A first for me today

[Livin the Dream]

And I have the heat to thank for it!

I've not ridden all week because of the horrible heat & humidity we've been dealing with here in Ohio. We've been walking after dark. But tonight, I decided I was going to ride -- I've missed my riding time.

I've been wearing cycling shorts, but I'm self conscious about my legs in lycra, so I've been wearing a lightweight pair of capris over them. Tonight, I decided it was too darn hot, so I rode with just the shorts. I survived and no one wrecked at the sight of me

I didn't get in as much of a ride as I wanted -- DH & I stopped by and got our 5-year-old grandaughter -- she was very excited to take a bike ride with us! Then, a few miles of riding after we dropped her off, it started to rain. But, it was a worthwhile night -- fun with the grandaughter and a step in the right direction with the riding shorts. One of these days, I hope cycling shapes my legs enough that I want to show them off in lycra!!

[RoseC]

Woo-hoo! Good for you! And it's very cool that you're getting your granddaughter excited about biking early on.

I can identify with the shorts thing! You know, it's completely silly, but one of my biggest hangups where bike commuting was concerned was the fear of anyone from work seeing me in bike clothes.

I still don't like it. But maybe a year from now I'll look *good* in the stuff.

[northstar]

Good for you! I thought it was scary the first time, too. Then I realized that the benefits of the clothing far outweighed the risk that someone might make fun of me. Pretty soon, you won't think twice about pulling on the shorts.

[Pedal Wench]

[QUOTE=RoseC;232641 But maybe a year from now I'll look *good* in the stuff.[/QUOTE]

But maybe tomorrow you won't care how you look in the stuff?

[Tiffany]

DH & I stopped by and got our 5-year-old grandaughter

Okay, I'm a noob to the site and I have to say that I have no idea what DH stands for (although I have a good idea). What exactly does DH stand for?

[Geonz]

Delectable Hubris ... or Dear Husband... Or Demented Husband... or Diminishing Heatstroke. Usually the second one :-)

[Tiffany]

Ah ha ... I figured it had something to do with the husband but I like knowing specifics. I kinda like Demented Husband myself also. I don't have a husband so maybe why I'm behind times a little.

[RoadRaven]

Now... if anyone had told me I would be seen in public at 40 wearing lycra I would have laughed myself silly!

But guess what, I am in my early 40s and have been wearing lycra for nearly 3 years and no-one has wrecked at the sight of me either!!!

Congrats, I know what a brave step it takes - but it feels soooo much better!

[DDH]

Congratulations!!! I am a big girl and I don't look good "per say" in the bike shorts but I have adopted the attitude that if someone doesn't like the way it looks then they don't have to look. It's an evil necessity, I must have the padding. It's not like I am going to the beach in a bikine. LOL

[RolliePollie]

The shorts thing still makes me squirm. But I look around at other people and realize I don't look any worse in the shorts than they do! I hate the "sausage leg" look created by the wonderful elastic band and the hem, but oh well. It's so worth it to be comfortable on the bike!

I think I'd be much more uncomfortable in bike shorts if I were a guy. I mean, you can basically see exactly what they've got "down there." Sorry if that's too much information...but gee whiz (no pun intended), I think I'd be a little self concious about showing that off. Wait, these are men I'm talking about...maybe they're proud!?!?!

[Kristi]

I have to agree with all of you. I was pretty embarrassed standing in my living room wearing my first set of bike shorts. My BF is a mountain biker and wears baggier shorts. But after riding for an hour or so, I understand. They were so much more comfortable. It's worth it.

[Zen]

I think I'd be much more uncomfortable in bike shorts if I were a guy. I mean, you can basically see exactly what they've got "down there." Sorry if that's too much information...but gee whiz (no pun intended), I think I'd be a little self concious about showing that off. Wait, these are men I'm talking about...maybe they're proud!?!?!

I admit it was an enjoyable part of the TdF.

[sundial]

Well, now that I'm a member of the 40+ club, I don't give one hooey about how I look in shorts. Well, unless there's a hole somewhere.....

Skorts are a nice compromise for hot weather. On the bike you hardly know you are wearing them until you stop for a break, then you are covered and no one has to know what you look like in shorts.

[boy in a kilt]

I think I'd be much more uncomfortable in bike shorts if I were a guy. I mean, you can basically see exactly what they've got "down there." Sorry if that's too much information...but gee whiz (no pun intended), I think I'd be a little self concious about showing that off. Wait, these are men I'm talking about...maybe they're proud!?!?!

Actually, bike shorts kinda suck. I don't like tight shorts of any sort. If you don't get things set just right, life can be miserable. Things shift and move of their own volition, sometimes into positions you would prefer they not move into. I don't know how many times I have sat up on a ride and stuck my hand down the front of my bibs to adjust things into a more comfortable position.

As for everyone seeing your business, you just deal with it. I suppose it's kind of like womens' nipples standing up when they are cold or exercising. There they are, so what?

[Starfish]

I suppose it's kind of like womens' nipples standing up when they are cold or exercising. There they are, so what?

Yep, I got over this as a mortified high schooler on swim team. Guys and girls were all horrified at what they had to show (or not show!) in public. You get over it.