1 post tagged “stages”

Over on Dave Moulton's Bike Blog, have a look at a honest account on why some cyclists shave their legs.

I have to admit that I have started shaving my legs and have been doing so for about three months. I am not sure why I started. It is certainly not to look like a pro, makes easy post race massages (I don't race), be faster and more aerodynamic or to make it easy to clean up wounds in case of a road rash. I haven't got any logical explanation. Do I shave my legs because it is part of the tradition? No idea. I tried it and it felt right. Best of all, my wife likes it. Phew!

I remember my good old friend Nicolas was starting to take part in Criterium races around the South of France. I think he lasted for about two races before succumbing to the razor blades for the perfectly legitimate reason of easier cleaning of wounds and higher risks of falling during a road race than if you are plodding along in the countryside. I have to say I thought it was quite a brave move for a 17-year old high school student.

So what are the stages I have had to go through to end up with shaved legs some 17 years later?
Thinking about it I have gone though Toeclips, good waterproof, Clipless pedals, first lycra shorts, cycling jersey, proper cycling mitts, cycling specific glasses, cycling cap, bibtights, arm/legwarmers, bibshorts, join club, shaved legs trial on the ankles, shaved legs.

This covers a somewhat superficial side of cycling and does not account for the fact that I enjoy cycling more than ever. That's what matters. Shaved legs or unshaved legs.