Saddled with cycle fashion problem

Sporadic spinning classes didn’t seem to be having any tangible effect on my fitness levels.

So now that the evenings are lighter (although not much warmer), I decided to take action and get pedalling in the great outdoors.

Despite a determinedly focused start, within minutes of the first ride my thoughts had drifted away from the intensive training regime.

I was much more concerned with the serious matter of what on earth I was going to wear for the big event on September 11.

I wasn’t overly keen on the idea of modelling fluorescent lycra but in my old vests, saggy leggings and a waterproof jacket borrowed from my mum, my amateur status was rather obvious.

The friend I was cycling with is quite the professional and has all the gear – shorts, gloves, special shoes that grip the pedals...

I was getting sports gear envy and an overwhelming desire to shop.

I’ve never pedalled faster as I was so eager to get home again and go online to suss out the world of sportswear.

Fellow shopaholics will understand the excitement when you discover a whole new category of retail to explore, and I was soon on my laptop scouting out the available kit.

My enthusiasm rapidly dwindled as research revealed that for a pair of snazzy cycling shoes I’d have to part with triple figures.

And given that I’d only been on about four outdoor rides in as many weeks, fashionomics suggested this would not be a good cost-per-wear investment.

So I restrained myself and settled for some cycling gloves, as having heard horror stories about broken fingers and grazed palms I thought they sounded pretty essential.

Now I’m on the hunt for a nice new helmet.

My theory is if I’m wearing something bright and patterned on my head, it will distract people from my red and sweaty face.

Padded shorts also seem to be something all the cool kids on bikes wear, but when I mentioned this to my mum she kindly pointed out that I didn’t need any more padding on my bum.

I think I will invest though as after 40km I’ll probably be feeling pretty sore otherwise and I want to be in a fit state to enjoy Whipsnade Zoo after the ride, where the route starts and finishes.

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