How much is too much skin?

[pinkbikes]

Oh yeah - I'm hearing you on the clothes not protecting you! I think lycra is one of those bullet-proof things. I have taken some great falls in the forest onto rocky horrible stuff and torn great chunks of butt and hip and shoulder *though* the knicks and jersey, without leaving a damned *mark* on the damned lycra! I reckon it only protects itself!!

I have matching chunks on my unprotected skin too - knees and elbows have not escaped unscathed. I reckon I've had more scabs on my knees in the last two years since I took up MTB than I had as a kid! My mother is horrified!

As for lycra and exposure, I have a figure that probably doesn't shout "Put lycra on me and I'll look great!" But I wear it anyway because it is comfy and if I have generous curves they aren't going to look any smarter hidden in a voluminous tshirt. I have made a pact with myself to wear my curves out where they can be seen and appreciated for the power behind them rather than their sartorial style! I say wear whatever you're comfy in and if you're comfy enough to flaunt, then go for it!

And boosting - well the first time DH boosted me I nearly had a heart attack. And I was probably a bit miffed that he thought I needed a boost - I'm pretty much one of those "if you can't carry it yourself, then don't bring it" kind of people, including when cycling.

But I must admit when riding the tandem on a nine day tour recently, I was boosted several times when I was struggling up hills by a couple of nice fellows (who certainly had no evil intentions in the presence of my 10yo DD stoker) and appreciated it *very* much. So I guess it just depends on the circumstances and intent behind the boost.

Actually, I once had to "boost" a male workmate who came out MTB riding with me. He was trying a particular uphill logpile for the first time and I was spotting him. He didn't quite give it enough in the run up and I ended up planting my hand fair on his rump and giving him a push. Thought nothing of it at the time but wondered afterwards if I was a workplace harasser!