Comments on: Commuting 101: How to stay fresh and clean at work

By: Dave in Wisconsin

Dave in Wisconsin — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 21:15:59 +0000

I would amend the list by inserting item; PRE 1.) Install fenders on your bike.

Great list and tips. Thanks everyone.

By: Juan

Juan — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:08:00 +0000

I have an 18 mile, one way commute with no shower, so I keep my pace very moderate on the way in. Colorado is pretty chilly in the mornings, even on days when it hits 90, and I’ve found if I leave early enough, it’s a very comfortable ride. Sometimes leaving just 30 minutes ahead of schedule can keep me cool for the entire ride in.

Also, no backpacks….once you go Rack, you never go Back!

By: Cafiend

Cafiend — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:27:22 +0000

Long commute, so I ride in cycling clothes. I keep “The Trousers of the Week” and shop shoes at work. Bring clean shirt and undies every day. Being grody isn’t too much of an issue for a greasy grunt, but I do have to go out on the sales floor from time to time.

I keep spare pit stop, a wash cloth and towel on scene in case I need to clean up better for special events. Not needed so much now that my wife has a studio with a shower.

Try Seabreeze! I loved the feel of it on a freshly shaved leg when I was racing. Not for the private parts! But then rubbing alcohol isn’t, either.

By: johnnypebs

johnnypebs — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:05:46 +0000

I have to second showering before you leave. I have a 30 mile one way commute, so I drive half way and ride the rest. We don’t have shower facilities, so I use a home made version of Rocket Shower I found on one of my cycling forums. It’s just 1 part rubbing alcohol and 1 part mineral spirits. The originator of the “recipe” also suggests a few drops of essential oil for fragrance if you wish, but I’ve found that CVS Pharmacy has scented rubbing alcohol. I use the citrus scent and it works out just fine. It’s not overpowering and leaves you with just a ‘clean’ smell. After I mix it together, I put it into one of those refillable, olive oil pump sprayers that you can get in the grocery store or a housewares store.

Once I get to the office, I head to the restroom. By the time I’ve locked up my bike and made my way into the building, I’ve pretty much cooled down. In the restroom, I splash some water on my face and wet my hair just a little to get the sweat off, spray on the alcohol/mineral spirits mixture and wipe it off with a towel. Works like a charm.

As for clothes, I bring them with me in my backpack and have found that rolling, rather than folding, helps minimize wrinkles.

By: Shay

Shay — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:39:23 +0000

During the spring and fall, I ride in my work pants/slacks and a workout-type tshirt or layers. In the summer, I wear workout pants and a tshirt. I pack a pannier with whatever work clothing I’m not wearing as well as deodorant, body splash, and a light facial tinted moisturizer that serves as makeup (hiding my flushed cheeks). That’s pretty good so far – but I haven’t commuted through our July/August yet.

By: Girl Jen

Girl Jen — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:15:21 +0000

Baby wipes + deodorant + body spray = clean, happy Jen!

Depending on the weather and what I’d like to wear at work, I either ride in wearing my work clothes, or pack my work clothes in my panniers.

Ouch, Lesley! I’m glad you’re okay and had some extra clothes…I really should bring an extra outfit just for occasions like that.

By: Jim

Jim — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:13:11 +0000

Another tip if you where suits or clothes that need to be Dry Cleaned is to find a dry cleaner that picks up and delivers to your work place there is a small increase in cost but with the difference in gas prices it is well worth it. Your clothes always look nice.

By: Lesley

Lesley — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:49:03 +0000

Ooochie. As someone who just took a tumble today and ruined the knees of her pants, let me inject a question of “what if you wreck” to the folks who ride in with their work clothes and have no full backup at the office.

(Happily, while i DO ride to work in my work clothes, i’m paranoid and have a full week’s worth of clothes here, too)

By: Aidan

Aidan — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 02:27:11 +0000

Shave or clip your pits and your bits, regardless of your gender. A bit porn-star, but it works.

By: William Boyd

William Boyd — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:46:04 +0000

I second the suggestion of rubbing alcohol.
Use it as you change into your work cloths.
It evaporates quick, leaving you dry, and kills the bacteria that can cause odors.
I use a mix of about 4/5 alcohol and top it off with a little nice aftershave.
Very refreshing and feels great!

A second suggestion: wear a light short sleeve merino wool jersey. It does not stink like that polyester micro-fiber stuff. It is cool, not warm. It wicks great. Even in the late hot humid summers of North Carolina I can wear one for days at a time without an odor.