Newbie here - Plus-Size gal with severe fear of lycra

[effulgent]

I'm a very new, very out-of-shape rider. I say out of shape rider, but truth be told I haven't ridden a bike since college, and that was just for commuting around campus. I've never really been in shape, and I'm a pretty big gal.

My husband was an avid bike rider before we met, and was actually a bike mechanic for 5 years. This year, he decided he wanted to get back into cycling, and started riding on the weekends. I said I'd like to try riding too, and he said he had an extra bike that he could fix so that it would fit me well. So we went and got some goodies for it, and a helmet for me, and off I was.

Other than helmet and gloves, I don't have any bike-specific clothing. I've been wearing some capri-length leggings and a big ol' T-shirt which covers my tummy and tush but gets snagged on the nose of the seat when I try to get up on the bike.

I'm still on the VERY beginning stages of riding a bike, but I know that I'll be much more comfortable during my rides if I invest in some plus-size riding gear from Team Estrogen. But I'm scared to death of being seen in public in such tight fitting clothes. I *do not* have the figure for it and won't for many many many pounds.

So here are my questions:

1) Did any of you have to get over your fear of lycra?
2) Did any of you start out as a Big Girl when riding a bike, and what kind of provisions did you make to make sure that your training went well and that you were comfortable?

[Rhonda]

I can totally relate to your fear of lycra, I started out by wearing the baggy shorts, I guess they are made more for mountain bikers but I felt a lot more comfortable in those in the beginning. They also have underliner shorts and bike briefs you might want to look at. I have never worn a bike jersey, just a t-shirt, I hope to get a sleeveless one for the summer (one of the less form fitting ones). My husband bought me a very nice pair of lycra shorts for Christmas, they are a much better quality than the baggy ones I was wearing so I have switched to those now that I'm putting in more miles on the road.

I have been to several group rides and you see every shape and size wearing lycra, that being said I still feel self conscious in the lycra shorts but my bun is much happier at the end of the ride.

[CorsairMac]

They do make baggie shorts usually with Lycra inside the shorts. I know several of the women here wear them. They also make skorts, some that go over the shorts, some that come with the shorts built in. That way you would be in a short/skirt combo.
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=9253

Good on you for biking and yeeehaa on the weight loss! What a sense of accomplishment you must feel. Keep up the good work!!

if you get a chance; there is a thread under the open titled "getting to know you". It'll tell you something about us and - if you're so inclined - tell us something about you!!

Keep in biking, Life does NOT get any better than that!

[Veronica]

I think you'd have to be a small person inside to think poorly of someone who is trying to change their life around. Anytime I see anyone who is not the "usual" biker, runner, swimmer etc. mold out doing something, I think, "Wow! good for them!" It takes a lot of guts and determination to make exercise a regular thing when you've gone a long time without it.

You wear whatever you are comfortable in. And thumb your nose at anyone who thinks that's not okay.

V.

[singletrackmind]

How about baggy shorts, like the ones some mountain bikers wear? Or skorts? I don't have any experience with which hang up and which don't but maybe that's an option? I used to ride around in plain old denim shorts and a tank and that was ok but I've found having a chamois is a good thing. I prefer the lycra shorts now that I'm used to them. I also enjoy the wicking and quick drying action of cycling jerseys and bras though I could easily live without those. Ok, sport bras are ESSENTIAL!!!!

As for answers to your questions:
1) Did any of you have to get over your fear of lycra?
Yes. I confess I'm in a decent BMI range but I have a TERRIBLE body image. I was so busy getting over the diaper feeling of the chamois that I forgot to worry about the rest. I just wear one of my larger, longer jerseys on my "fat" days to cover my hips and belly. The older I get the less I worry about what other people think about my body. I've come to realize most of us have hang-ups and that what we don't like about ourselves is magnified to us but others could care less and would tend to see our good stuff, which we all have lots of if we'd just be brave enough to look for it.
2) Did any of you start out as a Big Girl when riding a bike, and what kind of provisions did you make to make sure that your training went well and that you were comfortable?
See #1.

This is getting kind of long...
Well, have fun and remember that lots of us started as out of shape riders, you aren't alone in that by far and you aren't alone in your worries. Also remember you are out riding for you, let others think what they want (though I think you'd find they aren't thinking about you negatively unless you've been mean to them).

[Asphaltgirl]

I feel "thinner" when I'm in my biking clothes and I figure, at my age, nobody is looking anyway!!

Go for the fun clothes-get crazy colored tops/T's and fun, wild socks. Trust me, 99% of the time the other riders are looking at your bike before they are looking at your butt! But, at least, get a pair of good biking shorts-they really will make a big difference in your comfort level, you can then cover them up with a long T or shorts. The most important thing is that you are out there biking and having a good time. I admire your commitment.

Asphalt (yes, all in purple!!) girl

[SadieKate]

You know what my first thought is when I see someone like you? It is "you go, girl!" Good for you for getting out there enjoying the ride, your hubby's company and the wind in your hair. Don't worry about what others think because it is not important.

I can't believe what this society does to women and their self-esteem. I have always had a body image problem because Twiggy was popular during my adolescence and I've never had a Twiggy body. It's ridiculous the misery that many of us go through because parts of us jiggle just like nature intended (I know this because Covert Bailey said so ).

