A Message From The Byronic Cat

Guess what I saw today. Just guess. I'm out riding along and a guy goes by, heading in the other direction, and he's wearing the polka-dot jersey. Not a polka dot jersey, but the polka dot jersey. I mean white with big red dots.

For those of you not up on the jerseys of the Tour de France, the Polka Dot Jersey is worn by the "King of the Mountains." It's an award for the rider whose over all time to get to the peak of each mountain stage was less than everyone else. Wearing one is like saying "I'm the fastest gun in the west." A person making such proclamations has to know that, sooner or later, someone is going to try and test their skills.

Now, I'm pretty laid back. This is Portland, it's the order of the day. We all have our style and that's great. I wear Bergamo (hope you read Italian, the English side of their site doesn't work yet.) I think it's the best thing to happen to cycle wear. I know some folks will never wear 'spandex'. No problem. They'll save a lot of money. I expect they will sweat like a hog, as street clothing doesn't breath, but they'll be a hog with a positive cash flow. And I know those same people won't wear a helmet. I won't tell them what to do, it's their head. Go with God. But boy howdy, the Polka Dot Jersey is different, it is a bravado that must be answered.

I sure hope I find one of these guys riding the west hills or on the way up to Timberline. Hills and mountains teach a good lesson. I'll be watching to see how they do.