We drove to Austin this weekend so that Dave could do a 60 mi ride, put on by Rapha.  Since I’ve decided that I’m a bike-rider and not a cyclist, I’m chillin.  I’m not out fighting a headwind or pedaling faster than I want to.  And I’m so okay with that.

I’m enjoying a chill morning at the cafe that’s connected to Mellow Johnny’s.  Dave left at 8:30 so if he’s doing 20mph or so, he should be back pretty soon.  (He just Twittered that he fell but he’s okay.)  I am drinking a Pellegrino and enjoying free wireless and non-boiling temperatures.  It’s cool and breezy, surprisingly.

This bike shop is cool.  It’s ginormous (for starters) and the fact that it has a little cafe that’s part of it that serves healthy foods is awesome.  I’m enjoying seeing all the people riding up on their bikes, getting a coffee/smoothie and leaving again on their bikes.  Nice.

And this Rapha company has really cool products.  For . . . men.  I was excited to come to a store in Austin where I could buy commuting riding gear.  Like breathable, stretchable shorts with pockets for iPods, keys, granola bars.  Right now I’m riding to work in either padded biking shorts (not cute) or my cropped yoga pants (cool, but I also want to wear them to yoga).  I’m not as worried about shirts. Anyway, I got here and . . . nothing.  All spandexy bike clothes.  I was surprised that I could walk through this entire store and not find something I could not live without.

Dave wasn’t so lucky. It’s pricey, but when he called it the Lululemon of cycling gear, I couldn’t argue.  I have 2 pairs of Lululemon yoga pants that are 3 years old and they fit like new.  Quality costs money.  And when he got here this morning I know he was tallying up the dollar signs of all the other riders’ gear: $3,000 custom bike, $220 shoes, $980 wheels, etc.

But who CARES?  Dave looked GOOD.  Black shorts with white seams, black jersey with white sleeve stripe and pink zipper detail, black/silver shoes, white helmet.  Who cares if you’re riding a Seven bike when ALL your bike clothes have ConocoPhillips plastered all over it?  My husband actually looked good in bike gear and that’s no easy task.  (Especially when very few companies make awesome gear for your gender!)

Okay, he just twittered that he jumped in the lake to cool off.  Too bad I love my job so much- I’d love to live here!  The first riders just got back, Dave will probably be here soon.  I’m sure I’ll keep you updated on my search for well-designed commuting bike gear for chicas!

UPDATE: Those riders that got back were SO not part of Dave’s group.  The first guys from that group just got back now at 1.  Boy howdy, I’m glad I didn’t go.