IbikezLA

I ride to school everyday and I only go 7 miles each way so I usually try to hustle there on my road bike. Now that it's summer I find myself drenched in sweat from this mini workout.

Well, today I got to school 5 minutes before class started and I walked into class soaked and smelly (I think my shirt smelled pretty bad too because I grabbed the first thing I saw and rushed out of the house). Now I don't think any of the girls in the class want anything to do with me Should I bring a spare shirt and towel, or just get to school earlier so I have time to cool off?

At least my professor will let me keep my bike in the class. No worries of theft now She's hot too

tjspiel

Ideally you'd get there early enough to use the shower facilities. If not someone once posted a do it yourself concoction for freshening up that included witch hazel among other things. Yes, bring another shirt, pair of shorts, etc.

Plenty of people very successfully ride in their work/school attire but hot weather and mechanical problems (had to change a tire today) are good reasons to bring a change of clothes.

politicalgeek

You can always stash some baby wipes and a fresh shirt in your bag. All you need is that 5 minutes to wipe down with the wipes, splash some water on your face and comb your hair.

joshandlauri

I don't want to get to work stinkin either so commuting in to work I take my time, only coming home do I push it. But the baby wipe thing does work real good combined w/splashing water on the face.

politicalgeek

When I had my office job my usual course of action was to shower and shave the night before, ride to work and give myself enough time, cool down for about 10-15 minutes and then change. I don't know if I ever really needed baby wipes, usually fresh deodorant and a quick face wash did the trick.

To the OP, don't worry about the impression you make on the women in class. You'll find one that loves how you look straight off the bike. That one will be the keeper.

IbikezLA

I like the way you think.
I think just for comfort I'll take a small towel and deodorant. Maybe I'll ride in a wife beater and switch to light shirt. I would take a comb if I knew how to comb my hair nicely.

jagged

Shower in the morning, within an hour or two before you ride. That will take care of the smell. Sweat doesn't smell in itself; the smell is caused by bacteria on your skin, reacting to the sweat. When you get to your destination, you just need to towel off the sweat, and you're good.

Johan13

if you are super sweaty id take another shirt. Personally, im not a huge sweater so I just throw on some deodorant and Im good. If those girs don't like ya cause you bike and stink once in a while, your not missing much imo. They will probably just be fat and useless by the time they hit 40=P

Dzrtrat

I think the getting there early, cooling off, and changing the shirt is the way to go. But I would also like to add...If the ladies see the bike and can't put it all together as to why your hot and sweaty, are the same ones who are learning to get a veterinarian because they don't eat meat kind girls.

IbikezLA

I'm gonna take in my bike tomorrow, I didn't know I could today. Maybe I'll go in a kit to complement my [somewhat]race worthy bike. My guads and glutes will astonish them

Spanky-G-Master

How about slowing down? It's a commute not a race, save the training rides for after school and take the scenic route. No need to worry about the funk and you get a workout.

IbikezLA

no, and there aren't any scenic routes to get to my school unless I want to make my commute an hour or more.

Matt1972

Try this stuff- it smells like chocolate:

https://www.axedarktemptation.com/home.asp

Nichole

Haha, the succinct "no" sans explanation made me laugh. Right on, speedracer .

I always have a change of clothes in my backpack with me for the heat and the rain. I think I might sweat more than most girls, though, I thankfully never have issues with BO. And politicalgeek is right, any girl who can't handle a little bit of sweat isn't worth your time. Sweaty cyclist guy > squeaky clean lazy buttcake. Always.

IbikezLA

I was just set to certain mentality, when I was on a crew team in high school, to push my hardest. That has since carried over to anything physical I do. I may not be that fast, because I only got into cycling and back into cardio work in December, but I'm quick and I'd like to only get faster.

clarinetcola

I usually get to college 15 minutes early just to calm myself down, maybe less in winter.

Fremdchen

Heck yes, wear a kit and show off those legs/behind. Homophobic dudes might sometimes make comments... but who's trying to net one of those anyway? Girls love to look, believe me.

ryanwood

that's just your manly musk, let the ladies take it in and appreciate it.

Thats what I do, but then again I am studying engineering so we don't have many ladies in our classes

tjspiel

I have been in my job for 10 years now. My predecessor used to run to work and had a collection of shirts he kept in the office to change into. It's been 10 years and stories of his BO are still told.

This is not a reference to the OP in particular but just a reminder to everyone. You may not be as fresh as you think. Changing clothes may not be enough. Should it matter? Maybe not. Does it? Yes.

shouldberiding

Don't ride in the same clothes you'll be wearing that day. Bring a change of clothes with you. This gives you the luxury of spraying yourself down with water to cool down on that last mile of the ride. Take it easy that last mile.

When you get there, wipe yourself off with a damp rag and change. Deoderant isn't a bad idea. Showering every morning you ride in is important.

hubcap

I have bike commuted for years without shower facilities where I have worked. In my experience, the number one thing you can do to prevent BO is what has already been mentioned here and is always mentioned in these kinds of threads: take a shower immediately before your commute. Riding in clean clothes is the #2 best preventative action.

BTW - I don't prescribe to the "take it easy on your way in to work" mentality. I ride hard whenever I want and rarely take it easy.

capejohn

A hot professor and your walking in all sweaty from a workout.

I can really see you pulling an A for this course.

jtgotsjets

What does this even mean?

RogerB

In summer I smell bad by the end of the day whether I ride or drive. Nevertheless, I appreciate your comment. I'm more concerned about the stash of sweaty riding clothes "hanging out" under my cubicle. I've been thinking of bringing in some Febreeze or some such to clear the air.

RogerB

Got sentence?