Last summer I found TE when I was looking for bike shorts that fit. I too hate lycra. So I bought mountain bike shorts (the padding and lycra are against my skin and there is a baggier outer short (which I think looks better and makes me less self conscience) Shorts are very important! The padding can make your ride so much better. Don't worry about what other people think because it doesn't matter. Your doing this for you.

I use to ride a lot when I was younger, my husband rides miles upon miles every summer. So last summer I got on my bike and just started riding up and down my road (just like I would when I was little) I tried to ride at least 5 miles a day and it felt great, some days I would do 10. This summer I signed up for a charity ride in July. I live in New England, count on hills (lots of hills), but the bike tours are very well organized. At least Bike Vermont is.

You will love riding...JUST DO IT!