Rain, rain, rain ... and a word on cycle shorts

Rain stopped play this Tuesday evening, so no Griggstown Grinder.

Actually, the sun did attempt to shine an hour or so before the start, but it was p!ssistently pouring down again by 6.00pm/18.00.

A couple of instances lately reminded me of some advice I gave on cycle shorts and bibs on this blog a while ago. Please don't ask ...

Cycle shorts give you a degree of comfort and support nothing else can match ... except for bib shorts which are even more effective for many riders.

But, or should I say butt (?), lycra/spandex/elastene, of which most shorts are made, will degrade. Washing, wearing and UV will cause the original fabric's qualities to break down over a period of time.

One of the most potentially embarrassing consequences is that even black lycra becomes translucent, if not transparent, over a period of time. So you should be advised to ask a good friend if your shorts are still effective, and don't leave you scaring the horses or giving your fellow riders a new perspective on you. Actually, just holding them up to the light will give you a good indication if it's time for a new pair.

And lastly, while I'm in cycling's intimate secrets mode, cycling shorts/bibs are designed to be worn without any other pants, knickers, undies, panties, boxers, skivvies, bloomers, jock-straps, thongs, drawers, etc, etc. It takes a little getting used to, but the shorts, the pad and everything else is designed to be used commando style. I've said it before, but nothing says cycling noobie like VPL.

So check those old cycling shorts!!!