Do you think cyclists look strange?

If you answer yes to that question then you are probably just entering the rabbit hole.  But if you answer no to that question then you are probably already really far down the rabbit hole. So far down in fact that you are completely oblivious to how strange we really are once we are all dressed up. To get a reality check you just have to talk to someone who is just entering the sport and getting to grips with all the gear, what to do and what not to do and all of the unspoken stuff. On the surface it is easy to work out many things, like lycra shorts, cycling tops, helmets, cycling shoes with cleats, bottles, camel backs etc. 

However when you look a bit deeper then there are some of the "unknowns" that to a newbie may seem very strange if not absurd. Bib shorts is the first, the resemblance to a Borat outfit is too close for comfort for some. On a more practical side is how do you pee once you have these bibs on, pretty obvious for those who wear them but a mystery to those who don't. Then there is bum cream, say what? yes bum cream or chamois cream or anti chafe cream if you prefer, that friction aid that prevents, here is the next one, saddle sores. Now that is something that you really don't want to experience so you do what ever it takes to avoid getting even close to being in that situation. And so tight fitting bib shorts that require skill and technique to take a pee out of and copious amounts of chamois cream applied liberally to avoid even a hint of chaffing become the norm and something that you don't even think about anymore. Its all part of the natural progression of becoming a cyclist. Of course many mountain bikers don't think they are cyclists but they are just in denial.

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