I get 'good-natured' abuse everytime I put my cycling gear on at work.

I can't work out what they find funniest.

Sub-editor Melanie says she is dazzled by the light from my milk-bottle coloured legs.

Reporter Neil Docking loves the contrast between my professional looking yellow top and my 'Harold Steptoe' fingerless gloves.

My trainers have been said to be the worst in the world.

My helmet has got a few laughs.

And the baggy shorts...I just started threatening to get lycra ones if they don't give it a rest.

Basically, I enjoy cycling and don't care what I look like.

But twice recently I think I may have pushed it too far.

A couple of days ago I was halfway into town when I realised I hadn't rolled my black worksocks down.

So there I was riding with shorts and socks almost up to my knees.

I risked life and limb to roll them down while trucks went past at 40mph.

And earlier tonight, I cyled to the launch of the Warrington property review at Lingley Mere business park.

It's a big deal.

The council's chief executive and deputy leader were there. There were about 40 businessmen, landowners, and public sector bigwigs, in suits and smart dresses.

Canapes and champagne were being dolled out and deals being struck in huddles around the room.

And there I was, drinking champagne in my shorts, not doubt sweaty, and wearing my black "thermal cycling top" - in reality, the top half of some Marks and Spencer pyjamas.

Quite who everyone thought I was, I have no idea. I half exepcted someone to call security.

But I had an ally - it turned out Dr Kartsen Kressell, head of the council's economic development unit, is a cyclist too.

And if it's enough for someone with a brain the size of Mercury, it's good enough for me.

He was wearing a bow tie though...:(