lcurley08

I am going to do some light touring with my boyfriend in a week in California (San Francisco to San Diego). For all the women out there who have done any touring, is there anything you think I need to take or know or do before I start this trip. Also, I am taking 3 pairs of bike shorts to cycle through, is there a good one to clean them after each ride?
Thanks!!

Machka 

I usually bring two pair of shorts. Each pair lasts me anywhere from 3-5 days without washing. When I arrive at a laundromat, I change into a bathing suit and sarong, or something like that, and toss everything else into the wash.

Be sure to bring a sarong and babywipes.

Here's my website describing some of my tours, etc.
https://www.machka.net/

And here's my packing list:
https://www.machka.net/packinglist.htm

valygrl

I take two pairs of shorts and wash one every night in the sink, dry on the bike next day lashed to the rear rack.

There's nothing especially female you need to know, have fun, it's a great tour!

nancy sv

I usually carry three pairs of shorts because we've spent a lot of time touring in the desert and there have been days when I didn't have access to water in order to wash out my shorts. I try to wash them each evening or morning and then strap on top of the load on my rear rack to dry while riding.

Wet Ones are great for those evenings when you don't have access to water.

If you are leaving the USA, be sure to stock up on tampons - they aren't available everywhere! (ask me how I know that?!?!)

Other than that, just go out there and have fun!

(edited to add: I've found the easiest way to wash my shorts is to simply take them in the shower with me and wash them with either shampoo or bath soap.)

Crys

I take 2 pairs of shorts. Depending on where I am, my first preference is to wash them in the shower, next is washing them in the sink...third is washing them as soon as I can get to water for washing. hehehe I always just wash them with hand soap. I hang them to dry, and off the bike the next day if needed. Have a blast!

jonsey02

Hi, a little of topic from washing shorts, but my wife and I are planning a big tour next summer, i was wondering if any female specific touring bikes are available or even necessary. My wife is a newbie tourer like myself and we're taking tentative steps into choosing bikes.

Is there a heap of female specific equipment we should be thinking about?

Thanks

Tom

Machka 

Nope. None of my touring equipment is female specific ... unless you count my clothing, and not even all of that is female specific.

When your wife goes out looking for a bicycle, she should look for one that fits her. It may end up being a female specific bicycle, but it may not.