jschristian44

Hi guys
Ever since I started riding bicycle about 10-15 miles a day, for the past 2 weeks, I noticed more red spots on my legs than ever. I just started this regime, because I want to get back into shape and lose a few pounds. I am 5'11" and about 178 pounds. I am about average for my height, but I would like to fit back into my 32 shorts/pants rather than my 34 waist. Anyways, the red marks seem like pimples. I think they developed because of my hair being so sweaty from riding bicycle. Anyways, since then I have shaved my legs for the first time. The difference is pretty amazing while riding. But now you can see the red marks more than ever and clearly. They look like big pimples and a few cuts on my legs from I don't know what. Anyways, what should I do? Also, do you guys who ride take a day off from riding? I want to do that, but I get so bored that I just go out and ride and I fear that if I skip a day, then my muscles will get sore all over again. I am getting used to climbing hills, today I climbed like a 45 degree hill for like 10 minutes. It was a challenge, but I made it over without stopping. On the way down, it seemed longer than it took to go up which is amazing.

Creakyknees

1) No idea.
2) Sure, sometimes. You need rest so you can ride harder and improve.
3) The enter key. Use it.

kstephens

You should have just waxed.

Creatre

Sounds like you shave? It's called razor burn or ingrown hairs!

Make sure to take recovery days, that is the time your body adjusts and recovers. At a minimum one day completely off a week, and a couple easier rides to alternate between harder rides for the rest of the week.

urbanknight

+1 I got razor rash or razor burn so bad, I stopped shaving because the cost outweighed the "potential" benefits for me.

shopgirl

Could be razor burn, but if you had it even before you shaved it might be folliculitis. It's just inflamed hair follicles. Shaving can make it worse. There's not much you can do to treat it other than try to reduce friction- using different shaving cream and fresh razors, or stop shaving altogether and wear looser clothes. You can get antibiotics for it too if it doesn't go away or seems to get worse.

Mansram01

Sounds like razor burn...

UK, it's hard to believe that it got so bad that you had to stop altogether. Perhaps some cream/lotion would have helped?

Machka 

It's always hilarious when guys shave for the first time and don't have a clue how to do it. Ask your mom ... she'll give you some pointers.


It's OK to take 1-2 days off each week. That'll give your muscles a chance to grow.


No you didn't. Don't exaggerate like that.

BentLink

I've had a reaction to pollen after shaving. Really! Trees blossomed and my usual respiratory mucus got going and the eyes itched, but my legs got all red and irritated. Didn't do this where they were covered by socks or shorts. Maybe drop some Benadryl and see if it helps.

mashtofu

Did nobody read the OP? He says the red bumps came about before he ever shaved.

Maybe it was just from sweat, like you originally thought.. If so then I think you should invest in some cycling shorts, or some kind of ahletic pant, especially since you're riding daily. Shorts can be spendy but you can get a pair without the chamois for pretty cheap online. If shaving has exascerbated the problem then you should probably stop til it clears up. Next time use a better shaving cream/gel. Also, rest is just as important for your muscles as exercise. Try to take just one day off per week.

StanSeven

.

You don't get red marks from your hair being sweaty. It might be exercised induced reaction though. If it concerns you, have a doctor check it out.

As far as days off, take at least one a week. Doing 10-15 miles a day eventy day won't help you improve after you get to a certain point. Alternate fast/easy or long/short. You can switch a day off for an easy or short day.

Ratzinger

Pics or it didn't happen

Machka 

If it was hot (he left out that bit of information), then it's probably heat rash. He also didn't tell us if he used sunscreen or not ... or where these red bumps are ....

jschristian44

i am pretty sure it was just from heat rash, that sounds about right. i just thought it was pimples because i got one on my forehead when i started as well. when i sweat, the stress and sweat make pimples all over my body. its annoying. i do use sunscreen, the new water skin neutrogena 30 proof. this is the best sunscreen i ever used. when you get all sweaty, there is no more lotion sweating with you, it totally sticks to your skin. the clear spray was an improvement for that over the lotion, but even that stuff can leave some sunscreen sweating with you. this stuff is awesome, it leaves nothing. only problem now i have is my hands are as white as can be and my arms are pretty tan. because i wear gloves. i cant do without my gloves, they help so much. i am thinking about getting a 72 oz. waterbak camelbak pack. they are only 30 dollars and thats like 5 water bottles in a backpack, plus the 2 i have on my frame. i made it to a hill i wanted to climb, but i had to turn around because i was already on my second bottle and out of money. with the backpack, i can make it much further.

jschristian44

oh the marks were on my legs, 2 on the bottom half on left, and 1 on bottom right, as well as one on my forehead. they are slowly diminishing though.

JPH3

eippo1

OP, if you would like people to read your posts, please use proper sentence structure and paragraphs. Every time I click on one of your threads, I close it immediately because it's just a vomit of text. Proper syntax exists for a reason and nobody will take the time to read anything you have to say if you don't use it.

As for the bumps, go see a doctor in case it's any sort of thing that might require antibiotics.

RUOkie

PLEASE look at your keyboard. There is a button on each side labled "Shift". Learn to use it.

jschristian44

The red bumps were from razor burn. My hair has really grown a lot since this post and they are almost gone now.

ahsposo 

That's nice.

Velo Gator

new material

DropDeadFred

the difference was AMAZING? really? elaborate...

ahsposo 

But what we are all hanging on by our fingernails wanting to know is...

Are you ready for it?

Who cares?

tagaproject6

Jens is weeping!

Shimagnolo

Miliaria, aka "Heat Rash": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miliaria

I got it once when I was wearing heavy tights in the morning up in the mtns, then descended rapidly down to where the temps were 80+. It went away on its own over several days.