New kilt and bicycle

**John Fiske** · 1st August 06, 01:20 PM

Welcome from the Shenandoah Valley of VA

Can't answer the bike question for you, but I'm sure there are some here who can!

**Scottish Chi** · 1st August 06, 02:27 PM

I ride a recumbent trike and that would not work well with a kilt. While seated and going forward the kilt would be over my head in no time. Now on a bicycle (what we refer to as "wedgies") I would think the pleats could catch in your spokes or at the least get greased. Don't think I would risk a nice kilt. Easy enough to put on over your biking shorts once you dismount though.

I'll be riding the MS 150 again this year. Think I'll pack along the kilt for the evening. Thanks for making me think of that.

Cheers! Bill

**kilted in kleaveland** · 1st August 06, 02:41 PM

Welcome from Ohio! I have tried to ride my bike kilted only once. While it is possible I don't advise it. I agree with others, pack it for later.

**Retro Red** · 1st August 06, 03:01 PM

Hey, Ioltag! Welcome from a fellow kilted Zonie!

I really enjoyed the Flagstaff Festival a couple weeks. (I was the guy with the really long bright red hair.) Props to you & the rest of the NACHS! I like the 2 day format; don't have to rush around so much or worry about wanting to see 2 things at the same time. I plan on setting up a booth for Clan Donnachaidh next year.

Anyway, to your question about riding a bicycle while wearing a kilt, I concur with the others - the 2 don't mix well. Just too much material flapping around & getting caught in things, plus it'll put some nasty creases in your kilt. I'd stick with bike shorts & put the kilt on at your destination.

I use this kilt roll to carry my kilt when I'm cycling.

http://kiltstore.net/sr_thbla_kiltroll.html

See ya 'round Flag sometime...

.

**Kiltman** · 1st August 06, 04:36 PM

I don't advise riding a bike in a kilt. It's hard on the kilt and hard on the bike, and, if you get the two messed up with one another, it's hard on the rider.

**way2fractious** · 1st August 06, 05:12 PM

Welcome from the great central valley of California, where the bicycle commuting is great.

In 2002, I took a Sportkilt on a two-week cycling tour across Nevada and southern Utah. (In fact, I think my picture is still on the Sportkilt website.) After a long day in the saddle, the first order of business was *kilt on / shorts off*, before setting up camp, eating, or anything else.

Now I carry a camo kilt on every tour, one-day event ride, and commute to work, but only for use before and after the ride (all my bikes have a rack.) The challenges of contending with the loose fabric - any fabric - are just too great on a moving bicycle.

For commuting, I wear it over the shorts from bike rack to restroom in the morning, and reverse that in the evening. During lunchtime rides, it's a kick to wear it into Wal-Mart. It is essentially a cover-up so I don't get whistled at in the lycra shorts... just kilt comments/questions/stares/guffaws/etc.

Padding is not a true issue except for longer riding times. The real issue is the thin layer of lycra that provides the reduced friction against the saddle. Unless you are wearing the shorts, there is no way to provide that buffer.

I suppose short jaunts around town would be all right. Sitting on the pleats and aprons simultaneously might be one way to do it.

Others have offered the advice that kilts are not suited for certain things, like bungee jumping, working under cars, and the like

. Bicycle riding may well be another activity that calls for bifurcated clothing.

Ride on!

**andyfg** · 1st August 06, 05:52 PM

Welcome from upstate NY. Enjoy.

**kilted in kleaveland** · 1st August 06, 06:20 PM

I know this is about bicycles but here is a simular thread on motorcycles.
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=18452

**Ialtog** · 3rd August 06, 01:01 PM

Thank you so much folks, not only for the kind words of welcome but for the great advice - and the picture. You know, I think I might try it around the block...just once...and see what happens.

And by the way, I am VERY glad to hear you liked our festival, Retro Red. I do indeed remember your hair. A few of the people with me were pretty green with envy over those locks. I'll keep my eyes open for you next year. Again, thanks everyone.

**Riverkilt** · 5th August 06, 04:24 PM

A belated welcome neighbor...just got back into town.

No clue on the bicycle thing, sold all mine when I got old and moved to Page....its ALWAYS uphill and into the wind - whichever direction you ride in Page.

Joined the NACHS a while back...no clue if I'm still current, but I have a pile of their t-shirts.

We're developing a pretty good Arizona contingent.

Ron