cycle-wear models w/ink

[Miranda]

Wondering mind chit chat here since my bike is outta town at the lbs & it's 60degrees out w/no ride *sigh*, BUT...

Interesting observation it seems that tattoos have become more acceptable to show in modeling... or maybe it's just cycling models?

On TE there is model featured with the most beautiful tat of a bici on her back (click on T-back detail of tank shown to see tat--cute tank too). http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodDS_13253.html

Just browsing Terry's web site, and yet another model w/a tat (left arm detail below jersey hem).
http://www.terrybicycles.com/product...x-short-sleeve

Friend of mind models fashion clothing, and tats are a big "no no".

I've been pondering getting one myself... and interesting a non-inked Barbie acquaint said, "yea, you bike people-babes usually seem to have some type of tat, vs. non-sports girly-girls".

Hmmm...

[XMcShiftersonX]

I saw a very good looking male model on the Rapha page with some nice sleeves. It made me love Rapha that much more, being a girl with sleeves myself

[shootingstar]

I've been pondering getting one myself... and interesting a non-inked Barbie acquaint said, "yea, you bike people-babes usually seem to have some type of tat, vs. non-sports girly-girls".

Hmmm...

Non-inked Barbie acquaintance is making a rather broad generalization. I know alot of women who regularily cycle lots and don't have tats. They have said that they don't like tats for themselves.

For instance I don't have any tats and most likely will not get one. A more radical move for myself would be to colour my hair since I clearly up to now, don't want to go into this direction at all.

Yea, I'm dull.

[roadie gal]

I've heard that in Los Angeles it's hard to find models that DON'T have ink or other various body mods.

[Miranda]

Thanks for your thoughts so far. Yes... ink in general is a very personal thing.

The person that made the remark is very into the opinions of others on her looks. Like, wearing a bike helmet would look dumb and mess my hair up thinking. I think she sees them as "rough & tough" and cycling as a tough endurance sport. So... therefore are we rough & tough? Thus, we get tats in her eyes? I dunno lol.

In terms of vanity, I would choose my passion of cycling (and safety like my helmet) anyday.

I do agree too that I have seen tats on some other models lately too, besides the cycling ones. Maybe overall ink is become more mainstream, accepted... and that of showing ones individuality.

[shootingstar]

The person that made the remark is very into the opinions of others on her looks. Like, wearing a bike helmet would look dumb and mess my hair up thinking. I think she sees them as "rough & tough" and cycling as a tough endurance sport. So... therefore are we rough & tough? Thus, we get tats in her eyes? I dunno lol.

In terms of vanity, I would choose my passion of cycling (and safety like my helmet) anyday.

This is the lst time I've heard of someone thinking that wearing a bike helmet, is viewed as "tough" or that cycling is a "tough endurance sport".

But you know, there are huge sections of other countries, where women are physically invisible out in public..meaning they aren't there in big numbers at rock concerts, on the street ..think of the more strict religious societies. Yes, there any bike helmet would be viewed as tough. A woman cycling would be an abberation.

We forget that adult women just engaging in some form of regular exercise, outside of housework, is viewed as unusual in certain groups/societies.

[Sylvia]

Just browsing Terry's web site, and yet another model w/a tat (left arm detail below jersey hem).
http://www.terrybicycles.com/product...x-short-sleeve

According to my Spring catalog, the Terry model is Odessa Gunn who is a former Timex pro rider.

[Kiwi Stoker]

However getting a tattoo is very much linked with sports people.

It's a huge custom to have a tattoo if you attend an Olympic Games (usually the Olympic rings or similar) and expecially if you win a medal.

It is also custom if you complete an Ironman to get an Ironman logo with place and date tattooed as well as a permanent reminder.

[owlice]

Do people who complete an Ironman really need a reminder?! Astonishing! I should think they'd remember doing it!

[kacie tri-ing]

Well, it is also like a badge of courage/accomplishment/being a part of the club....I think those tats also are a reminder not just of the race, but of the months and months (or years) that you gave towards one major accomplishment...all of the sacrifices and work (says a girl 3.5 months into IM training ) That being said, I still haven't decided if I am going to get the IM tat But I think it is super cool.

I love that cycling tat in the TE site. I had also noticed the one in the terry catalog.

[shootingstar]

Well, it is also like a badge of courage/accomplishment/being a part of the club....I think those tats also are a reminder not just of the race, but of the months and months (or years) that you gave towards one major accomplishment...all of the sacrifices and work.

Feels like a whole subculture has bypassed certain people.

Hopefully those who have (not inferring it's folks here who have tats for various reasons) a tat as a submininal sign of a courage club, remember that those who look so innocuous/"untough'/conservative, maybe someone who has taken also courageous risks in life, and also walked some tough, lonely roads in life for several/many years, that were/are also physically and psychologically demanding.

And we know that doesn't have to be doing a triathalon at all.

[kacie tri-ing]

I think you are reading too deeply into what I am saying. I don't think it matters at all if that subculture passed people by. It is just that, a subculture of people who all have something in common (many of whom have also undergone great battles of courage while not swim/bike/running and who might even find solace in the act of endurance sports).


Mind you, I have no tattoos myself I was just trying to explain why people would embrace them. I was in no way making judgement on people who choose not to tri, but in that case, it should not be assumed that people who do triathlons do not face huge battles in life themselves. Have you seen the videos about the Hoyts? They are really incredible (and totally off topic about tatoos).



Speaking of tattoos, basketball is on in our home right now, and they ALL seem to have tats. I guess because they show their arms so much?

[marni]

personally I think some tattoos are quite lovelyh- just not on me. That being said, I do buy temporary tattoos and wear them whenever I am on biking trips just for the fun of it. I would love to be able to find some good temporary tattoos on a biking theme. So far it'smostly been little butterflies and dragons, usually on the base of my calf or on my annkle.

marni

[Miranda]

Good discussion on my ink thread here!

Yes... you do need a tat to show courage, etc. Our life experiences leave tattos on our souls of who we are... without any outward visible sign... other than our actions themselves.

D#MN... someone call Dr. Phil... he could be unemployed on that one lol... (part serious on the comment tho, just being goofy)


OK...

I do also agree that there is this common thing w/tats in sports. Had tri gf who was going to get the ironman symbol as well. I think maybe part of what the commenting gf meant.

For me to get one, I was originally thinking I would ink around my bike crash scar. Something that changed some things in my life forever. Guy buddy says, "don't ink over it, scars are the tats of the brave, they tell a story all in them selves etc.". Well...

I wasn't going to ink to cover it up. But, he has a point. So, I think I would put in right below my scar. Not focusing on the negative of the crash. But rather the positive of overcoming, and continuing on. Ink in the symbol for infinity.

And oh... I really love that tat on the TE model too! There is a better pic of the tat in another tank top, but can't think where I saw it atm.

[maillotpois]

According to my Spring catalog, the Terry model is Odessa Gunn who is a former Timex pro rider.

Um... and Levi's wife....