A little while back I posted about an “Irie” jersey I received from Knights of MoBay.  Although I am a short, white Canadian on the outside…inside lies a true rasta man just trying to get out.  Because of this, it was no doubt that I loved the jersey and have really enjoyed the relationship I’ve built up with Royston who owns the company.

Knights of MoBay (KOM) have become one of our sponsors on Loving the Bike and as my way of saying thanks, I wanted to dive a little deeper and talk more about the company and how they began.

How did Knights of MoBay begin?

Royston from KOM: “When I started cycling seriously a couple years ago, I had a hard time finding jerseys that fit and didn’t look like the front quarter panel of a Indy race car crowded with logos.  I started Knights of Mo’ Bay (KOM) Apparel to meet a need of Big Bubba cyclist you wanted a little more style in their jerseys.

My family is from the Caribbean and I wanted to wear a more relax reggae feel jersey symbolizing beach, music and the good life in the Caribbean.  My daughter was also engaged in a number of triathlete events and I designed jerseys for her and her friends.  They wanted female empowerment designs sans the pink and flowers.  I came out with a couple jerseys and shorts and knew I was onto something when one of my customers told me, ‘she doesn’t wear my gear to the gym if she is not in the mood for cheerful people in her face.’”

Then Came the Shorts and Other Gear

Royston from KOM:  ”I designed Reggae shorts with the “One Love” message on the back, but ran into Bob Marley copyright issue, so I changed it to IRIE (Jamaican for everything all right).  I ran off a dozen, thinking that I would get a pair and somehow sell the others over the summer.  I went to an event and people followed me back to the car, asking where they could buy those kool shorts.  I sold them out within a week and started a whole IRIE line of kits, jerseys, bib shorts, shoe covers, vest, caps, socks and arm warmers.

I have shipped IRIE kits across Europe, the Caribbean, Japan and yes the heartland of the US.  Who knew so many people want to relive the memories of hanging on the beaches of a Caribbean island and taking in the vibes and other things.  I saw a quote from one of my customers in an email, ‘I have to admit – it’s my all time favorite jersey to ride in – soooo comfy.  I’m so uptight and type-A that the IRIE thing is almost paramount in my life.   My wife hates it and thinks it’s silly that I’m wearing a Caribbean jersey…but everyone else LOVES IT.  I get compliments all the time’.”

Creation of Gurls Ride Out

Royston from KOM:  ”I also started getting request from female athletes for jersey designs that were not flowery.  My daughter who also has a strong personality, critiqued my designs and we have developed a number of female appealing kits, like Cycle by Day, Dance by Night Salsa and Tango jersey.

Expanding the IRIE and Female Empowerment themes on on my KOM website became difficult, so I am in the process of spiting the two clothing lines into Knights of Mo’ Bay and Gurl’s Ride Out!  I hope you enjoy my designs, because the majority of them are inspired by you, my customers and I am always interested in speaking with friends about new ideas.”

I don’t hide the fact that I’m a Rasta Man wanna-be, so when I can combine cycling with my love for that culture….it’s a total Win-Win.  A few weeks ago I came across a company called Knights of Mo’ Bay that sells jerseys, shorts, and bibs with a sweet IRIE Caribbean theme so I just had to hit them up.

The company is owned by Royston Taylor who’s originally from Jamaica but now lives in California.  The themes of his cycling clothing reflect his life and have a focus on Caribbean Reggae and culture.  His designs are manufactured by Primal Wear, a Denver based company that makes cycling apparel.

Even if you’re not a Caribbean lover like I am, I think you’ll like the simple design of the Irie line of jerseys and the island flavor of the other designs they have to offer.  If you didn’t already know, Irie is a Caribbean term used to describe when you are at total peace with your current state of being.  It’s the way you feel when you have no worries.  A perfect fit for the state you’re in while out cycling, right?  Another thing to point out is the use of Reds, Golds, and Greens in the designs…..the colors of the Rasta culture.

Anyway, I immediately contacted Royston when I saw his designs and told him I needed to have one.  He kindly sent one over for me to check out and now we’re offering one to you as well.  These are quality 3/4 zip jerseys that fit nice and look cool.  See below for your chance to win one, or head over to www.knightsofmobay.com to do some shopping.

Win a Knights of Mo’ Bay Jersey

The contest is now closed.  Congratulations to @sthig who wins a sweet Knights of Mo’Bay jersey.  Now he can be a Rasta Man wannabe like me.

Enter to win a Knights of Mo’ Bay jersey by leaving a comment below with how cycling makes you feel IRIE and why you’d like to have one of these to add to your collection.

Contest closes Noon Monday, May 28th.