Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.InfamousG
08-09-05, 07:03 AM
While going totally car-free is not really an option for me (hey, it's not for everyone) I want to put more miles on my bike than my car. This will extend the life of my car, reduce my gasoline need, and also put me in better physical shape.
My problem is that where I work is 25 miles from my house and a new/closer job isn't feasible. I would love to ride my bicycle to work but the only reason I havn't done so is because of the sweating issue. My work environment is a khacki pants, button-down shirt, office. There is no place for me to shower up after a ride in and I'd rather not make my coworkers deal with the "biker stink" every day.
I know sweat wicking attire helps, but that doesn't do the job for my forearms, legs, and head.
When my girlfriend broke her ankle last summer and was bed-ridden she had stuff called "shower in a bag" to clean herself up. Basically a waterless shower. However, getting a full body clean with that took at least 30 minutes, and I'm not sure how much they cost. If they are more than a few bucks per bag, it's not worth it since part of me cycling in is to save money on gas.
I've calculated it out based on probable gas price fluxuation, excluding bike maintence:
Gas Price: $2.00/gal - $2.50/gal
Cycling 3 days per week, 45 weeks per year
Savings:
1 Month (4wk): $50.09 - $62.61
3 Months (11wk): $137.74 - $172.17
6 Months (23wk): $288.00 - $360.00
Annually (45wk): $563.48 - $704.35
That's some pretty hefty savings! Granted, most of what is saved there will go towards purchasing new gear and maintaining my bike, but I think I'd much rather spend money on something that will help me physically rather than to just be used in an engine.
I know this is long and drawn out but the simple question that's holding me back from doing this:
How can I get clean again after riding in the absence of a shower? (Note, a half-clean + cologne is not an option, office manager is allergic to fragrence so it's not allowed)
My problem is that where I work is 25 miles from my house and a new/closer job isn't feasible. I would love to ride my bicycle to work but the only reason I havn't done so is because of the sweating issue. My work environment is a khacki pants, button-down shirt, office. There is no place for me to shower up after a ride in and I'd rather not make my coworkers deal with the "biker stink" every day.
I know sweat wicking attire helps, but that doesn't do the job for my forearms, legs, and head.
When my girlfriend broke her ankle last summer and was bed-ridden she had stuff called "shower in a bag" to clean herself up. Basically a waterless shower. However, getting a full body clean with that took at least 30 minutes, and I'm not sure how much they cost. If they are more than a few bucks per bag, it's not worth it since part of me cycling in is to save money on gas.
I've calculated it out based on probable gas price fluxuation, excluding bike maintence:
Gas Price: $2.00/gal - $2.50/gal
Cycling 3 days per week, 45 weeks per year
Savings:
1 Month (4wk): $50.09 - $62.61
3 Months (11wk): $137.74 - $172.17
6 Months (23wk): $288.00 - $360.00
Annually (45wk): $563.48 - $704.35
That's some pretty hefty savings! Granted, most of what is saved there will go towards purchasing new gear and maintaining my bike, but I think I'd much rather spend money on something that will help me physically rather than to just be used in an engine.
I know this is long and drawn out but the simple question that's holding me back from doing this:
How can I get clean again after riding in the absence of a shower? (Note, a half-clean + cologne is not an option, office manager is allergic to fragrence so it's not allowed)