This morning for reasons I don't understand I woke up at 6:30. That was after writing code until 2:30 am. 4 hours of sleep do not usually make for an especially performant bike ride, but since it's 100 degrees by noon every day I sucked it up and decided to go. For me there are two challenges facing a cyclist as they prepare for the ride - what to wear and where to go. I have a couple of default training routes that include variations so the where is usually pretty easy to deal with. The what to wear is a challenge since you have to consider the temperature, the length of the ride (don't want to use the really nice stuff unless you are going to push it) and who might see you on the road. This morning I chose to wear my Orbea World Champion kit. It's a decent setup that I picked up off of ChainLove for something like 50 bucks. I like it because it's nice and cool. However, it's solid white with baby blue panels and rainbows all over it. In spite of the fact that I roam the roads of Northern Utah on a stupid expensive/sexy road bike what really draws stares is my rainbow jersey. I passed two ladies walking and happened to catch a gasp and then some giggles. I crossed paths with a group headed the other direction. These were all hard core looking guys. Do they check out the bike? Nope? Blank stares at the jersey and bibs. Nobody associates rainbows with world champions anymore and a guy with shiny shaved legs sporting skin tight white lycra gets second looks. Now, I wouldn't wear this particular kit to the local cafe. It's not for a group ride and you don't want to spend much time wandering around off the bike. White hides nothing. I mean nothing and the bike isn't exactly a place where your manhood shines - think the Seinfield episode with George and shrinkage. Pick your kit wisely. Mine's a bit old, but in spite of the giggles I love it: