In the realm of cool mountain biking, lycra is an obvious faux-pas. The plasticky, skin tight garments are the unmistakable sign of a road biker, someone more interested in endless asphalt pedaling, cautiously avoiding anything mildly approaching gnar, and flabbergasted by stuff that would only raise a bored yawn from a proper mountain biker.
You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to realize these are blatant stereotypes. The thirteen Dutch mountain bikers that came here in September 2024 for a Bucegi Circuit tour proved exactly that. Yes, they wore lycra, and yes, they were more used to pedal on dirt roads and easy trails. They were also very open minded about experiencing more demanding trails, more intensive climbs, more technical descents. Pushing and carrying the bikes when needed, taking in various tweaks and tricks, and listening to advice about adjusting the position on the bike to suit trail riding.
Last but not least, revelling in the majestic beauty of the mountains while spending time with good old friends. At the end of the day, after a hot shower, we all wore the same jeans and t-shirt unforms in front of a warm meal and a bottle of cold beer.
I believe that deep down, underneath many layers of baggy shorts, limbs protectors and pyjama-style outfits, in spirit or in flesh, every true mountain biker proudly wears some kind of lycra.
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