Sitting across from Pixi Cycling CEO, Emily Welsch, I recall our first meeting to be warm and inspiring. It left me wanting to know more about this line of Pixi Go Anywhere Pants – the most versatile cycle wear pants – with a detachable cushion that would make sore bums a thing of the past and #protectyourpeach. In time for the launch of the spring season, Pixi launches their Kickstarter today – read on for an exclusive look at the Pixi Go Anywhere pant – support and enter the giveaway to win one! Meet the entrepreneur behind the vision of Pixi and discover what inspired Pixi. Cheers to new beginnings and healthy workouts in comfortable, sleek clothing designed with intention – for women, by women.

A friend invited me to join her at a spin class this week, my first ever – I know I’m late to the game – and despite the newness of it, I had a great time. Bikes have a special place in my personal story. I’ll save that story for another time and place, but suffice it to say bikes are my symbol of courage and overcoming challenges.

I visited Emily at her home and took the PIXI pants for a spin.

The fabric felt light and smooth, looked great, hugged my form, and has some standout features.

Pixi Go Anywhere Pants are:

• light and packable – the TushCush comes in a petite pouch that you can throw in your bag.

• have reflectors on the inside cuff of each leg – genius.

• sport the TushCush (patent pending) – an innovative, detachable insert (similar to a convertible bra) that goes in for cycling and comes out in a snap for your next activity.

• are offered in different lengths, colors, and sizes

In addition to her knowledge of chemistry and science (Dr. Welsch) Emily is blazing into the cycling apparel industry with a new vision for convenience, comfort, and utility.

I would happily cycle if I had this beautiful lighting and art nearby to inspire me. Wouldn’t you agree?

Emily designed these pants to speak the same language of quality, well-designed athletic wear that smart women on a fitness journey are conversant in. Pixi Cycling Go Anywhere pants answer many of the questions active women want to know. Will these stand up to the washing machine? Can I wear them other places besides cycling class or on an outdoor ride? How much wear will I get out of these? Are they comfortable?  

Yes. You can wear them on the way to spin class, to spin class – then pop the TushCush out, to brunch, then to yoga. 

Cycling shouldn’t be scary. A lot of women don’t know where to begin when they get to their first cycling class, or go out for a ride for sport – even in a class where the equipment and everything is provided, there can still be an intimidation factor. I want women to be able to say, “yes, it is OK for me to be included here.” Getting ready to cycle doesn’t need to be so different from what women already know – that’s why I designed these Go Anywhere Pants. – Emily Welsch, CEO, Pixi Cycling

Let’s get to know the brains behind Pixi, shall we? 

I asked Emily to humor me and dish on the start of her journey as an entrepreneur. As a fellow BU alum, I wanted to know her roots. 

Emily was involved in the early days of GWISE – Graduate Women in Science and Engineering that got graduate student women in science at Boston University together for professional growth and development. There, she met a group of women on a cycling team and first got interested in cycling.  As a female chemist and cyclist, she was in the minority but she could bond with other women in GWISE. There, she found a supportive environment and cause to be involved in and later lead.

Emily shared with me an important point which resonates with me as a minority woman in science. In cycling, women are also in the minority and as in the sciences, there are still inequities that trickle down to and influence what women do or don’t do, choices they make, and risks that they take. Part of Pixi is showing women that if they surround themselves with people who support them, they can do anything. There is a lack of women in the sport of cycling, and a lack of female mentors. So, she is taking a step to be a leader and inspire change in a way that is authentic and true to her. Isn’t that great?

I want women to know that they can have an equal opportunity in the sport of cycling, and in whatever they want to do. – Emily Welsch, CEO Pixi Cycling

What inspired the brand, Pixi Cycling? 

It comes from a blend of “Pixie“, as in fairies which represent freedom and femininity and “Fixie” which is a term of endearment for a fixed gear bicycle, a type of road bike that many commuters and urban riders love.

Pixi Cycling is excited to share this feminine, practical, and innovative pant + detachable cushion with you, in the hopes that the Go Anywhere Pant will free you to lead the active lifestyles you want, so you can really Go Anywhere.

Indoor and outdoor cyclists and active women – I want to hear from YOU! To celebrate the launch of Pixi and the start of spring (and to a healthy, fashionable, season) I’m teaming up with Pixi for an AWESOME GIVEAWAY of one pant + TushCush of your choice PLUS an original, empowering illustration of Pixi Women by @inpiréebys entitled “Together we Ride.”

Giveaway is live now until April 26, 2017!  The winner will be contacted afterwards via the email you provide and announced on social media.

Everyone benefits from shared knowledge, motivation, and skills – in cycling, as in science. With more diversity, there is a chance for a better outcome for all. – Emily Welsch, CEO Pixi Cyling

To enter (lots of ways!):

Comment on this blog post below.

Comment with either: one way you’re being active this spring or a role model for fitness or wellness that you want everyone to know about! 

The more times you share, the more entries you get!

**On each comment entry, tag @bluebootsgo and @pixicycling and use the #BlueBootsGolovesPixi to be counted. All entries will be verified. Have fun!**

Enter below:

Click here to keep track of your entries to win an Empowering Pack: Pixi Go Anywhere Pant + “Together we Ride” illustration during the Giveaway

(March 15-April 26, 2017 11:59 p.m. EST)

Follow @pixicycling for updates and @bluebootsgo to know the latest on these trendy pants that Go Anywhere with you, and for more inspiration!  

Thank you so much, Emily, for sharing your vision and passion for wellness and your entrepreneurial roots with us. A big thanks goes to Emily as well for snapping these photos of BlueBoots in Pixi!

Support the Pixi Cycling Kickstarter here to bring this vision fully to life. Support at different levels and grab one for you and for your workout buddy! I’m super excited for this venture, and can’t wait to see PIXI out and about.

Spread the word, sharing is caring!  Use the sharing buttons below to share this post on social media. Share the Pixi Cycling Kickstarter link (http://kck.st/2lUsMlA) on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. If you have friends who spin or cycle, send it along to them too!