The 'ladies' are getting together to promote biking

Image by Charleston Cycle ChicImage by reverse.jpg Ride with pride. Ride with style.

Charleston Cycle Chic wants everyone to know that it's not just the jocks and hipsters who rely on the bike to get around town.

Read more stories on this subject in our bike topic page.So they're holding a ladies-only ride on Friday, May 15, as part of National Bike to Work Day. They'll gather at noon in Marion Square to go on three-mile leisure ride.

I love the idea. It's like the non-hipster's Critical Mass.

Here's a bit more about the event from their Web site:

Wear what you love, because we're gonna show this town "It's not about the spandex".

We are riding in support of CharlestonMoves, a great healthy community advocacy organization who was responsible for getting us our Ravenel Bridge walk/bike lane!

Our route is about 3 miles, through the beautiful shopping district, past historic homes, down to the Battery and back again.

If you do think you'll go, consider RSVPing on their Facebook event page.

They also offer these style tips should you decide to go cycling:

Floaty skirts — Not a good idea but they look fantastic if you can manage to prevent flyaways. Perhaps get some cute old-fashioned bloomers that roll-up and fit in a purse? It would just be a crime if the summer sundress had to go by the wayside while bike riding.

Pencil skirts — They work fine as long as there is a back slit. Watch for the upward creep.

Long (ish) skirts — No problem as long as you have a chain guard and can gather the material (under, around, or between your legs). A circle skirt would probably be a bad idea.

Heels — Definitely work as long as they stay on your feet. The pedal fits nicely in the nook between heel and sole. I highly recommend a rubber sole (Liz Claiborne Flex, for example) to keep from pedal slippage. A T-strap or ankle strap provides extra security.

Flats — Only work if they really, really stay on your feet. Hit the pedal at the wrong angle and you’ll end up with a shoe in the street.

Flip-flops and sandals — Delightful.

Earrings — Beware of anything both large and solid. You might arrive at your destination with your cheeks a bit battered.

Scarves — great for keeping you warm while riding. Looks super chic blowing back in the wind.

Great bag — Essential that it fits in your oh-so-cute-and-practical-basket. I have ridden around town with a laptop strapped across my chest and it just doesn’t look or feel as free. There are a few places that are starting to make some super cute panniers (bags that fit on the sides of your rack on the back) — perhaps that’s the next wave?

So now you can support the cycling lifestyle, but still look good while you're doing it.

Update May 14: The Post and Courier has added a story on biking culture using the Cycle Chic event as a touching point. Go take a read.