Is wearing Lycra a bit gay...?

arup ...For me, when I am in a restaurant or cinema or whatever where lycra could look a bit odd, I just think to myself, "I've come out as a cyclist."...

I think you have hit the nail on the head. That is prob where the difference in attitude lies. Unless I am on a ride as in say this Southend ride (dam I hope I can get to that but I doute it) I tend just to be out at a pub / restaurant / whereever and just happend to cycle there rather than a cylist that has gone to the pub /restaurant / wherever..