Introducing: Kim McElhinney, Founder of Dude Girl

April 8th, 2008 · 160 Comments

THE ORIGINAL DUDE GIRL

“I always thought it was fun to drag

down the road and twist and turn

and end up somewhere different.”

- Dorothy McElhinney

I love to meet people who are passionate! You all know my passions are fitness and writing, and the women and men I feature here (www.fitnessformommies.net) are people who are passionate about fitness and their product or service. Which leads me to…..Drum roll, please….. Kim McElhinney, founder of Dude Girl. Kim has an incredibly interesting story and you can read it here, however the parts I’d like to highlight are that she comes from a long line of smart, athletic women. She has also explored all of her athletic avenues first in the form of a weekend enthusiast, then in the form of an adventure travel company- called Dude Girl Trips and now as the owner of her own apparel company, Dude Girl. Her trips for 2008 include a 3 day trail running trip to Yosemite (I’d do this in a heartbeat). She also organizes Mountain Bike Trips to Bulgaria and France. Dude Girl Adventure Company started in 2003 and in 2006 she opened her “doors” with an online Dude Girl boutique. Dude Girl products are featured in this months’ Terry Catalog, REI and over 100 retailers across the U.S. as well as in New Zealand, Canada and the UK! For a complete list of retailers click here.

Kim has devoted a whole page on her website to the environment and has described her reasons for choosing organic material here;

“We have chosen Sustainable fibers and 100% organic cotton or a blend of both

in almost all yoga products and in our tees whenever we can — we’d like to

do everything organic for reasons of acting consciously and carefully on

this planet, but as you are know there are challenges to a small company

being green. We’re doing all that we can at this time and are headed in the

direction of using all sustainable / organic in all our natural fiber

products eventually.”

Kim’s favorite products are the Dude Girl Athletic Tee, Spur Pants in Masai Red, and the Giddy Up Cycling Jersey and Shorts in Red.

I’m also very excited that Dude Girl will be at the Sea Otter Classic this year! Dates are April 17-20. My family has attended Sea Otter annually for the last 9 years and we LOVE IT!!

Contest/Giveaway:

Dude Girl is giving away one Dude Girl Athletic T-shirt to one of you! Simply click over to the website (take a look around) and come back here to post a comment! Winner will be chosen at Random on April 13th at 9 PM (PST). Retail Value is $34. Winner must respond to email within 24 hours and provide a U.S. Mailing Address.

Tags: Cycling, cycling apparel, accessories · Interviews with Fitness Instructors · Things that motivate me

160 responses so far ↓

1 MizFit // Apr 8, 2008 at 10:23 am

I
clicked

I
saw

I
LOVED!!

Never seen before and Im all about the DUDEGIRL (love that name. want that tee) now.

thanks.
2 Dude Girl Athletic T-Shirt | Contests 4 Moms // Apr 8, 2008 at 1:33 pm

[...] Where: Fitness for Mommies [...]
3 Britni // Apr 8, 2008 at 2:31 pm

I love the spur skirt and lounge pants. Anything to make me looking cuter while I’m all gross and sweaty
4 Kim // Apr 8, 2008 at 2:56 pm

The Spur Pant is long and raw-edged with unique bar-tacks at the bottom. You can cut them at a length that is right for you without losing any styling and without having to hem them!
5 vicki logan // Apr 8, 2008 at 2:57 pm

This will cause a fight in my house to see who gets it, but it will be worth it to the winner. LOVE IT.
6 Marilyn Wons // Apr 8, 2008 at 3:02 pm

I love the Peppertree Gauze Scoop Neck Shirt – thank you for the contest
7 Cori Westphal // Apr 8, 2008 at 3:12 pm

I came to the site by accident and I love what I see. Moms need a little extra help finding the time and the means to excercise. I’m glad someone is watching out for us! Great site and very informative. I will definately be back!
8 Annette // Apr 8, 2008 at 3:31 pm

I like the Le Maillot Fleuve.
9 Jennifer Barnett // Apr 8, 2008 at 3:41 pm

I love that they use organic cotton. So many fabrics irritate my skin. Very cool line of exercise clothes for us…DUDEGIRLS.
10 lisa // Apr 8, 2008 at 3:49 pm

I love the website
11 Barbara Richards // Apr 8, 2008 at 3:54 pm

Oh,Gee my grand daughter is a Dude Girl.She loves to play soccer ! Love the site!
12 Louise Brouillette // Apr 8, 2008 at 3:56 pm