If you have a particular pair of lycra bike shorts you really like and want a bit of coverage, you can buy the wrapper skirt only from Terry but you must use good bike shorts or your bike fun will be severaly curtailed.

Soon, you're going to be feeling strong and those endorphins are going to have you on a high. Go ride and have fun!

[anaphase]

Just fly right by 'em. You're going to be too fast for anyone to notice.

I've seen some ladies in those skorts and they are cute. Also the baggier biking shorts with lyrca underneath.

Check out VJ's site and maybe shoot her an email. She is an avid biker and a bigger gal. She's got a great blog and is really inspiring.
http://www.braveathena.com/

Congratulations on your new sport, too, BTW. And welcome to the board.

[Pedal Wench]

I used to have a HUGE fear of lycra. And bike jerseys. Hated them both. My boyfriend loves to tease me about that considering my short and jersey collections have become quite large. Once you start realizing that they are really the proper tool for the job, you'll feel more comfortable. Someone else mentioned that they act like a girdle - so true. I mean, really, fitting tightly, they're going to give you a slimmer profile than baggy clothes. Again, who cares what anyone else thinks? They really make biking more comfortable, which means you'll stick to it. I started out with a pair of baggy mountainbike shorts, but the extra material wasn't very comfortable.

All that being said, wear whatever you can to make sure you stay riding. If you're comfy riding in your bathrobe, then go for it. Just ride...

[effulgent]

Thanks for all of your wonderful words and support (and advice!). And I do agree with you, Asphalt, bikers look at the bike before the cyclist. We've gotten in a few near-wrecks because my husband is weaving through traffic to get a look at the bikes on someone's trunk rack.

My husband seems to be excited that I'm riding with him, even though I'm WAAAAAY slower than him. For now.

I do think I'll just skip the baggy shorts and go for just some basic bike shorts, or maybe the capri length. Those might make me feel a touch more modest.

And I think I'll get the lava jersey to start. That's about as obnoxious as one can get with the plus sized, I think.

[bikerchick68]

effulgent... when my brother started riding 3 yrs ago he was considering gastric bypass surgery and weighed 458 lbs... there was no bike clothing that fit him... and his bike had to be custom built with tandem parts. Strong enough to hold the weight of 2 people...

last week he weighed in at 271 lbs!!!!!!! Everything fits, he loves riding and his reward for all his efforts was a new bike...

you've had some great feedback about the lycra issue (who DOES look good in this stuff anyway???) but just wanted to share his story too, as it so darned inspirational... here is a link to his pics... I've posted this before but not sure you saw it... he is "bigkahunadad" so scroll down...

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=97174

[bikerHen]

Finally a question I can respond to! Being a plus size gal myself, I totally relate to the lycra problem. Last year, I rode in stretch demin shorts and baggy cotton tops. That worked well for me. The problem was, and still is, there is nothing delicate about me when I ride and I sweat like crazy! This spring my sweat soaked clothing gets really cold when I stop. I was dreaming of wicking clothing. So, I ordered a pair of plus size lycra shorts to wear with my baggy tops. The shorts worked well but only a plus size gal knows the true fear of cycling jerseys. To my surprise I found a LBS that carried a few plus size tops. They "wick" yea! and they were NOT fitted. They only had short sleeve tops and I'm a sleeveless kinda gal so I went home and sunk my business profits into ordering a couple of sleeveless tops online. I can't wait until they arrive. I'm still a little leary about wrapping my fat bod in such bright colors but what the heck! At least I'm out there doing something about it. Besides, with my new road bike, I'm just a flash anyway! bikerHen

[Jones]

Good on you effulgent for getting out there and riding! Last year when I was 35 pounds heavier, my favorite riding apparel was my Terry plus sized bike skort. They come in lots of cool colors with complimentery jerseys and matching socks. The chamois is the same as in their "t-shorts." I found it very comfy even on long rides and I felt far more confident with more coverage than just shorts offered me. Once I got to be a better rider and could go further and faster, heavy or not, I sort of felt I earned my right to wear lycra and the only people who would think bad of me, were the people who aren't getting outside and excersising anyway.


Jones

[CorsairMac]

I do think I'll just skip the baggy shorts and go for just some basic bike shorts, or maybe the capri length. Those might make me feel a touch more modest.

And I think I'll get the lava jersey to start. That's about as obnoxious as one can get with the plus sized, I think.

You could also try the basic bike shorts and knee warmers. That way when it gets hot or as you feel more comfortable in the shorts, you can take the knee warmers off.


(PS asphaltgirl, I Loved your signature line!! had me ROFL)

[MomOnBike]

I, too, don't have any desire to wear the kind of more-than-skin-tight clothes I got away with in my misspent youth.

That, and most of even the really large women's stuff doesn't have a chance at getting around my belly and hips. Bleh.

The good news is that I ride a recumbent and don't really need padding and all that. When I ride my upright (a grand total of 17 miles this year), I don't worry much about it.

HOWEVER, Rivendel has some bike, um, underwear called Andiamos ( http://rivendellbicycles.com/webalog...ing/22301.html ) that fit if I get the men's really big. There is a light pad. You could try those with regular shorts. Just watch out for nasty seams in just the wrong place.

If you are still losing weight, and are trying not to spend too too much money on clothes you'll outshrink, this could be an option for you.