Blaze444

So my doc told me today that I needed to use protective clothing because I have somega skin cancer - non melanoma - issues and live in Florida...

Any advice for jerseys, shorts, etc.???

roadandmountain

I don't have any recommendation for clothing. In fact, I could use some suggestions myself. I have freckling on my back and shoulders from many rides at high noon years ago. This is with standard cycling jerseys of various colors.

I would recommend the application of sunscreen at least 30 SPF 15 minutes before a ride. Wear wraparound sunglasses. Try riding after 4 PM. Consider re-applying sunscreen after 2 hours if you are mid ride.

koolerb

I never thought about it much before, but I just read an article about a racer who religiously used sunscreen every ride and ended up getting skin cancer on her back where her jersey covers her skin. The article pointed out that a lot of jersey's don't offer protection from the UV rays. I just started shopping for a new jersey and was surprised how many don't have a UPF rating listed. All the jerseys I looked at, I'd guess only 20% listed a UPF rating. I always just assumed I was protected where ever my skin was covered.

roadandmountain

Thanks for posting koolerb. My experience has been that a standard jersey is insufficient. I wear a second layer (light jacket or poly pullover) now when I ride. Not the most breathable combination, but I do what I have to, to protect my skin.

JBHoren

I wear long-sleeved, high-visibility jerseys from Ergodyne (bought online, from emisupply.com). They're lightweight, very breathable fabric, and I cut-off the cotton cuffs for better air flow. On-road riding down here in South Florida, with no problems. $11.35 per, plus very reasonable S/H (from NC).

Shimagnolo

Nashbar Ray UPF Jersey - Long Sleeve Jerseys

De Soto Leg Coolers

JanMM

Arm coolers cut down UV exposure plus cool better than bare skin or most long sleeved shirts/jerseys.

Trying to figure out what 'somega' skin cancer might be. This RN is not familiar with that and neither is Google.

koolerb

roadandmountain had a good point about riding after 4. The only time I ride mid-day is when I have too, group ride, or a race. The rest of the time I ride late afternoon. And to even take it step further, if you plan your route along wooded roads you can stay in the shade most of the ride.

texbiker

Sorry to hear about your skin cancer. I had a squamous cell cancer removed. I would suggest you look at Dr. Mirkin's website. Dr. Gabe Mirkin on Health, Fitness and Nutrition.. He is about 75 and rides a tandem with his wife everyday in Florida. He has some recommendations for sun protection. Search his website.

Dave Cutter

Years ago I was having back problems. After a series of x-rays and exam.... a doctor sat down with me and explained that my problem couldn't be fixed. But... I might be able to get some relief with an exercise program. He mentioned that the local recreation center had a "hot water arthritic pool" that might be helpful.... as water sports were non-impact.

When I got home... my wife asked what the doctor had said. I told her the doctor suggested water sports... and although the doctor didn't come right out and say it.... he implied that we should buy a boat.

Skin cancer is pretty common stuff... as is old men on bicycles.... and old men in Florida. I am thinking that it might be possible to put together a group of "nightriders". Avoid the sun and it's dangers altogether and have a good time doing it. Maybe even branch-out with a little "night-golf" .

MN Bike Tourer

I have been using sun protection clothing for a couple of years when I 8 to 10 hours a day on tour. Here's my combo:
Leggings: 2XU compression leg sleeves (SPF 50, come in white or black) You know compression is go if banned from competitive bike racing.
Shorts: most black bike riding shorts are SPF 50
Shirt: If local riding I use Under Armour heat gear long sleeve, with a cycling vest over it (for the rear pockets & visibility) Heat gear is SPF 50 and wicks moisture away. You can get in several versions including a light compression.
For trips I prefer Columbia Bug Shield Shirt, long sleeve with a UPF-30 rating. Really helpful on trails where bugs seem to lurk - keeps them off face and upper body - works really really well!
Under helmet hat: Headsweats - protects the scalp & removes moisture.
Face: Baby sun screen with titanium and zinc oxides - minerals that block UV, rather than chemicals which absorb UV and react on your face!

Altair 4

Aerotech Designs markets this jersey for sun protection:

Mens Long Sleeve Coolmax Jersey

I'm thinking of getting one, but I'm pretty tall with long arms and I'm not sure the sleeve length would work for me.

Northwestrider

In addition to long sleeved shirts, I use a bandana that is opened so that it covers my ears and back of the neck.

Little Darwin

Neither does this cancer registrar in training... but I will be cracking the books tonight to see.

cafzali

Bicycling magazine has a useful article on all this in its July issue. Basically, the point of it was to make sure cyclists were aware of the various kinds of protection they need to take to ward off skin cancer, even in regard to areas that are covered by shorts, shirt, etc.

fietsbob

Cowboy ... White cotton shirt , Hat with a broad Brim. , Knicker shorts (lower legs usually less exposed )

Camilo

Just as a specific detail on sun protection - back of the neck.

I use little wicking beanies with sweat bands mostly for sweat control, very minimal. I also have a couple of larger headsweats "do-rag" type, with the little dangling bit in the back.

I wonder if anyone makes such an item, but with a larger, broader dangling bit in the back to keep sun off the neck? My Headsweats little dangling bit is too small to offer much protection.

Any pointers on this? I'd buy a few if I could find them. They have to be super thin, UV protection and with enough in the back to protect the entire neck between the helmet and the jersey collar.

fietsbob

ACA used to sell a helmet cover for the sun with a cape over the neck .

Camilo

Wonder why they made it to go over the helmet instead of a skull cap type thing with a neck cape? I can't see any advantage, and lots of disadvantages (like sweat control /wicking.)

fietsbob

You are welcome to wonder why.. IDK ,they may have some left..


outsider guess easier to sew, and market? seems A brim on front is somewhat obsolete if you wear
a baseball cap too..

Northwestrider

I just sit my bandana ( basically a piece of cloth ) on top of my head, and underneath my helmet, it hangs well over the back of my neck and covers my ears. I prefer this to sun screen. So far it seems to work well.

linnefaulk

I just saw this ad for dabrim pop-up on another page.

BlazingPedals

Possibly "some" skin cancer?

Camilo

Interesting. I wonder how it would work riding a road bike at speed? I think I'd still like a simple, minimal skullcap type of thing with a lightweight neck cape in the back.

[edit]. I just got off my lazy cyber butt and did a few web searches myself. Within a minute or two I found the type of thing I've been imagining: https://store.haloheadband.com/Halo-S...Tail-p/sol.htm

https://www.pacesportswear.com/179910.aspx

bconneraz

I was first diagnosed with melanoma back in 2004; I had it removed from my leg with no issues. (above knee in an area always covered by shorts) Over the course of the past several years, I've had more than my share of biopsies every 6 months, and several less severe cancers removed; mostly from my temples and one on my cheek. Two weeks ago, I got the call post skin-check that I again had a melanoma. This time, it's on my jaw line; the area that is covered by my helmet strap. My consult is tomorrow morning. My advice to those of you who don't take precautions? Start wearing sunscreen and protective clothing. Being told that you have cancer sucks, and don't kid yourself into thinking that it can't or won't kill you if it goes undetected or untreated.
Also, schedule an appointment at a Dermotologist. It's pain free and really easy; it doesn't take long, and it could save your life. Your family and friends will appreciate it.