I've been cycling an average of 3,000 miles annually for the past seven years, rides ranging between 15-100 miles; 15-20 mile short training rides, 30-40 mile longer training, and most event rides from 50-60 miles.

I have had occasional trouble with chafing, but it seems to be worse this year than most; I have also had a few more rides in the metric century range than in previous years, and it has seemed a little more humid for more days than normal.

A century ride a couple of weeks ago resulted in some pretty painful rash from chafing towards the end, which finally prompted me to try out Chamois Butt-r. After a week of lighter rides using the product, I rode the local BikeMS: 100 miles day one, then 80 on day two. The discomfort was pretty apparent during the second half of the century ride, and was pretty unbearable for all of day two, and I still have some scabbing from the rash five days later.

To be blunt, but with euphemistic wording, I am fairly hirsute down there, and have never endeavored to shave that close to the plumbing... I am wondering if being hairy is exacerbating the problem, and how close other men shave to try and make their skin-chamois interface more comfortable?