A question on etiquette (I do seem to obsess over that word)...

[Dec66]

I was poring through the "Free Stuff" forum a moment ago, partly because I'm a tightwad and partly out of curiosity as to the sort of stuff people would give away (I was rather surprised by people's generosity, I have to say).

One item listed was a Brixton Cycles jersey, long sleeved. The Brixton lads and lasses pass my house on their way out to their weekend rides, and they look like a fine bunch, resplendent in their rather cool kit. I think I'd look pretty damn good in one.

But that got me to thinking... Is there an etiquette to wearing a club jersey if you're not a member of that club? Is that considered bad form? Or is it not really important, so long as you're not making a dick of yourself and dragging the club's name into disrepute?

I've not done this myself, but a warning to any Penge CC members: don't leave your kit on on the washing line too long, I REALLY like yours

 

[alecstilleyedye]

bad form...

 

[Citius]

Is that considered bad form?

If it's a club jersey, then it's bad form. A lot of clubs have a buy-back policy for unwanted kit, or for when members leave. On the other hand, if the jerseys are freely available for anyone to purchase in the shop, then it's fine.

 

[fossyant]

Bad form here too. I used to see a few folk in our clubs jerseys I didn't know, and considering I was Club Secretary and we were a small club was poor form....

 

[ianrauk]

I wouldn't

 

[Bollo]

+1 bad form.

I'm probably even more of a kit National Socialist than that, because I don't much care for people wearing replica maillot jaune, maglia rosa or world champion rainbows.

 

[midlife]

Not Cricket, well certainly in the 70's......pro team jerseys were OK but world championship stripes were a bit iffy !

Shaun

 

[Dec66]

+1 bad form.

I'm probably even more of a kit National Socialist than that, because I don't much care for people wearing replica maillot jaune, maglia rosa or world champion rainbows.

* hides retro Molteni cap in profile pic *

You're in good company there, Bernard Hinault hates seeing fatties wearing KOM jerseys.

Not sure where I stand on that one, but I do think sales of replica football shirts should be banned for anyone over 14.

I alluded above that I get a lot of club riders riding past my house at weekends (most of the South London ones, pretty much), but I have particular affection for the pair of lads on matching Triban 500SE's with matching KOM jerseys, they look so sweet

 

[bpsmith]

+1 bad form.

I'm probably even more of a kit National Socialist than that, because I don't much care for people wearing replica maillot jaune, maglia rosa or world champion rainbows.

Does the Maglia Nera count too or is that ok in the circumstances of what it means?

 

[Dogtrousers]

Bernard Hinault hates seeing fatties wearing KOM jerseys.

I've have a hankering for one of those La Vie Claire Mondrian design jerseys, because I think they're cool. But I'd be scared that the Badger would get me if I wore one.

 

[Dec66]

I've have a hankering for one of those La Vie Claire Mondrian design jerseys, because I think they're cool. But I'd be scared that the Badger would get me if I wore one.

I have a similar hankering for a black Molteni number, but I'm scared that Eddy Merckx may duff me up.

Perhaps I can find a nice retro team jersey where the former riders of the team are all mud-plugging around the Elysian Fields. Knowing my luck, though, they'd probably come back and haunt me.

 

[HertzvanRental]

I've have a hankering for one of those La Vie Claire Mondrian design jerseys, because I think they're cool. But I'd be scared that the Badger would get me if I wore one.

I think thats different. You are talking about a team jersey against one that is earned.
(I am a tads biased as I have a La Vie Claire jersey and think it's ultra cool!!)

 

[vickster]

Why not join the club or clubs, ride with them, then you can wear the jersey

 

[Bollo]

I've have a hankering for one of those La Vie Claire Mondrian design jerseys, because I think they're cool. But I'd be scared that the Badger would get me if I wore one.

I'd consider being decked by le blaireau as an honour.

Does the Maglia Nera count too or is that ok in the circumstances of what it means?

Ok, but only if your bike is full shimano.

 

[Dec66]

Why not join the club or clubs, ride with them, then you can wear the jersey

That's a very good question. Shall I answer it? Yes, I think I shall.

The reference to Penge jerseys above is obviously tongue in cheek, but if I were to join a club, it'd be them; I used to live in that neck of the woods, I like their laid-back, family-friendly ethos, Winnie @ SE20 Cycles is a great mechanic and a lovely fella, and of course I love their kit.

The reason I didn't join them, or anyone else, is because three and a half years ago we had a child who, it turns out, has a rare genetic condition called Sotos Syndrome. She's a lovely kid, and we love her to bits, but by Christ she's hard work for Mrs. 66 (full-time carer) through the week, so at weekends I take over the reins and do my bit. This precludes me getting out on club rides as that would take up the best part of the morning and afternoon on Sat and Sun, thus depriving my other half of any respite.

I do go out on a Saturday morning (early) and get a couple of hours in, but I'd like to be in a friendly club, it'd be fun. Seeing all the clubs go past my house at the weekends is a bit like that bit in "Erin Brokovitch" where her biker boyfriend sees all his biker mates going out for a ride without him, while he's stuck minding her kids while she's pursuing the corporate monsters.

Things may pick up a bit when our littlest is in school full-time and Mrs. 66 gets a bit more time to herself, but right now it's out of the question, unfortunately for me.

OK, you can all put the violins back now