Agreed. When I travel I wear mens boxers - the jersey variety.

I thought I would report back since I now have some first hand experience.

On Thursday DBF and I rode ~500 miles to North Georgia, stopping for the night before continuing on to North Carolina to the HU meeting. On Sunday we rode 615 miles back to Orlando.

I wore the Nike dryfit *boys* boxers. They are made of polyester and lycra and were incredibly comfortable. I like the boys (I can't wear mens b/c I am small and mens are too big) because the legs are longer...the girls "boy shorts" are too short and it seems like they would ride up. But two big thumbs up for the Nike boys boxers....$15 at Sports Authority. No monkey butt, bunching, wedgies, chafing, etc. Oh, and they wash and dry beautifully overnight.

Hiya
Just back from a wee 3 week trip and before we went Aldi had in cycling underwear - lycra, breathable, quick drying and with an extra bit padding for comfy bums so got a few pairs (boxer style) for Iain and the ladies ones came in boxer style or ordinarly pant style. I would have liked a couple pairs of boxer style but by time I got there only 1 pair left so had to get pant style aswell. The boxer style were by far the more comfy although in hind site the extra padding was not ideal for the hot weather we had but having used these would definately go for this style (with no padding though which also means more seams).

Debz

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What I want to know about is shampoo. If I don't shampoo every third day all of me feels dirty, unless I'm in a dusty area and then the oil is absorbed. Or if I go for a long, long time. Shampooing sometimes involves more water than you can afford to use. Any ideas????

Lorraine[/quote]

As you say when it's dusty the oil is absorbed - in the UK we have a national treasure called Lee Stafford - a hairdresser who has given us dry shampoo - it is basically a variation on talcum powder, so either get his range (available in Boots), or use ordinary baby powder and (be careful not to overdo it) rub in gently on the scalp until it disappears - it will absorb any oil that is present.

My hubby went nuts last year when I had long-ish hair (it's now fashionably pixie short - I wouldn't have it any other way!!) and wanted to buy Lee Stafford's stuff for our 10 day European roam, he was right - as it turns out I didn't use it but it is there for the future...btw my big bike test is on 3 July - wish me luck!!! (I already have my baby sat in the garage waiting for me...)

Ride safely and to quote my fab riding instructor "live long, die oblong"!

How funny, I JUST now decided to do some web research. Here's what I found to be really useful, but haven't tried it yet:

If you have greasy hair and need a quick fix on a day when you're not washing your hair, try applying a tiny bit of cornstarch to your scalp and combing through to the ends. Remember, greasy hair does not mean dirty hair, it probably doesn't need to be washed!

Also Shampoo Free!

AND:

Baking soda solution and vinegar rinse seems to get styling products out just fine. I've heard of mainstream women's magazines recommending adding a little bit of baking soda to your shampoo to get styling products out.

Any time my hair gets wet (like when I do a scalp massage with plain water, or a full-out "wash" with a baking soda solution), I always make the final rinse a 1:9 vinegar solution and leave it in. This acidic rinse causes the imbrications (the little scales) on the outside of the hair to close tightly, which 1) makes hair shiny, 2) helps hold moisture in the hair's cortex (less fly-away and dry), 3) helps prevent damage, since the imbrications are less likely to catch on each other (or combs, etc) and break off, and 4) leaves the scalp closer to its natural pH than plain water (scalp and hair are naturally slightly acidic).

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.........................

Ive used pant liners for ages when on the bike, even though i dont do extreme adventures.... 'cos after 2 kids and a lack of pelvic floor excersizes... when i've got to go.. ive got to go...

My mate Tiff uses a menstrual sponge when she travels, and finds it really easy to use... she also used a sanitary towel to hold her battery together on the way to Timbuctu a while ago
As a midwife.. i wouild not recommend monkeying about with your hormones unless you've spoken to your GP, as this can cause long term problems with your 'womanhood', as suggested earlier on in this thread, there are alternative and more natural ways of regulating your cycle

Had a poll on my website last year which put the Level 4 Shock Absrober Bra top of the riding list and Sloggi Maxi or Tai knickers were most 'chafe' proof

I go everywhere in mine now ... apart from HU last weekend, because i packed the wrong pile of clothes travel dri provided me with spare socks but spent all weekend in lacy stuff

Just about to embark on a 500mile a day ride lasting 7 days..
i imagine by the end of it, i'll be 'going' anywhere and everywhere
good luck to all you wanderlusters... i'm a jealous woman

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667 the neighbour of the beast

