Lycra

Cycling in the rain for past two days has given me time to reflect on the merits of my cycle clothing, especially Lycra.

I have tried many different types of cycling shorts since I started cycling 30 years ago. The terrible high cut running shorts from the 1980s, fashionably baggy mountain bike shorts and specially designed touring shorts designed to look like normal shorts. But, despite my best efforts I cannot find a better alternative to Lycra.

Lycra is the perfect material for cycling. It is lightweight, it stretches in many directions, it dries quickly and is just warm enough to keep your legs warm but not too hot. Of course there is one downside to lycra.... it looks odd! The staff at Darnhall still talk about the shock of when a previous Headteacher turned up for work in his lycra cycling shorts. However, there are no viable alternatives.
I have always felt self-concious wearing lyrcra off the bike, even if I'm just buying a Snickers and an energy drink whilst out for a ride. I always keep my cycling gloves and helmet on in shops just to make sure everybody knows I am a cyclist out cycling.

My dad Pete has never suffered from lyrcra phobia, he loves it! There have been times when he has picked Jill and I up from Manchester airport wearing his best figure hugging cycling gear. Residents of Pickmere in Cheshire will often see him mowing the lawn or cutting his hedge in his cycling shorts.

During our trip I am becoming a more confident wearer of Lycra. I have visited Weatherspoons, walked through city centres even ate out in my best bib shorts. Staff at Darnhall be warned..... I soon may be turning up for work in Lycra.

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