I have been poking around the women’s cycling forums for the last few days looking for a little something something to chat about. These sites are raising some interesting questions. I’m going to answer a few of them here. Here I go again, striving to make www.pinkmtb.com your one stop cycling mecca!

1. Do you wear underpants with cycling shorts?
This answer is simple. Helllll no. No way. No thank you. No. I don’t know how else I can say that. I realize that some ladies may bring up some issues concerning “that time of the month,” though it’s nothing a little Spray n Wash Duel Power can’t handle. I think you’ll find that the fewer amounts of “folds” you get into your specials while riding, the better you’ll feel.

2. Is it common to get mistaken for a man while riding your bike?
I’ve never had this issue, personally, though there are a lot of sick cyclists who are ripped and decked in the spandex, helmet and super shades. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell, though I thought this was an interesting question. When I watch the big races on television, I can identify a lot of the cyclists. When they take off their gear, I really have no idea who most of them are. Isn’t that goofy? I sometimes don’t recognize a lot of my friends in their riding gear. You can’t judge a cyclist by her jersey, folks. I would love to hear any reader responses to this one. I do realize when you’re all adorned in your gear, you kind of get asexual in appearance. I guess when I’m doing something that feels that cool, (I’m talking about RIDING here, folks!) I don’t really care, but I always try to look like a girl whenever possible or safe.

3. Is there a seat that is better for women, one that won’t destroy your “bits”?
I am looking forward to doing a huge piece on this, so attention seat companies! The short and narrow on this one is that the Terry Butterfly, Brooks Pro Leather and Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow are typically on the recommended list. I personally am a “Seat Princess” and am always looking for something more comfortable. I have found that a triangle shaped seat, where the rear is a great deal wider than most seats and a cut out with a little gel here and there works fantastically. Gel everywhere on the seat is NOT the answer. I know how it sounds that it would be, but it is all a farce. When you are sitting on total gel, there is nowhere to root the pressures of riding; therefore, your entire personal flower gets the shock. The thing is this, what works for me or the chick who works at the bike shop may not work for you. It’s all trial and error in this area. Doesn’t that suck? If someone could just come up with an actual formula to figure this out, that would be fantastic and a whole lot cheaper, though nobody ever said this sport was inexpensive.

4. Should I be concerned to ride alone?
Yes. Everyone should be conscious of their surrounding when riding. Another set of eyes and ears wouldn’t hurt. Plus, I notice that when I ride with someone else, I’m less likely to be listening to music and am much more aware of what’s going on around me. We should always be on the lookout for riding buddies. Our preschool teachers had something there. The buddy system is always the best policy. Avoid any areas that give you the creeps. You got a bad feeling? It’s getting dark? Get outta there. I know that sounds obvious, and you would be surprised what people punch through just to get a ride. If you have any concerns, carry pepper spray. Find a safe route where there are a decent amount of people around in case you get in a bind. Stop, drop and roll. Whatever works.

5. This was my favorite question: Do you have to coordinate your clothes with your bike?
Um, ok. Personally, I don’t necessarily match my bike. My road bike is dark with very realistic looking lightning bolts all over it. It matches pretty much anything. I am in the market for some hot pink bar tape, much to Mr. BK’s dismay. As for cycling gear, wear what’s comfortable and VISIBLE. If you are riding at dusk or in the rain, throw on something bright. I don’t care if it’s your favorite color or if it matches anything, just be in plain sight of pedestrians, other cyclists and most importantly, vehicles that have the ability to critically injure you. Your safety should be a priority over anything else.

Peace Out,
bk