It was an intense time in the first few days of the Kickstarter campaign when I realized that I could not do the Kickstarter tour and campaign without the enormous help from family and friends I received over the past few weeks.
I had events in 7 big biking cities in 4 weeks: Oakland, San Francisco, Portland – OR, Seattle, Austin, Brooklyn, and Washington DC. It has been quite a ride. By far the highlight has been connecting with women across the country and seeing their faces light up when they try the clothing and marvel at the fact that it fits their muscles and curves. Or tell me “This is really stylish. This doesn’t look like bike clothing at all!” Yes!
TinLizzieRidesAgain in REID MILLER Apparel at BicycleSPACE – Washington, DC
Among the amazing women I met on the road was Linda Poeng, who stopped by my booth at Pedalfest in Oakland, California. Linda biked up a volcano in South America in the documentary Will of the Sun and was thrilled to find clothing she could wear for her more pedestrian, day-to-day ride to work.
Linda Poeng with my family and I at Pedalfest – Oakland, CA
I had events at awe-inspiring places for cyclists like Mojo Bicycle Café in San Francisco and Velocult in Portland where you experience the magic that happens at community spaces where bikers, artist, makers, and craft beer come together.
Mojo Bicycle Cafe – San Francisco, CA
Traveling with 6 wool coats, merino wool sweaters and 8 pairs of pants during a summer heat wave out West was not without its challenges. At one point the asphalt outside of our event at Velocult was melting as temperatures in Portland reached 106 degrees in parts of the city.
Velocult – Portland, OR
I loved getting to know the people behind cutting edge bike shops in San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Austin, Brooklyn and Washington, DC. Devin from Dutch Bike Co. in Seattle constructed a dressing room out of bike boxes for women to try on the apparel!
Devin and I in front of his homemade dressing room out of bike boxes
I love seeing the momentum to build beautiful, bike friendly urban spaces and the culture and creativity blossoming around bike movements. The stage is set for REID MILLER Apparel and other designers and makers to contribute to this vast wave of creative momentum.
Interestingly, the line has been popular with both biking and non-biking woman due to the style, quality, and fit. It seems that women love the idea of great fitting, high quality clothing with practical features like real pockets with zippers, whether or not they are biking.
Spread the word! Thanks for following along on this exciting journey!