What do Wild Rye founder Cassie Abel, women’s outdoor nonprofit SheJumps, and blue herons have in common? A home in the Pacific northwest — and now, a pair of bike shorts to celebrate the region and the iconic waterbird.
The nature-y collab pattern lands on Wild Rye’s Freel short, which serves as the company’s flagship bike short. It’s got “shrub-resistant and mud-deflecting nylon” and a pretty solid reputation among enduro riders.
Four-way stretch fabric and deep pockets give it some all-around utility, and Wild Rye’s patterns set it off. “Terracotta” collects a variety of desert plants; “Porcupette” showcases adorable, spiky mammals; “Forest Fungi Fog” is, understandably, easy to get lost in.
Now, Great Blue Heron joins the mix. If you’ve never seen one of the lanky, azure birds, it’s a treat: impossibly skinny, tall legs, a nail-like beak, and wide blue wings that audibly “thump” when the birds take off over still water.
Herons and pensive clouds fill out the not-too-busy navy blue pattern on the collab shorts.
For each pair sold (MSRP $129), Wild Rye will donate $20 to SheJumps initiatives, including outdoor education, community programs, women’s scholarships, and more. As well, the two companies will team up for a women’s MTB event at Idaho’s Sun Valley Resort on Aug. 3.
Called the River Run Summer Series, SheJumps and Wild Rye say it’s a “casual opportunity to gather for an evening outdoors.” They’ll collaborate to lead a women’s ride on Bald Mountain and raise funds for SheJumps, which will also orchestrate activities for kids at the River Run base. Meanwhile, adults can downhill it as they please for $20 from 3-6 p.m.; kids ride the lift for $15, and singer-songwriter Travis McDaniel handles the tunes.
Sound like fun? Pull on your shorts — heron-patterned or otherwise — and get out there.
