So when friends and I declared we needed a chill
gravel ride one Monday afternoon, it was obvious
what I would wear. My friends showed up in f lan-
nel as well, cementing our mutual commitment
to a relaxed pace and attitude. Just 30 minutes
into our ride, a freak hailstorm hit. But being in
the lighthearted mood we were, nobody panicked.
As the sporadic raindrops that had been plopping
against us gained in velocity and frequency, and
then began to sting, we instead yelled, “Hail yeah!”
We pulled our rain jackets on over our f lannels,
and kept chatting as the ice pelted our bare legs.
Cruising home with our shoes soaked and legs
chilled, I realized perhaps the sweetest benefit of
the riding f lannel. I turned to my friend and said,
“You know, this f lannel’s pretty damn cozy.”RIDING
FLANNELS
WE LOVE1 Kitsbow Backforty
Longsleeve |$155
Lightweight fabric
makes this a smart
choice for hotter
months; built-in
vents across the back
promote airflow.2 Sombrio Silhouette
Women’s Riding Shirt
|$ 69
The tough stretch
fabric stood up to
a full, muddy day
of trailbuilding and
hauling rocks. It’s
also lighter than a
brushed-cotton flan-
nel, so it’s suitable for
warmer rides.3 Alpinestars Andres
Tec h S hir t |$1 00
A windproof layer in
the chest and shoul-
ders keeps the cold
out, and reinforced
panels at the elbows
prevent wear and tear.4 Club Ride Liv’n
Women’s Bike
Flannel |$ 90
A quick-dr y poly/
spandex blend
keeps you toasty on
cool-weather rides.
Breathable underarm
panels prevent over-
heating, and snap
closures make it easy
to de-layer.ISSUE 5 • BICYCLING.COM 37Tre
vo
r^ R
aab
(fl
an
ne
ls)