site; as a brand ambassador, there were secret VIP pages available to me from which to order, and, the annual VIP kit was about to launch. We all excitedly put in our orders, and began the wait for the package from California with a bear and star on it.
In the meantime, I couldn’t wait! The Vanderkitten brand ambassador VIP’s have their own Facebook group, and I found someone who would sell to me an extra 2017 VIP kit. I belonged! I was on a team!! A team that has been supporting women in action sports and active lifestyles since 2005. My kind of group! The kit arrived, and it fit like a dream – like it was designed for a woman. And the compliments it draws! The cat, Ophelia, watches my back – or whoever is behind me. She’s on my jersey, my shorts, and even on both socks.
The new 2018 VIP kits are going to arrive any day now. As soon as mine arrives, I’ll feature it. Until then; feel free to use my discount code below to join our team and wear our colors! You’ll stand out from the crowd of mass-produced cycling kits, contribute to women’s sports, and enjoy the generous refund policy that includes 50% discount off replacements for gear damaged in a crash. And Ophelia will have your back. MeOW!
Use my code to get 15% off cycling, triathlon, running, and lifestyle wear at Vanderkitten. When you click on this link, wait just a second, and my gift to you will pop up at the bottom left side of your screen.