Great site for my athletic granddaughter!
13 dawn // Apr 8, 2008 at 3:58 pm

The spur skirt and lounge pants, love the name of these. Thanks
14 Meredith Peters // Apr 8, 2008 at 4:13 pm

I love the strong healthy girl flavor of the website
15 Kim // Apr 8, 2008 at 4:19 pm

I like this website because it has a variety of infomration that I want to know about; like the fantastic workouts!!!!
16 RONALD SOWELL // Apr 8, 2008 at 4:21 pm

thank you!
17 Victoria Ross // Apr 8, 2008 at 4:27 pm

What a great idea!!
18 Raquel Osorio // Apr 8, 2008 at 4:29 pm

I love the look it’s so chic looking for when your being very athletic
19 Colleen Jensen // Apr 8, 2008 at 4:31 pm

Very nice site I will tell my friends about this site they will love it.
20 Carolyn // Apr 8, 2008 at 5:07 pm

I am not a “DUDE GIRL” all I need is the t-shirt. Thanks. Good Luck with the site Kim. It is about time because all athletic gear now is more for guys and we girls need our own. Fits better.
21 Carolyn // Apr 8, 2008 at 5:10 pm

followup on earlier comment…need spellcheck and this is what happens when @ work and doing many things @ once…I MEANT NOW not NOT!!! hehehehe sorry and hope to win
22 jennifer handke // Apr 8, 2008 at 5:20 pm

Website is great; I’m almost afraid to show it to my teenage daughter!
23 Linda Leonard // Apr 8, 2008 at 6:18 pm

Love the “toughness factor!”
24 kch // Apr 8, 2008 at 6:47 pm

Nice stuff! I particularly like the yoga clothes!
25 dorothy // Apr 8, 2008 at 6:48 pm

nice stuff
26 Miranda Allen // Apr 8, 2008 at 6:54 pm

I bookmarked will defiantly buy from here
27 Linda Ellis // Apr 8, 2008 at 7:19 pm

great site, nice shirts.
28 MamaMaven // Apr 8, 2008 at 8:12 pm

Oh Dude, the cycling jersey completely rocks!
29 pk jones // Apr 8, 2008 at 8:22 pm

sarwendah tank is awesome. great stuff. thanks for the link.
30 susan varney // Apr 8, 2008 at 9:06 pm

excellent site nice items
31 Cricket // Apr 8, 2008 at 9:38 pm

Oh I really really like the DG Capri’s. The colors are pretty special too so that makes me like them even more. I would pair it up with a DG Yoga Tank and a Inner Dude Girl Tee with Namaste since that is a fun word I use often! Love it! Thanks.
32 Shannon // Apr 8, 2008 at 10:22 pm

Love the T AND the name!!! I feel a shopping spree comin’ on!!
33 Denise Mower // Apr 8, 2008 at 10:37 pm

Very cool shirt! My daughter would love it! Size small please!
34 ADrienne Gordon // Apr 8, 2008 at 10:46 pm

cool clothes
35 christopher h // Apr 8, 2008 at 10:55 pm

great website
36 Annie H. // Apr 8, 2008 at 11:02 pm

Cool site, love the spur pants.
37 Kathy Davis // Apr 8, 2008 at 11:12 pm

I love the photo on the site. The women look like real women not models.
38 Kim B // Apr 8, 2008 at 11:23 pm

Such cute stuff! I love those capris!
39 Linda Moeller // Apr 8, 2008 at 11:30 pm

DUDE GIRLS rock! Ask a guy!
40 Patricia Cunningham // Apr 8, 2008 at 11:30 pm

High mileage….why didn’t I think of that? I have run 48 marathons and plan on doing a lot more!
41 Shaun Peterson // Apr 9, 2008 at 1:16 am

I like the clothes. My wife would look good in them.
(Small if we have choice).
42 DJ // Apr 9, 2008 at 1:39 am

I love t-shirts that fit well!
43 Marissa // Apr 9, 2008 at 1:42 am

Nice gear, I really like the Peppertree Gauze shirt… it looks super comfy!
Thanks,
Marissa
44 jeanne pellin // Apr 9, 2008 at 3:38 am

I like the lily tee
45 jennifer bowen // Apr 9, 2008 at 4:16 am

how cool i realy like it
46 Cheryl English // Apr 9, 2008 at 4:43 am

My favorite is the Winter Beanie Blaze. I live in a state where the weather is bitter and this would keep my head and ears warm, and would match my big blue eyes. Thanks for the giveaway.
47 janet lindsey // Apr 9, 2008 at 4:45 am

great website
48 Cindi // Apr 9, 2008 at 5:21 am

Hi, I think I’m in love! I am so glad that your introduced me to this site. It is me all over. I signed up for the newsletter and a catalog. My husband will not be happy.
LOL. I love the Spring line and the colors are muted and the styles look comfortable. I would love to wear the “Dude Girl” t-shirt because my youngest son will call me dude and I will say that I am not a dude. Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks,Cindi
49 Krystal Deblasio // Apr 9, 2008 at 5:22 am

dude girl is a great clothing website for athletic girls.
50 Cindy Chau // Apr 9, 2008 at 5:52 am

