CLEANING UP AFTER SWEATY COMMUTE?

Paul:

I enjoyed your essay on bike commuting, something that I've done since high school. Unfortunately, my firm is moving to a new location in the spring and we will no longer have a shower facility. Do you have any suggestions for clean-up after a sweaty commute?

Andrew

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Hello Andrew:

Thanks for visiting my site and for your message. There are several strategies for cleaning up after a bike commute:

1) Minimize need for clean-up; i.e. ride at a slower, sub-perspiration, pace. At least on the ride in to work. Hammer home.

2) Find a gym or spa near your office with affordable shower facilities. Clean up there.

3) Use some moist towelettes to perform a men's room clean-up. A scented or anti-bacterial towelette (Cottonelle, Wet Ones, HandKleen, etc.) can often suffice. Or keep a wash cloth at work for a men's room damp sponging clean-up.

I'm interested in other suggestions. A little experimentation should give you some ideas.

My best advice would be to minimize the sweat on the ride in, and cool down prior to cleaning up. There are some more suggestions (and empathy) on BikeForums.net. Another great resource is Dave Glowacz' book, Urban Bikers' Tricks & Tips.

Happy bicycling!

Paul