Prepping for this morning’s 32-mile ride around Puyallup, Orting and Sumner I dropped by REI yesterday to buy a pair of riding tights. I’ve let myself get pretty out of shape this spring, wimping out on riding opportunities because of the cold weather. I figured a pair of riding tights would help fix the problem.

Well, according to the clerk at REI – a guy that rides his bike to work – bike tights are out of season.

I laughed and he smiled, because we both know the current conditions definitely require cold weather clothing.

So instead, he gave me a tip. Wear a pair of polypro long underwear over your bike shorts.

As dorky as this sounded, I tried it this morning and it worked well. Not only did I stay warm but I probably saved $100.

The big test, however, would be my riding buddies. For a bunch of guys who prance around in spandex they’re not above playing fashion police. No fashion faux pas go unnoticed.

It was our first ride together since last year’s STP – minus Kenny Espinoza who reportedly is modeling in Paris - and when we met up I was surprised their wasn’t a single “Capt. Underpants” reference.

While Scott Wagar and Russ Meyers tend to be as well dressed as Lance Armstong, I figured Rick Beitelsbacher, the biggest mouth in the group, wouldn’t let it slide considering he bought his Turf King cycling gloves in the Fred Meyer gardening center.

Wrong.

When the guys figure it out they let me have it.

But that’s OK. If it saves me $100 I can take whatever they dish out.