for me when I started commuting I never got any of those comments you guys have. But once I started another co worker across the cubicle started doing it too and his was a 20km one way trip. Says he loves it and feels pumped by the time he's here and saved time from the gym. Once he's home he's already done his workout and just plays with his kid. Also his commute is 1hr and his public transit commute is 1 1/2hr's fun fun and his driving is 45min! Not bad! Also my commute is only 6km and I wear my work pants and just change my bike shirt out when I get there. No real high visibility vest just a 1/2 watt red blinkys in the back so they can see me even in total daylight.

I've had fairly good experiences with my co-workers and commuting. Most people are impressed I ride 20km to work each day and I am normally met with comments like "Wow, how long does that take you!" when I reply around 40 minutes they normally say "that's how long I take to get to work!".

Only had one slightly awkward confrontation with a co-worker, I was in the lift and she was staring at my "package". After a long awkward silence, and about 5 floors in the lift she squeaked out "Nice........gear".

No, but my wife this morning relayed some constructive criticism about my route choice from one of her coworkers (who lives a block away from us). 'she doesn't like to see you on XX street' (which has no shoulder or bike lane or anything)*. But it's a mile past where her coworker (who started at roughly the same place as me) is going! I don't like to see her there either!



*but it is easier to bail to a ditch or a yard than the previous cross-street that I never take

Your co-workers sound fat.

Good for you. It's simply guys being guys. I lived with shop ball busting for years. The last thing you can show is anger or weakness. Sometimes the best way is join in on the joke or turn it on them. If it were me I'd stuff a pair of tube socks down my pants before doing the long walk through. Give them something to hoot at. Some great replies could be...

"Yeah I was almost late this morning. BTW, ya might wanna have your old lady change the sheets."

"Where's my old tight shorts? Why, ya wanna see my junk?"

"Hey, thanks for pinching my ass. Now go smell your fingers like we know ya want to."

"Yeah, this coming from the guy who cut himself and bled Cheese Wizz."

"Why don't you ride? Afraid of messing up your make up?"

"The reason your ass hurts when you ride is because it's where you keep your head."

"Well at least I can see my own d**k. How long's it been for you?"

"Your mom loves my jacket. She even has me wear it while I'm railing her."

"The only reason you don't ride a bike is you don't have any place to carry your purse."

"The only reason you don't ride is because it would require you to remove that stick from your ass."

That's an impressive group of people you work with. I haven't experienced that kind of immaturity since 8th grade. Still, I would likely "tone it down" a bit. I.E. no spandex, don't wear the helmet off the bike, etc. It's weird enough to others when they see someone riding a bike to work without adding the ugly and strange clothing to the mix. Whether we like it or not, people are more of a herd animal and operate on a social level that requires some fitting in.

Other than baggy bike shorts, I tend to not wear anything that looks cycling specific when I arrive at work. Part of that is personal preference and part is not to come across like an alien. Thankfully, my co-workers have never expressed any negative attitudes toward my biking other than concern or surprise on the rainy days. I do think that the extra equipment and clothing makes the idea of biking to work seem more unapproachable to people so I'm happy not to contribute to that perception.

Nigal gets it.

Depends on the environment. Shop floor? maybe. Office/corporate - that would get you a trip to HR that would not be fun.

J.

Perhaps in your environment, John, but not in all...the one I am currently in being one example. Come on, buddy, we both know better than to paint with overly broad brushes.

That was my point. we agree. depends on the environment.

J.

I don't get any heat for cycling to work , However the guys in the repair/service shop harass me about wearing Lycra. conservative group the service guys are. (industrial electric motor service shop )

No big deal .

"John"

Yesterday I was riding home from work (in dress slacks, shirt and tie) and a little girl (who I know) saw me, and before she could recognize me said to her mom, "look, a Mormon."

I pulled up and several neighborhood ladies were laughing (not so much at me as with me and with the girl). It was actually pretty funny.

So I said, "I'm out of phamplets, ladies."

They said, "You just need a nametag to make the outfit complete."

To which I said, "I rode most of the way home with one," and then pulled it out of my shirt pocket.


Then one said, "so, are you on a mission?"

To which I reached into my backpack and pulled out a six pack of beer while replying, "mission accomplished."

They thought that was really funny (as, I'm sure, the people outside the gas station were most likely puzzled to see the Mormon walk out of the store and get on his bike while stuffing a six pack of beer in his backpack).

^ now THAT'S a funny story.

And how well everyone knows each other.

Duh winning! LOL!

Mocked? No, it never occurred to me that they might. I'm sorry you're in that situation. I think I would lose the cycling garb were I you; I wear slacks and t-shirt entering the building, and bought a helmet just to carry it in to have an excuse for sweating. Then again, I have long graying hair and a penchant for pink and purple shirts and no one hassles me so my advice might not work for you, but it's just common sense isn't it?

I have been ribbed a little but nipped it in the bud.
One fat assed co-worker 1/2 my age was flipping me poo in front of a bunch of the peanut gallery and I mentioned to him that I have another bike he could use and I would love to go for a nice 30 mile ride with him the next day.

It actually makes me very sad that a lot of the young people I work with are 1/2 (or even a 1/3 ) my age and are so out of shape they couldn't ride 14 miles if you put a gun to their head.

I still like the idea of throwing a male Lady Gaga on them.