When I first started riding/commuting at about 270 lbs I was CERTAIN you would NEVER catch me in lycra. After losing a bunch I decided to give the shorts a try just to see what the hoopla was about. Now I wouldn't wear anything else. My commute is long enough that the shorts make a difference.

I have a few team jerseys that have special meaning to me for one reason or another. Some were hand-me-downs from Jeff LaBauve who used to live here in New Orleans. You may have seen his name in Velo News, etc., since he has been on the U.S. track cycling world cup and world championship teams for the last couple of years. He set a new world record in the 200 m sprint at the world cup meet in Moscow a few months ago. Another special favorite is a Panaria jersey I bought as a tribute to Julio Perez for his courageous performance in the 2001 Giro d'Italia and because I love the bright colors.

Luckily I am old enough to no longer give a crap what others think about my kit. I wear what I like and keeps me comfortable. For instance, a cycling cap under the helmet may look a little funny, but it keeps the sun or rain out of my eyes. I cut the top out of one for summer heat. On my pre-dawn morning commutes I wear a sweatband instead of the cycling cap.