What an adorable t-shirt!
51 Suhang Jiang // Apr 9, 2008 at 5:52 am

My wife would love this shirt. Thank you.
52 Vivian Chiang // Apr 9, 2008 at 5:53 am

OH!!! I love the name: DUDEGIRL! What a cute name!
53 Kari Follett // Apr 9, 2008 at 11:15 am

Wow, my daughter would love this site!!
54 Kevin // Apr 9, 2008 at 11:16 am

I would like to win this for my wife.
55 James Jenkins // Apr 9, 2008 at 11:54 am

Wow!!
56 Steph // Apr 9, 2008 at 12:03 pm

Cute shirt. They have awesome cycling shorts, I love the red ones.
57 Denyse // Apr 9, 2008 at 12:37 pm

I love it!=- Pick me!!!
58 sarah // Apr 9, 2008 at 1:08 pm

What a great idea for a site!
59 Laci Chisholm // Apr 9, 2008 at 1:09 pm

I’m a fitness instructor. I’d love to wear this to class!
60 Vicky Boackle // Apr 9, 2008 at 1:17 pm

cute tshirt.
61 Sharon Jones // Apr 9, 2008 at 1:52 pm

What a great site…thanks
62 rebecca // Apr 9, 2008 at 1:55 pm

what a cool website
63 Evelyn // Apr 9, 2008 at 2:50 pm

cute pick me!
64 Carissa Davis // Apr 9, 2008 at 2:53 pm

Wonderful products!
65 Christine // Apr 9, 2008 at 2:56 pm

I am in love with the Peppertree Scoop Neck Gauze! Thank you so much!
66 Vicki Wurgler // Apr 9, 2008 at 3:14 pm

i like their onesie and lily tee
67 Holly // Apr 9, 2008 at 3:30 pm

Great site! Have a niece that’s not a girly girl….would love to give her the cute tee!!
68 Terri D // Apr 9, 2008 at 3:43 pm

Very cool.
69 Monique Rizzo // Apr 9, 2008 at 3:56 pm

Love the contest! Thanks.
70 cathi rushing // Apr 9, 2008 at 4:03 pm

VERY NICE
71 Barbara Fox // Apr 9, 2008 at 5:43 pm

Nice items! I love athletic clothing!
72 Linda Lansford // Apr 9, 2008 at 5:57 pm

nice shirt
73 Chrystal // Apr 9, 2008 at 5:57 pm

Love the clothing!! Cool website!!
74 Tammy // Apr 9, 2008 at 6:00 pm

I love their selection of ladies t-shirts
75 Deanna // Apr 9, 2008 at 6:08 pm

lovee the tees!
76 Tara Hill // Apr 9, 2008 at 6:33 pm

I really like the name…why didn’t I think of it?
77 Lisa Fosses // Apr 9, 2008 at 9:08 pm

I love the yoga dude girl wear
78 Pamela Ray // Apr 9, 2008 at 11:07 pm

Awesome, fun site!
79 Jessica Harrison // Apr 9, 2008 at 11:24 pm

cute site…love the Lily tee.
80 Anne Dreher // Apr 10, 2008 at 12:00 am

My daughter would love this website. It’s so cool.
81 michelle rosborough // Apr 10, 2008 at 2:17 am

I like the DG Flare Pants
82 christina singer // Apr 10, 2008 at 2:36 am

I’m a total Dude Girl…I hope my grand baby will be too. Thanks for the giveaway and for the cute site!
83 Belinda // Apr 10, 2008 at 7:37 am

I like the lily tee.
84 Kathy Scott // Apr 10, 2008 at 1:43 pm

Dude girl all the way. Thanks for the chance.
85 Julie Ford // Apr 10, 2008 at 2:51 pm

I could get into serious trouble shopping on this site!! I just love the tees!! Thanks for sharing!!
86 Gianna // Apr 10, 2008 at 4:11 pm

I love the clothes, very unique and casual which I love!
87 Annie // Apr 10, 2008 at 5:14 pm

