... titanium frames can be naked and aluminium frames can merely be anodised. In any case nothing would persuade me to ride my bike without shorts and shoes - not because of modesty but comfort :)

It did amuse me that many of the riders wore helmets - when I started cycling experienced riders cautioned me always to wear at least 2 layers (an undervest and a jersey) because, in case of a fall, the two layers slid against one another and minimised road rash. No-one wore a helmet, even for racing, except on the track and then just the leather 'hair-nets'.

Somehow all the photos on the Guardian website managed to avoid showing any really dirty bits :) That was a triumph in itself, I thought.

Hats off to Steph (cyclist) if she really did ride totally unclothed. Perhaps she'll tell us how far? Perhaps we should demand a photo as proof LOL

Robi