Things have been a bit quiet on Bikeminded this week sorry. We were off getting inspired at Velocity but don’t worry, we’ll tell you all about it next week. To finish off this week with a motivating story, we thought you might like to hear about what Donna Ida is up to. Donna runs two fabulous fashion boutiques in Chelsea and knows just about everything worth knowing about denim. This summer she’s doing wonderful things for Jeans for Genes by cycling to Brighton on 25 August… and you’re invited too!
What inspired you to ride to Brighton for Jeans for Genes? Last year we ran the adidas 5k for Jeans for Genes which was a huge success so this year we thought we’d up the ante with the Summer of Sport. We’ve already completed a 5k and now I’m looking for recruits for the a 23 mile trek on Saturday 21st July (closing date for registrations is Friday 6th July) and a 65 mile bike ride from London to Brighton on 25th August (closing date for registrations is the 27th July).
How much training have you been doing? I’ve been working out with a personal trainer and I’ll be planning some trial bike rides in the run up to the bike ride.
What kind of bicycle will you be riding it on? In the picture I’m riding a 2010 Specialized Globe Carmel 3 and I was taking part in The City Cycle Style exhibition, by leading fashion photographer Horst A. Friedrichs last year. For the Summer of Sport, Team Donna Ida will be riding either a drop handlebar racing bike – Genesis Aether 10 or a hybrid sports bike – Ridgeback Velocity.
Where do you like to cycle in London? I prefer the parks to the city streets, they are so much more fun, and the scenery is so much prettier. I can’t wait to ride from London to Brighton, I’m sure the views will be spectacular.
As a jeans expert, what do you think are the best jeans for cycling? I’d probably recommend jeans with a lot of stretch like the Citizens of Humanity Avedon Slicks, or the Paige Verdugo Leggings.
And what are your favourite jeans this season? I’m really into all the new colours, I’ve picked a lot of pastel and citrus skinny jeans that are easy to team with a plain tee.
Tell us about your ideal day out cycling? My ideal day out would involve my husband and Chihauhas Romeo and Julio plus a picnic in the countryside.
We notice from your blog that you visit some fabulous restaurants, what is your favourite place for eating out in Kensington and Chelsea? Daphnes is one of my favourites as it’s next to Donna Ida in Chelsea, which is the first store I opened. I always have the meat balls, they’re delicious.
How can people get involved in the cycle ride and what advice would you give them about training? We’re trying to get as many people as possible to take part! You can sign up for the cycle here: http://regonline.activeeurope.com/summerofsport I’m quite new to cycling, so don’t worry, we’ll just take it one step at a time!
Who would you like to ride a tandem with and why? Elton John. I am fascinated with him and think he’d be loads of fun (and would probably complain louder than me).
Thanks Donna, and best of luck for the ride!