you know, as winter commuters, we're not just doing this for ourselves, but we're doing it for others. we need to be the inspiration for those that are locked up in their heated recycled air coffins. we need to have them look at us and say, wow, i can do that.
i have nothing against being thrifty, but realize that the perception of a biker in faded $5 turquoise sweats, you know the ones with oil stains and holes, head wrapped up in scarves, and tattered wool gloves is that of a bum. no one in their fuel guzzling mind is going to want to join.
I'll take my $150 pearl izumi wonder tights, smartly priced smart wool, fitted $200 cannondale jersey, and NASA budgeted porsche of a commuting bike and happily wait for the light to turn green...as i stare out across the intersection, steam coming out of my mouth, i know the cars are looking. i can smile at the dude in the beat up chevy chevette next to me. yeah, guess who's having more fun?