The Lasya Tanks is super cute! Since getting back to my pre-pregnancy weight, but not quite so, ahem, firm… my wardrobe could use a boost!
88 Tobye David // Apr 10, 2008 at 5:26 pm

I like the capri pants. They look oh so comfy!
89 Jennifer // Apr 10, 2008 at 7:51 pm

Love the peppertree gauze. It looks really comfortable.
90 Jennifer Jozwiak // Apr 10, 2008 at 10:08 pm

nice site, i especially like the pics and the lily tree shirt
91 Anthony Hedden // Apr 11, 2008 at 2:10 am

enter me
92 Julie // Apr 11, 2008 at 3:23 am

What a wonderful history!
93 valerie mabrey // Apr 11, 2008 at 3:41 am

thanks for the contest
94 Sarah Pauzauskie // Apr 11, 2008 at 5:37 am

The Sarwendah Tank is super! I signed up for the catalog as I’m into yoga, biking, hiking, and sports in general! Thanks for alerting us to such a great site!
95 Liz Sawyer // Apr 11, 2008 at 5:44 am

I like the Peppertree Scoop Neck Gauze! Hooray for BOTH Comfort and Style!!!
96 Michelle Bell // Apr 11, 2008 at 1:12 pm

I really like you product line and would love to win a shirt. Very cute and comfy looking.
97 Betsy // Apr 11, 2008 at 2:17 pm

Cute! I love the Sarwendah Tank!
98 Sharold Friedrich // Apr 11, 2008 at 6:08 pm

great information
99 Mama Zen // Apr 11, 2008 at 7:08 pm

I love the DG Capris!
100 Andrea // Apr 11, 2008 at 7:43 pm

I love to be feminine but I love to have something different, casual and comfy to wear as well. For those lounge days, work out days, errand days whatever. Love to win!
101 Sue Farrell // Apr 11, 2008 at 8:50 pm

I like the fact that their clothing line is cute, yet practical.
102 Teri Meairs // Apr 11, 2008 at 9:05 pm

Great stuff! The river pant is perfect for my exercise routine!
103 Summer H // Apr 11, 2008 at 9:09 pm

My friends say I’m always kicking it up to High Gear, so I love that one. But I love love the Save our boobies shirt. This line is great!
104 Debbie Criss // Apr 11, 2008 at 11:04 pm

I’m trying to get motivatied. I’m working out with weights at least 4 times a week. I browse every fitness site I get a chance. Keep up the good work.
105 Karrie M // Apr 12, 2008 at 2:57 am

website looks great
106 C Duran // Apr 12, 2008 at 4:12 am

So many great things on the site! Love it!
107 Jim Cincinello // Apr 12, 2008 at 7:30 am

Thanks for this contest!! Great Stuff!!
108 karen mcmaster // Apr 12, 2008 at 11:33 am

finally cool workout clothes in cool colors
109 Gaye McGill // Apr 12, 2008 at 1:03 pm

It’s so great to see someone living their dream. Teriffic site and products!
110 Gina Smith // Apr 12, 2008 at 1:43 pm

Love the website!
111 linda // Apr 12, 2008 at 2:41 pm

Love it!
112 Jodene Gildea // Apr 12, 2008 at 3:16 pm

Love the Peppertree Scoop Neck
113 Cathi Iris // Apr 12, 2008 at 4:36 pm

This stuff rocks!
114 shawna // Apr 12, 2008 at 5:44 pm

Love the website!
115 Ronni // Apr 12, 2008 at 6:08 pm

So many cute things at this site…what to choose!
116 Jennifer // Apr 12, 2008 at 6:36 pm

Love the peppertree gauze!
117 Melissa // Apr 12, 2008 at 6:43 pm

those are some really adorable styles. would love to work out in that stuff instead of all my ratty freebie tees!
118 julieh // Apr 12, 2008 at 7:22 pm

Love it!
119 Ed Nemmers // Apr 12, 2008 at 7:48 pm

Sweet!
120 Kayce // Apr 12, 2008 at 8:46 pm

It’s full of energy.
121 Elizabeth M. // Apr 12, 2008 at 10:48 pm

I like the earthy and natural feel of your clothing and designs!
122 Penny // Apr 13, 2008 at 1:08 am

DUDE GIRL is exactly what ALL women need! This website inspires all of us to “to step out of our comfort zones”!
123 Rozetta // Apr 13, 2008 at 1:46 am

Love this stuff! Especially liked the Spirit of Sport Tee. Thanks so much for a great contest!
124 Bobbye F // Apr 13, 2008 at 3:00 am

The dude girl site is great! I think I need to buy me one of the Path to Freedom shirts!
125 kiyana // Apr 13, 2008 at 4:16 am

