Going for a ride doesn\’t necessarily mean dressing to the nines. I would guess, in fact, that not many of us have white-tie-and-tails or an evening dress hanging in the closet. Can you imagine riding a bicycle encumbered in such an outfit, anyway? Cummerbunds and cleats don\’t mix, I would say.

I\’m sure there are many riders who don\’t own \”real\” cycling clothes. Admittedly such togs are not cheap, and if I hadn\’t developed an interest in long-distance riding I might not have any of them, myself.

Cycling clothes don\’t have to be top-tier racing kit; but if you want to put in serious miles, especially on a road bike, cycling shorts are a wise investment. In a way they\’re a nuisance, because they need to be washed after each use. By all accounts, riding in dirty shorts is asking for trouble.

Shorts, after a helmet, are the most important part of a cycling outfit. A jersey is nice to have, too, especially on a hot day. With Tour de Cure not two weeks away, I\’m giving a lot of thought to what I\’ll wear for the big ride. My best pair of shorts, for sure; and my favorite jersey. When I have the day\’s forecast I can complete my outfit. It might be hot and humid; or we might be getting a cold front! But whatever the temperature, at least I don\’t have to be dressing to the nines. I\’ll leave that for another time.