What's the deal on Smooth Legs?

So, What’s up with, "the whole shaving the legs thing with cyclists". This question comes up often when I am speaking with Newbies and old hands a like. Some have embraced the idea and others haven’t. A year or so ago I was on an airplane reading my copy of VeloNews. The guy next to me starting talking with me about bikes and the question came up, "Why do cyclists shave their legs?". Without much thought I gave him the pat answers of:

I could see that the guy wasn’t really buying this stuff. Then I mentioned that it’s part of the culture. Bingo, Culture. It really shows those that have embraced the culture and are not afraid of doing something that is different than what "John/Jane Q public" considers to be normal.

I remember when I first decided to take the razor to my legs. I must admit that I thought about it for a day or so and then took the plunge! First I took the hair clippers which reduced the "Forest" to mere stubble and then, out with the shaving cream and razor. Yes! I must admit that I cut myself a few times but in about ½ hour I was a "new man".

When I showed up at the "Corporate Center" for the "Developmental" Training Group I felt cool. Riding the bike for the 1st time was like the 1st time I had really felt the wind on my legs. I really did feel cooler!

When the group noticed me sporting my "New Legs" and finding out it was my 1st time, it was time for the Ceremony. This is where it was announced by a young female cyclist, "We have a Virgin!" , "We have a Virgin". Everyone gathered around me. Karen, said, "Do you mind?" and I said "no". Then she and a few other young ladies came over to rub my legs! (The Ceremony) J . There were comments on the smoothness etc.

After that moment, even though I wasn’t a great rider I could feel being better accepted from my peers. True enough. I must admit even now, when I size up a cyclist, I check the legs. If they are clean then I now know he has embraced the culture.

So, you probably wonder, "What do you say to all of those "John/Jane" Q public when they ask and make all of the usually silly comments. I tell then it’s part of the cycling culture, one of which I am proud and not ashamed. Besides, What do I care what other people think of me, If they judge me unfairly because of my culture, then that’s their problem and I figure someday (probably not) they will begin to under stand culture and what being part of one is all about.