Cool stuff ! I love it!
126 Samantha Pruitt // Apr 13, 2008 at 4:33 am

i really love all the creative designs on the tees
127 Sylvia Porter // Apr 13, 2008 at 4:49 am

i really like the colors of the clothes, they’re very unique!
128 Suanne Giddings // Apr 13, 2008 at 5:20 am

Great clothing! I really liked the Lily Tee. Thanks for a fun giveaway!
129 Michelle // Apr 13, 2008 at 5:49 am

I adore that Peppertree long sleeve shirt..the pattern on the back shoulder is so unique!
130 A. Ashley // Apr 13, 2008 at 6:16 am

I like the Lily Tee and the Yoga Tee. They have a variety of styles, so you can look tough or delicate.
131 Leigh N // Apr 13, 2008 at 8:31 am

What a great DIFFERENT site!!
I’ve been a dude girl all my life
132 Terri Wagner // Apr 13, 2008 at 11:47 am

Great clothing, love the tank tees.
133 kathy pease // Apr 13, 2008 at 1:35 pm

PLEASE ENTER ME
134 Veronica Garrett // Apr 13, 2008 at 1:46 pm

Checked out the Dude Girl wesite. The clothes are awesome.
135 Brooke // Apr 13, 2008 at 2:21 pm

Super cute athletic wear! I’m trying for a 10 minute mile. These would be great!!
136 sarah woods // Apr 13, 2008 at 2:33 pm

I’m so totally selfish; I love this shirt; do you think a middle age grandmother/menapasal could be a DUDE GIRL. Lets Go for It!!!!!!Thanks!!!SW
137 ELSIE // Apr 13, 2008 at 3:07 pm

Love Dude Girl. I admit, this is my first exposure to these products. It will not be my last. I really like the DG Yoga Jams and the Lasya Tank. Perfect for when I am trying to be de-stress. Thanks for this great opportunity.
138 Angela Z/NY // Apr 13, 2008 at 4:12 pm

This site rocks!
139 Jeanine Price // Apr 13, 2008 at 4:24 pm

Cool items!!
140 judy chapman // Apr 13, 2008 at 5:12 pm

great site.
141 michael woods // Apr 13, 2008 at 6:01 pm

Hip design
142 DONNA ARSENALT // Apr 13, 2008 at 6:32 pm

I LOVE THE SITE. MY CHILDREN ARE GROWN BUT WISH THEY HAD SITES LIKE THAT WHEN I WAS A YOUNG MOM. I AM ENTERING FOR MY NIECE AND DAUGHTER.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL
143 Carol Drury // Apr 13, 2008 at 7:59 pm

I am such a dud girl – want the t- shirt NOW!!!!!
144 Carol Drury // Apr 13, 2008 at 7:59 pm

ah – that should have been dude girl – sometimes I am probably a dud girl too!! LOL
145 julia // Apr 13, 2008 at 8:30 pm

love the giddy up socks
146 Nina // Apr 13, 2008 at 8:40 pm

I love their products. Please enter me in the contest…thanks!
147 jffryclough // Apr 13, 2008 at 8:52 pm

this is great for girls
148 Susanne Troop // Apr 13, 2008 at 10:07 pm

Cool stuff for girls!
149 Janet // Apr 13, 2008 at 10:15 pm

NEAT AND NICE WEBSITE!
150 Sand // Apr 13, 2008 at 10:39 pm

I love the Peppertree Scoop Neck!
151 Zipporah Sandler // Apr 13, 2008 at 11:07 pm

Very nice line!
152 Dara Nix // Apr 14, 2008 at 1:24 am

Love the Blaze pants in the Pistachio! Great styling and great color!!
153 Donna Kozar // Apr 14, 2008 at 2:18 am

There are alot of cute things.
154 Tisa // Apr 14, 2008 at 2:19 am

Very cute shirt! I love the site! ~ Thanks!
155 Timothy Sternberg // Apr 14, 2008 at 2:55 am

I love the spur skirt and lounge pants.
156 Robert R // Apr 14, 2008 at 3:14 am

Looks like a good place to get some athletic wear for the mrs.
157 Grace // Apr 14, 2008 at 3:40 am

Clothing looks so functional and love the colors!
158 Heather C // Apr 14, 2008 at 3:55 am

Very cool! Dude!
159 vanessa hunter // Apr 14, 2008 at 3:56 am

I like….I like!
160 Kelly // Apr 9, 2009 at 4:56 pm

this clothing line speaks to my inner cowgirl….love the bike jerseys!

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