The inspiration to start this company was a “need” I had to wear comfortable fashionable clothes. I first started making cycling apparel in college back in the 1980’s. I was a competitive bicycle racer and young women in South Florida. Available clothes at the time were for men, all black and had a leather chamois pad in the crotch. I started to make my own apparel out of swimwear fabrics. Soon I was making clothes for my friends and then my friend’s friends. In my senior year of college, I took a senior seminar class that was a culmination of all my business classes applied into case studies. This is where I wrote my first business plan for a cyclewear company. Upon graduating from college, I started my first business Schnaubelt Shorts Inc. which was a small business than transitioned a hobby into a business. This first business was very successful until I made two big strategic errors, One was switching into contract manufacturing for other branded apparel, and the other was trying to work with my husband…both of which led to the business’s demise.
I love the joy I experience from cycling and strive to share this “joy” with all I know. I am still an avid cyclist. I fell in love with cycling at age 12, where I attended the Girl Scout’s camp with a Schwinn spider bike. I have bicycle toured with panniers across the country from Tampa, Florida up the East coast to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. I have taken bicycle tours through eight European countries. I am a former USCF licensed bike racer, and have competed in many triathlons and running races throughout the U.S. This love of cycling led to the re-starting of my original idea.
In the Spring of 2006, I quit my job as a public high school teacher and returned the bicycle industry as I started a new company called Aero Tech Designs Cycling Apparel that utilized all of my talents in web page design, entrepreneurship, accounting and leadership. The company as been successful from the start and I have earned a good salary plus profits to grow the company. The business now is a bustling little empire that employs 30 people who love the excitement of working for an American Brand of cycling apparel.
Cathy
- 1985 bicycle racer
Cathy's Big Ride Across America 
I am so impressed that you are doing a major ride like this on your E-Bike! I have a Stromer and I love it, but I have never been on a big trip with it.
I am so envious that you are doing this!
And, congratulations on making biking clothes for women! I’m going to be your next new customer
I’m lovin’ the tour reports, Cath! If I was doing that kind of riding every day, I certainly wouldn’t be posting pictures and blogs. You’re doing a wonderful job! See you when you get in PA. Hello to Paul, too. God bless.
Thanks Kathy, you would not believe how fun this is. We are in Madison, Wi right now and remembering last year’s Pedal Across Wisconsin Tour…that was a good time. We toured the Trek Factory today. Madison is very bicycle friendly.
I have really enjoyed your post. I own a pair of aero tech padded shorts and a Pedego bike and love them both, can you tell me the name of the padded seat you used on your big trip? Thanks. Kathy Nalon