Hey there Kelownagirl,

If anyone had told me I would be wearing lycra... in public... at 40... I would have been so incredulous...

yeah right.........

Yet, here I am, several times a week, and frankly Scarlett, I don't give a damn.

Shorts with a chamois in them are pretty much essential... whther you choose mountain bike shorts with chamois, or lycra shorts with chamois is up to you.

Many people choose the lycra style because they do not get hooked up on the bike seat, bugs (like wasps and bees) can't fly up the legs, and if you get into racing - they are lighter and more stream-lined...

I am just getting my daughter back on a bike (she broke her arm two summers ago). At 18 she is a bit self-concious and wears her lycra shorts with a pair of short shorts over the top.

If you are worried about the extra weight, well, wear a long tee-shirt. But mostly be proud of yourself - you are getting fitter than those folks in cars and buses - more power to you!

Have fun, K, ride lots!