Kudos to Used

I've been a proponent of vintage/second-hand/Salvation Army/St. Vincent/Value Village shopping for swim/bike/run apparel, and this week was over the top.

At my local Value Village store (second hand clothing/housewares store whose proceeds, I believe, go towards diabetes and kindey research/treatment) I procurred the following:

1. New, with tags, Zoot sleeveless tri top in flaming yellow, full zip with rear flank pockets

2. Like new, Desoto men's cycling short with natural chamois (no skidmarks, thank you)

3. Zoot 8" inseam tri short, excellent, like new condition

4. Four technical running t-shirts, including Nike Drifit, New Balace, Asics, all like new

5. Fila mesh technical marathon hat with integrated terry sweatband (from Toronto marathon...so what?)

6. Nike mesh technical hat (from 30k race...so what?)

I spent a total of $37.50 on all of this, when the retail price would exceed $400-$500

I also saw several pairs of bike shorts, cycling jerseys (I almost bought a jersy that felt and looked great except it had "Certified Spinning Instructor on it) tri shorts and technical singlets/tshirts in other sizes.

I have no problem laundering this stuff in hot water with alternative bleaches/oxycleaner and wearing them cheaply proudly.

I'm all for keepin' the boys on their own turf, but man, dollar for dollar, gimme someone else's junk trunk and I'll put the savings into race wheels!