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Commuting Advice Please

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  • September 29, 2015 at 8:39 pm #24870
    jova54

    Hi,

    I cycle to work 1 week in 4 but I’d like to cycle more often. It’s only a couple of miles or so but by the end I have a bit of a sweat on, even in t-shirt and shorts. Problem is, even though I work in a NHS Trust, work does do not have enough lockers or decent showers so I end up having a ‘wash’ and getting changed in the staff loo and hope for the best.

    Does anyone have any suggestions of personal cleansing products that can be used where showers aren’t abundant? I have about 30 minutes between arriving and starting my shift.

    Thanks

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  • January 8, 2016 at 11:09 pm #860989
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    matthewn5

    Ride to work slow enough not

    Ride to work slow enough not to get stinky, ride home fast.

    January 2, 2016 at 10:48 am #860987
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    Simontuck

    Technical clothing to wick

    Technical clothing to wick away sweat. Regular bathing, washing kit every day in anti Bac detergent. Cleaning ‘saddle area’ with anti bac skin wipes or aloe vera wipes seems to help keep sores at bay

    December 23, 2015 at 2:43 pm #860985
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    Carton
    Kadenz wrote:
    Its not just a question of not smelling, its also avoiding skin infections from not washing sweaty parts of the body.

    Eh. As long as you shower and change your clothes once a day you should be fine.

    December 23, 2015 at 12:42 pm #860983
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    Kadenz

    Its not just a question of

    Its not just a question of not smelling, its also avoiding skin infections from not washing sweaty parts of the body.

     

     

    October 13, 2015 at 9:55 am #860981
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    Matt eaton

    Maybe I’m taking the OP too
    Maybe I’m taking the OP too literally but if the journey is only a couple of miles and you are arriving with 30 minutes to spare the simplest option would be to leave the bike at home and walk.

    That said, there might be more time pressure on the return journey, making the bike a better option. If this is the case just walk with the bike or pootle extra slow on the way in and then blast on the way home.

    October 12, 2015 at 9:56 am #860979
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    bertisfantastic

    go to security – get them to
    go to security – get them to activate your swipe for the theatre changing rooms. there should be showers in there. no lockers as they are usually for theatre staff only but there is always a ready supply of nhs sandpaper towels in recovery.

    doi – nhs anaesthetist

    October 12, 2015 at 9:48 am #860977
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    bertisfantastic

    go to security – get them to
    go to security – get them to activate your swipe for the theatre changing rooms. there should be showers in there. no lockers as they are usually for theatre staff only but there is always a ready supply of ohs sandpaper towels in recovery.

    doi – nhs anaesthetist

    October 10, 2015 at 5:34 am #860975
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    gazza_d

    I work in an NHS org, and
    I work in an NHS org, and also don’t have access to a shower.

    My commute is 16 & a bit miles. I keep trousers and shoes at work along with spare socks & carry a shirt & keks in a bag.
    I wear loose shorts and loose fit jerseys. I try to go for “active” type material as I found cotton just got way too wet. I also tend to dress so I start off a bit cold,especially now and warm up into the ride.
    If possible I allow a 10-15 minutes to “cool down” and acclimatise to the building climate.
    I then wipe down with unscented baby wipes (Aldi or Lidl) and then use deodorant.

    For a couple of miles, just a change of clothing material type and slowing down should do, unless the ride to work is up a categorised climb

    October 9, 2015 at 3:47 pm #860973
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    adamtaylor

    Here’s the tricks that work
    Here’s the tricks that work for me for commuting with no shower:

    * Have a shower before you leave
    * Apply deodorant
    * Dress in technical cycling clothes (top half at least), err on the cold side
    * Try to avoid wearing a bag
    * Cycle as fast or slow as you like
    * Get to work and wait 10 – 30 minutes for the body to cool-down
    * Change into work top/clothes

    If you wash yourself and your clothes frequently, you won’t smell, any sweat will wick away and you will cool-down within not too long of arriving at work.

    October 9, 2015 at 2:58 pm #860971
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    Bikebikebike

    No showers at my work, so I
    No showers at my work, so I ride really slowly into work, and cycle faster back. Using panniers or a rack bag is a must, as a rucksack gets your back and oxters all sweaty. When it’s colder stopping when you’ve warmed up to take a layer or two off also helps. I also make sure I’ve got good gloves, hat and neck gaiter so that I can have less on my torso and not have cold bits. Using these tactics I don’t need to have a wash, but I guess everyone’s different.

    October 9, 2015 at 6:27 am #860969
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    CXR94Di2

    I cycle a couple of miles to
    I cycle a couple of miles to our local convenience store. I can cycle it gently without having raised breathing and don’t break sweat. Then I gun it back, puffing and blowing and arrive beading in sweat. Reduce your effort. I prefer to do the latter, no benefit unless you sweat

    October 8, 2015 at 6:20 pm #860967
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    Big Engine

    As most posters say, wear the
    As most posters say, wear the least possible amount of technical (i.e. cycling) clothing, and try not to go like a bat out of hell.

    My commute is also very short (3.2 miles) and I am prone to excessive sweating. Since being at my current workplace for a few years I’ve learnt some good practices to stay cool:

    Cycle at a steady pace; wear few clothes; arm warmers are good as they can be rolled down while cycling; have some paper towelling to wipe your face upon stopping; disrobe as soon as possible upon dismounting; try and get clean and changed next to an open window or a fan; ensure you wash and dry your face, and maybe your armpits; and Radio 3 or 4 helps first thing đŸ™‚

    p.s. your journey’s only half an hour’s brisk walk, or a quicker run; then save your rubber for the weekend

    October 8, 2015 at 11:14 am #860965
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    Anonymous

    Danger Dicko wrote:
    I’d love

    Danger Dicko wrote:

    I’d love to have a shower at work but my boss is anti-cycling so I don’t think it’ll happen soon.

    Think I’ve found your solution: you need a new boss.

    October 7, 2015 at 7:49 pm #860963
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    dunnoh

    After many years of commuting
    After many years of commuting I recommend the Rapha Pro Team Base layer – it wicks away sweat and doesn’t get wet. When it gets to about 5 degrees I swear by the Helly Hanson Lifa Dry long sleeve Base Layers. I also don’t have showers at work but I find washing your base layers and proper cycling gear in Halo washing liquid stops you honking – its antibacterial.

    October 7, 2015 at 1:47 pm #860961
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    Danger Dicko

    I sweat a bit when I’ve
    I sweat a bit when I’ve finished my commute.
    It’s 2 miles to the train station and my record is 7:02.

    That’s probably why I sweat.

    When I get to work I use Muc-Off Dry Shower and then my regular roll-on deo.
    I’d love to have a shower at work but my boss is anti-cycling so I don’t think it’ll happen soon.

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