tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37888568.post3114497545928632358..comments2023-12-10T07:53:40.265-06:00Comments on KC Bike Commuting: Tricks of the trade: So Fresh and So CleanNoahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15271155305943176738noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37888568.post-49780953460409420212007-08-08T17:20:00.000-05:002007-08-08T17:20:00.000-05:00Wipes also come in small packs that are closeable/...Wipes also come in small packs that are closeable/resealable. They might not be in the same section as the larger bulk packs, and they cost more over all, of course, but the convenience is great. Sometimes they might be in a pharmacy section, or in a different part of a kids section from the regular baby wipes/diapers.Frogmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17409465076208251449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37888568.post-17411696394659555402007-08-06T21:31:00.000-05:002007-08-06T21:31:00.000-05:00There is always a way to shower. Take this couple ...There is always a way to shower. Take this couple <BR/><A HREF="http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/pic/?o=QzzM&pic_id=205679&v=41&size=large" REL="nofollow">This couple</A>riding their bikes from Beijing to Parisamidnightriderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13961440167635690163noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37888568.post-84643892510139514632007-08-06T13:59:00.000-05:002007-08-06T13:59:00.000-05:00Yes, showering as close to the start of your commu...Yes, showering as close to the start of your commute as possible is also a must. <BR/><BR/>I also avoid antiperspirant-style deodorant sticks like the plague. I have heard good things about the <A HREF="http://www.thecrystal.com/index.cfm" REL="nofollow">Crystal deodorant</A> that uses minerals and salts to kill off odor-causing bacteria. I haven't found it or tried it yet.<BR/><BR/>Sweat has no smell. Bacteria thrive on it and make the bad smell. Stopping the sweat isn't always possible, so any edge you can get on keeping bacteria at bay is a good thing.Noahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15271155305943176738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37888568.post-44782649163247807122007-08-06T13:47:00.000-05:002007-08-06T13:47:00.000-05:00I, too, work for a small company without shower fa...I, too, work for a small company without shower facilities. The method you describe is exactly what I do. For me it was a carryover from thousands of miles of backpacking. That's how I cleaned up on the trail when a shower was 10-14 days away. But I don't use "baby wipes". I use the travel size wet wipes you can buy with all the minature travel toilitries at Target. I use a bandana instead of a small towel. AND....I always shower just before leaving for work. You have to start clean with as little odor causing bacteria on your body as possible.Doughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09090802854306112252noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37888568.post-67661753598199426902007-08-06T13:43:00.000-05:002007-08-06T13:43:00.000-05:00Thanks for bringing that up! All are very valid p...Thanks for bringing that up! All are very valid points. No one could ride my commute without sweating, though. Not with wool. Not with taking it easy. <BR/><BR/>I definitely leave my work shoes at work. I also have a spare "everything" in case I forget something like pants. I only dip into the clothes I keep locked up at work if I forget something or in case something happens like my work clothes get soiled, wet, or somehow stolen. <BR/><BR/>I agree with all of your points, but sometimes you just can't help but sweat, and it's no cause for alarm. You can always wipe down or sink shower at work :) <BR/><BR/>The <A HREF="http://kc-bike.blogspot.com/2007/07/happiness-is-fan-and-sun-ray-1.html" REL="nofollow">little fan on my desk</A> is a life saver! Amen!Noahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15271155305943176738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37888568.post-20290172906154089082007-08-06T13:32:00.000-05:002007-08-06T13:32:00.000-05:00Here's how I handle the sweat issue: I shower and...Here's how I handle the sweat issue: I shower and put on deodorant before I leave home (yes, before my ride). <BR/><BR/>Take it easy on your ride to work, that'll cause you to sweat less. <BR/><BR/>If you can find a wool t-shirt for your ride, wear that. Yes, wool - it won't make you itchy and make you super-warm, but it will wick your sweat away without creating the odor that cotton products do. It's just a natural property of wool to do that. <BR/><BR/>Bring a change of clothes with you in a pannier or something like that. Leave a pair of work shoes at your job and wear some shoes while cycling that are well-ventilated. I just wear a pair of Teva sandals to ride, they work great and keep my feet cool. Then change shoes when you get to work, putting on the ones you keep there. <BR/><BR/>Have some deodorant waiting for you at work, too... put some more on while you're changing into your work clothes. <BR/><BR/>Hang up whatever shirt you wore to ride, and let it dry out as much as possible. <BR/><BR/>Get a small desk fan and when you're at your desk, checking the morning email and such, turn it on and cool down. <BR/><BR/>Get a cool drink - water or whatever - while you're in front of the fan. You should be rehydrating after your ride anyway!Jamiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05040231681301411948noreply@blogger.com