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This summer I've got a place on the French Divide so will be riding every day for a fortnight. On the last couple of 2 week cycle tours I've done, I've had a shower at the end of each day, washed my shorts and put a dry, clean pair on each day as the washed ones dry. As a result I've managed to avoid saddle sores.
On the divide this year through, I wont have the luxury of a shower each day, nor will I be able to wash my shorts each day. With that in mind, what's the best way to avoid any issues doon below?
Ta
Stand up all day.
setiously though, there’s no substitute for cleanliness, you could maybe get by with baby wipes for a day or two, but if you’re not wearing fresh shorts every day it’s gonna get unpleasant, and not just for anyone downwind of you either.
make plans, can you carry shorts and mail em home when worn?
you just have to do what you can
keep your undercarriage clean as much as you can (use public washrooms) and if you have the luxury of a second pair of shorts wash one pair wherever possible and dry on the bike as you wear the other and alternate
if you're stopped for any length of time take your cycling shorts off and turn them inside out to let them (and your bits) breathe a bit
if you use chamois cream decant some into a carriable pot and maybe do the same with some Sudocrem in case things get nasty down there
Definately take at least two pair of shorts, alternating each day. Chamois cream may help although I can never bring myself to try it. Do you apply it to youself or the shorts?
have to say I always suffer terribly with long multi day rides despite using clean shorts etc. On reflection I think I really need to give the cream a go.
Wet wipes and chamois cream, if it’s gonna be warm then go for something more solid like happy bottom bum butter
Having done a month trip with Tom in 2016 and 2017 with only one pair of shorts (each).
Baby wipes. Chamois cream with tea tree oil or other anti bacterial. Sudocreme for the evening if any tenderness.
Certainly didn't shower everyday, more like once a week.
The longest I've done is 5 days - last year on the HT550. The first day was really hot and humid and amongst other problems I got really sore in the saddle area, no actual saddle sores but very tender. I'd a pair of Assos shorts and I think the pad was too thick and caused me to sweat more. Swapped to my spare pair and wore that one pair for the rest of the ride. I didn't wash the shorts.
Carried wet wipes for cleaning myself and dried everything off with a towel and applied talcum powder every night and morning. Always removed shorts at the end of each day's ride to let things air.
I didn't use any chamois cream - if your saddle area is moist from sweat then adding more fluid doesn't seem the best way to deal with anything. Getting your arse used to multi-day riding is going to be just as effective.
Worth checking out the TDR threads on bikepacking.net, the French Divide is based on that event after all.
Edit: Whatever you end up using it's worth doing a multiday trip beforehand to ensure it works.
Did a ten day trip last year in Mongolia where it was usually pretty hot, riding from about 8-4 each day. I used anti-bacterial chamois cream at the start of the day and had a good babywiping and sudocremimg when we stopped for the day. I got two consecutive days' wear out of a pair of shorts no probs.
Had four (I think) pairs of shorts, and was able to wash them every so often. They dry pretty quick, especially if you give them a good wringing out and stick them in the sun/breeze and if necessary they can go in your sleeping bag with you.
@scruff9252 - My wife and I are doing the FD, what number are you on the list?
Buy two pairs of really expensive lycra shorts, like Assos. I shelled out for two pairs in I think 2006 for a 24 hour solo. They are still my everyday shorts!
Now, I've not done this kind of tour, but for arse cream you might try investing in some kind of refillable tube or pouch for it. You can get them as travel accessories in some places or maybe one of the ones they do for DIY baby food. I put it on my arse for all day rides, rather than the shorts. It's not really lubricant, but it seems to keep everything fresh and healthy.
I'd be considering taking two pairs of shorts, and some thing to change into as soon as I stop for the night to keep my balls aired out. Maybe just silk boxers would do - after all you're not going down the pub are you? I'd also bring some sort of biodegradeable soap to give them a quick wash in whatever stream I come across.
But like I say I've not done this kind of ride before so perhaps listen to those who have. I'd also consider some clotrimazole anti-fungal cream decanted into a smaller tube.
Friend of mine who used to do a lot swears by two pairs of shorts and washing them and your undercarriage whenever you get a chance. He apparently got some sort of serious infection down there after doing a big ride with one pair of shorts. Even with one he reckons you'd be uncomfortable in just-washed shorts but it's better than the alternative.
I'm doing a 5-day ride in summer but have hotel stops at night so will wash the riding kit and put on a pair of normal shorts to eat dinner so the others can dry.
Pussy bloody crotch spots? Nice!
It was a long long time ago, but I did a 2 week ride with just one pair of shorts with nylon mesh liner. Washing was rinsing them in whatever river was handy.
The secret was Vaseline. Slathered liberally between the cheeks and along the crease lines where legs meet body. Shit doesn't stick to vaseline, neither does sweat.
You have to get used to feeling like you have shat yourself for the initial hour or so.
Defo 2 pairs of shorts, surely the weight and bulk of the extra pair is negligible? Wash that day’s pair in the evening when you wash yourself, dry them out the next day on the bike. Even if you can’t, they’ll dry on you in an hour 😕! I used Savlon on lejog etc and had no problems, good balance of slippery and anti-bug. I’ve found with chammy creams I tend to get big angry arse zits, for want of a better term!
Something to change into once you've stopped riding is well worth it. I need to do this even on two day rides. You do get into a regime: stop, dry/air yourself, deal with any damage, change; deal with shorts.
Echo the above really, two pairs of quality shorts, i really like Sportful Total Comfort bibs. I have found Assos mintyarselard the best for me, not too greasy and pleasant to use, using a saddle where you are supported well but sitting purely as you should be on the "sit bones" so there is little friction. I then carry a really thin light pair of cotton shorts and change into those when stopped and allow some air to circulate having washed at least with wet-wipes.
Whatever you do, don't shave any hair down there, a friend who shall remain nameless, thought that the less hair, the less there will be friction and heat, then 3-4 follicles became infected and he had to hover over the saddle for last 2 days of trip making some very strange sounds....
Ditch the padded shorts for multi-day rides. Many issues are caused by the damp, warm pad, not prevented by it. Get the right saddle and some thin sport boxers that fit well, some loosr shorts to stay cooler, better ventilated and comfier. A dab of cream can still help. Padded shorts were never designed for a week plus of use.