I don't see how anyone can really feel they have the right to oppose you guys. We all really do have to do what makes us feel comfortable but safety should never be left out of the equation. We all need our helmets, sunglasses and if you are wise - gloves. After that is done though wear what you are comfy in. I can't disagree with those who would choose to wear makeup. My kids tell me I look scary when I'm riding. Possibly because I ride so fast I scare the heck out of the neighbors, possibly because I look very serious. Of course, once I have all my gear on there isn't much face left to see. I used to enjoy the anonymity of it but people now know who I am.Capt. Jack said:A-ha, we have a purist here. Cycling is about the movement of the legs on a machine and nothing else? I disagree.
I disagree with your opinion that a discussion of make-up does not belong on this forum. Are we not all cyclists? Are we not all women? Aren't we a little bit different from men? Why are we not supposed to talk about it?
I would say to the original poster, wear what you feel comfortable with, and wear what agrees with your skin the most when doing physical activity. I like the fact that you posted the make-up question.
Personally, I don't like to go out in public where I'll be seen by lots of people without at least a little bit of lipstick on and perhaps a dash of eyeshadow. So why would I go out riding without the same thing on? I'm not trying to catch a date when I ride. I ride to ride. And I ride to represent my sport--to hopefully get other women interested in my sport.
Riding is my main hobby. It is what I love. When I take riding breaks, I chat with people. I'll talk with anybody who wants to talk about biking, especially downhill mountain biking. I am an ambassador of my sport. I wouldn't feel as comfortable if I went out biking if I didn't go out dressed as me... if I was pale, if I didn't cover up some of my blemishes a tiny bit, and so forth. If riding is "my thing" why wouldn't I want to go out riding looking like my usual self? Does that make me shallow? Am I shallow for wanting to look my best when I am doing the very thing I enjoy the most?
Ride on ladies!