How things have changed in the realm of ladies\’ cycling attire. At one time, the idea of lycra as cycling wear for ladies was unthinkable. A woman who did entertain any such notion would have been considered most improper.  Even if she were so proper as to put Queen Victoria to shame, she would have been ashamed of her thoughts. She wouldn\’t have dared to dream of it!

Ladies in those days, if they rode at all, were expected to ride bicycles in their everyday clothing.  Can you imagine having to ride a bicycle while wearing skirts down to the ground? Things sure have changed since then!

The cycling attire enjoyed by women today would have been longed for by a female cycling enthusiast of those times: clothing that is comfortable; breathes; allows unhindered movement; and isn\’t suffocating on a hot day. Clothing that\’s easy to wash, dries quickly (OK, that depends on whether you live in an arid or a humid climate) and doesn\’t require ironing!

Except possibly for a few places, such as in churches, a lady in cycling kit would hardly cause a raised eyebrow in our day.  So let\’s enjoy our freedom, and wear our lycra at will!