Commuting in Philadelphia
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Commuting in Philadelphia
I work in center city and am in the process of moving to South Philly. Would rather commute by bike than take the subway. Only problem is my office doesn't have a shower and the dress code requires business attire (slacks/shirt). I looked into using showers at the local gyms, but they all charge around $45-65 just for shower use. I'm not interested in using the rest of their facilities, so seems a bit much to pay only for the showers. Does anyone know of other options for showers? Are there bike friendly offices around Market and 17th who are open to others using their showers? Thanks in advance!
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
I work in center city and am in the process of moving to South Philly. Would rather commute by bike than take the subway. Only problem is my office doesn't have a shower and the dress code requires business attire (slacks/shirt). I looked into using showers at the local gyms, but they all charge around $45-65 just for shower use. I'm not interested in using the rest of their facilities, so seems a bit much to pay only for the showers. Does anyone know of other options for showers? Are there bike friendly offices around Market and 17th who are open to others using their showers? Thanks in advance!
How important is cycle commuting to you. if that's the only alternative? [Disclaimer: I have a near perfect facility, with showers, inside parking, food and coffee on site, and other benefits including a nearby bike shop
#3
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hi Jim,
That's the cost I was given to use showers at the gym during the month. One gym said I had to pay the full membership price ($65) and another said they would bring the cost down to $45. I used by cycle commute all the time when I lived in New York. It's a great way to get some exercise, take a break from staring at the computer, and just be outside instead of stuck on the subway. The other alternative is taking the subway each way. I would prefer biking.
I read online that there were initially plans to build a similar facility in Philly with inside parking, showers, etc. Never happened.
That's the cost I was given to use showers at the gym during the month. One gym said I had to pay the full membership price ($65) and another said they would bring the cost down to $45. I used by cycle commute all the time when I lived in New York. It's a great way to get some exercise, take a break from staring at the computer, and just be outside instead of stuck on the subway. The other alternative is taking the subway each way. I would prefer biking.
I read online that there were initially plans to build a similar facility in Philly with inside parking, showers, etc. Never happened.
#4
contiuniously variable
Not knowing your exact origin or destination i cant help you with route planning. I can however say that a shower in the evening plus a quick rinse in AM at home plus proper antiperspirant deodorant and a change of undergarments would probably be the most practical solution. In addition, you could look at slowing down, picking gears to minimize exertion, things to prevent you from getting soaked sweaty in the first place. Riding clothing choices are another weapon you have. For example, other day it was 53 outside... i put on regular twill cargo shorts, a tshirt, then a hooded zi up sweatjacket for my arms, and a vest with collar for wind barrier especially for my neck. I was riding all over town with maybe a lil sweat on my forehead where my helmet sits.
Good luck!
- Andy
Good luck!
- Andy
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
Hi Jim,
...I used by cycle commute all the time when I lived in New York. It's a great way to get some exercise, take a break from staring at the computer, and just be outside instead of stuck on the subway. The other alternative is taking the subway each way. I would prefer biking....
...I used by cycle commute all the time when I lived in New York. It's a great way to get some exercise, take a break from staring at the computer, and just be outside instead of stuck on the subway. The other alternative is taking the subway each way. I would prefer biking....
Not knowing your exact origin or destination i cant help you with route planning. I can however say that a shower in the evening plus a quick rinse in AM at home plus proper antiperspirant deodorant and a change of undergarments would probably be the most practical solution. In addition, you could look at slowing down, picking gears to minimize exertion, things to prevent you from getting soaked sweaty in the first place. Riding clothing choices are another weapon you have. For example, other day it was 53 outside... i put on regular twill cargo shorts, a tshirt, then a hooded zi up sweatjacket for my arms, and a vest with collar for wind barrier especially for my neck. I was riding all over town with maybe a lil sweat on my forehead where my helmet sits.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Posts: 6,489
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
2 Posts
I don't know of any cycling friendly offices in that area, but you might want to see if you can negotiate the price down just a bit. At $18.00 for a ten pack of subway tokens and what could be 40 trips (2 per day for 20 work days/month), you're looking at $72/month for the subway. So, you'd still be saving money at the price quoted by the local gyms, and you'd avoid the summer sensory delight of human urine at most subway stations. My only other suggestion is to do what I do. Get to work a bit early. Allow yourself to cool down, then do a quick wipe down with unscented baby wipes and then change into the clothes you need to wear for work. I know that given the steamy nature of summer in Philly, wearing your required dress while riding in is probably not a good option.
__________________
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Lancaster, PA, USA
Posts: 1,851
Bikes: 2012 Trek Allant, 2016 Bianchi Volpe Disc
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I don't have showers either. Here's what I do during the hot Summer months:
1. Shower in the morning. Put on lightweight clothing (gym shorts and sweat-wicking running shirt (C9 gear at Target is good and cheap).
2. Ride to work, taking it a bit easy on the hotter days. Usually it's under 80 in the mornings, so I'm not sweating heavily.
3. Once at work, cool down at the desk for 10-15 minutes, drinking lots of water.
4. Once cooled down, change in the men's room. Toweling off and an unscented wipe for the nether regions does wonders.
I haven't had complaints yet.
On the ride home, I sweat up a storm and shower when I get home.
1. Shower in the morning. Put on lightweight clothing (gym shorts and sweat-wicking running shirt (C9 gear at Target is good and cheap).
2. Ride to work, taking it a bit easy on the hotter days. Usually it's under 80 in the mornings, so I'm not sweating heavily.
3. Once at work, cool down at the desk for 10-15 minutes, drinking lots of water.
4. Once cooled down, change in the men's room. Toweling off and an unscented wipe for the nether regions does wonders.
I haven't had complaints yet.
On the ride home, I sweat up a storm and shower when I get home.
#8
Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 37
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
All the above are good points for getting by without a shower.
Another big tip is to put on CLEAN bikes clothes. Especially in the short department. Bike shorts get pretty funky, pretty fast.
Another big tip is to put on CLEAN bikes clothes. Especially in the short department. Bike shorts get pretty funky, pretty fast.
#9
♋ ☮♂ ☭ ☯
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: 40205 'ViLLeBiLLie
Posts: 7,902
Bikes: Sngl Spd's, 70's- 80's vintage, D-tube Folder
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I carry wintergreen alcohol in my bike bag. And - a fresh shirt. When I get to work, I wipe off a lot of stuff with a damp towel and wintergreen alcohol, put on the fresh shirt.
5 minutes, feel fresh all day
5 minutes, feel fresh all day