Is it just me or....

[redrhodie]

Digging up this thread from weeks past...I don't feel sexy on the bike. I feel kind of goofy in my helmet (and, well, just in general ). Anyway, today I was riding, and this guy who looked like he was on a bike because he lost his license made kissy noises at me. Ick. I still didn't feel sexy, just grossed out.

[WindingRoad]

Yeah those are the kinda thugs I run into in downtown Indianapolis too. If I hear another 'hey baby where's the trail' I'm gonna lose my mind. In fact I generally want to look frumpy so I usually will throw on some cargo shorts over my spandex. Isn't that nutz that women have to cover up sometimes to feel safer.

[shootingstar]

Yeah those are the kinda thugs I run into in downtown Indianapolis too. If I hear another 'hey baby where's the trail' I'm gonna lose my mind. In fact I generally want to look frumpy so I usually will throw on some cargo shorts over my spandex. Isn't that nutz that women have to cover up sometimes to feel safer.

One of the reasons why I didn't start wearing cycling jerseys and cycling shorts until 6 years ago..even though I've been cycling regularily for past 16 years...I wanted to look frumpy and incompetent as a cyclist.

I didn't want to draw attention to me as I was trying to make it up the hills. I figured who cared to look at a frumpy, outdated dressed cyclist.

Now, i don't give a poop. It's just simply more comfortable to wear cycling clothing, particularily on longer rides.

The whole irony to all this, is that before I started to wear cycling clothing, I was cycling more mileage annually.

[fidlfreek]

Unfortunate male reactions aside, biking makes me feel sexier than anything else!!!! Out the window are all my body issues (good lord, they come out to play in the pool though!) I feel strong and fast, and I LOOOVE passing a guy on my bike. Oh yeah. Riding in downtown is especially nice because as a cyclist I feel uber powerful since the cars yield to me (when was the last time a guy did that for you in real life??) and I can actually get places faster than they can Also they are sitting at lights watching my a** ...

I have been wondering if this happens because intensive cycling boosts your testosterone levels? I know more fat means higher estrogen levels so maybe loosing fat boosts testosterone? Or because when you work major muscle groups together you also boost testosterone? I know these are both true in men but don't know about women...

Anyway. Maybe there is a doctor out there that can explain this! Maybe testosterone isn't what makes biker women more aggressive, strong, and hot-feeling. I dunno, just a theory....

[Crankin]

Cycling makes me feel fit, but I wouldn't say it makes me feel sexy...
It mostly makes me feel sweaty and tired!

[indigoiis]

I have to say I also feel pretty good about myself most of the time on my bike. Sexy is not really the word for it, though.

Although, DH did say once that he thought a particular jersey of mine was sexy - it is a black sleeveless number with white piping and a wind-grabbing hood. It fits nicely but it is impractical. But I always tend to wear it when I ride with him. He says it makes me look like one of those intimidating sporty chicks. It cracks me up because I am so not that.

[ASammy1]

I don't feel sexy either, but the BF sure likes me in my cycling clothes! I feel strong and powerful, but not sexy-especially in my helmet!

[Geonz]

Mebbe it's that feeling of fleeting anonymity! You are just a flash on the screen...

I don't feel sexy on the bike... but there are certain parallels...

[Smilie]

I don't feel sexy on the bike... but there are certain parallels...

Oh my...

[Jiffer]

I like the feeling of getting on my bike, looking like I belong on it (because of the clothes) and knowing I belong on it because I've gotten pretty decent at riding it ... and riding away. I am free on my bike. I am independent. And I'm usually wearing a cute PINK jersey!!!

So, in some ways, yes I feel sexy.

I also like the fact that just a week ago someone saw me in my cycling clothes for the first time and asked if I had lost weight.

Ummm, no, I hadn't. Spandex does work wonders!

[fidlfreek]

Jiffer you said it all just perfectly! I agree totally.

BTW, you ladies that don't feel good looking in your helmet then maybe you just need another helmet. I just bought a beautiful Rudy Project one that is fabulous and much lower profile than my old Trek. Bonus, its very very pink.