For most cyclists, riding their bike is more than a hobby. It’s a way of life. The bike can represent many things to many people — endorphins, fitness, identity, freedom, fresh air, therapy, a social network. What happens when, for one reason or another, this is removed from their lives, indefinitely? We spoke with three hardcore cyclists — Levi Leipheimer, Georgia Gould, and Kenny Jones — who are all currently adapting to life off the bike.

Following her mother’s motto of ‘be tough but still be a lady’, pro cyclist Breanne Nalder won’t leave the house until she’s properly put together, even if she’s going out for a training ride. So much so that she has permanent eyeliner tattoed on her. Her teammate Jen Luebcke meanwhile matches her earrings to her kit, Mandy Heintz likes to have her nails done for special races while Clare Rose goes au natural, letting her legs do all the talking. As a female pro athlete, does it matter what you look like?

Ella Editor Anne-Marije Rook talked to five riders from the Visit Dallas DNA Pro Cycling team about the importance and pressures of appearance in women’s cycling.