I"m happy to see this thread going strong.
As I have been on the road for 6 weeks now ( and still a long way to go).
Regarding dealing with my periods:
I decided against using depo injections or any form of hormones as it make me go psycho (really!). My cycle is fairly regular now. I don{t use tampons (more probs with that) but anything you need is widely available is Colombia, Ecuador and I would think all around south america. Anywhere hostals will have bathroom so no issue there. Changing during the day can be tricky but always managed to stop on the road and find a discreet spot or toilet.
Panty liners in between periods are life savers and save in laundry. Widely available here as well.
using riding tights on top of my M&S panties works fine regarding bum pain. I also have those M&S invisible (no seam ) knickers, they work fine.
I shower every day for the time being but this may change when we hit Bolivia. I will make sure to carry a pack of baby wipes. They are the best stuff when travelling. We also carry a bottle of liquid soap taht does not need rinsing. Will come handy also in Bolivia when crossing Uyuni and going to San PEdro de Atacama. Could take a couple of weeks if I am slow. And I am afraid I am crap at off roading!

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Maria

www.franglais-riders.com

Going on a bike ride for 8-12 months from February next year through SE Asia, Middle East, Northern Africa and Europe, so thanks, these posts were a great help in dealing with feminine stuff that had a big question mark looming above it as to what I would do...taking up half of a pannier with you know what and shuddering at the thought of the monthly inconvenience in remote areas like Tibet.

Some things I've mentioned here have already been covered, but I thought I'd share anyway:

1. That time of the month

• I have purchased disposable underware that I chuck in my tankbag for problems where I'm not near a city or gas station. You can buy these at any beauty salon, a dozen at a time, for less than $5. Handy if you have an accident. These are in addition to the 7 cotton pairs I have stuff in my saddle bags.
• Using a DivaCup, instead of tampons or pads, will save space.
• WetWipes are available in convenient travel sizes and are extremely useful for lots of different situations.
• Feminine spray is also available in travel sizes if you're camping and don't have time(or is not available) to wash with soap & water.
• You can purchase soap 'flakes' in itty bitty containers - usually 50 flakes(one flake is enough to wash your hair/hands/pits/feet with only a tiny bit of water added).
• If you're camping(or there's no bathroom where you are) there's the mess of what to do with pads and the like when you've used them - lighter and/or matches will solve that.

2. Bathroom duty

• I carry a small(50 sheets) roll of Charmin, which comes in a plastic case to keep it clean and non-damaged, in my tank bag for emergencies. You can also purchase Sanitary Seat covers in travel size for less than desirable places to pee/poo. $.99 at any WallyWorld.
• She-Wee. If you haven't heard of it, google it. Fantastic product made for women so we don't have to squat or take our pants all the way to the knees just to go. Stand up and pee right next to your man.
• Inflatable toilet seats. It's been mentioned to me that many hotels south of the border do not have toilet seats. Bring your own - inflatable means it'll pack very small but provide big comfort.
• Wetwipes as stated above or the feminine type to reduce odor.

3. Chafing & skin protection

• Exoficio makes wonderful mens boxers that are odor resistant and dry out within hours of washing. Chafe free, comfortable and extremely cool in hot weather. They don't bunch or have seams to grind into your skin after hours and hours of being on the bike.
• HoneyDust, by Kama Sutra, works awesome to help keep you dry and keeps your skin comfortable - plus it smells good and is edible so it's a 2 in one product.
• Face cream - find one with a high SPF which will double as sunscreen. Lip moisturizers are especially important!
• A sports bra with no seams will help keep your underarms and shoulders from getting irritated. Nike & Bali both make them. I usually have 2 of these, plus a nice push up bra for special occasions.

4. Washing and the like

• Shampoo. Lush makes shampoo solids. They are small and round, come in a canister to guard against damage, you'll get more than 50 washes with one. About $6 each. I have found these to be absolutely indispensible! Some come with conditioner built in, so no need to carry the extra weight of conditioner.... plus, you can also use this as a wash bar for your body. They are soap free.
• Face cloths will clean your pores and moisturize, too. Coupled with SPF lotion, you're covered.
• Shaving. If you can get used to it, try an epilator. Emjoy makes one that doesn't hurt near what the others do and leaves you free of hair for up to 6 weeks. It also makes hair grow back slower and thinner over time. You can find Emjoys that are battery operated for when you don't have power to draw from. Gillette Venus Breeze disposable razor has lubricating pads so no soap is necessary. These work very, very well with little water. Disposable wax strips work well, too, if you wax.
• Disposable brush wipes(by Oral B) for your teeth are excellent and take up almost zero room. They come impregnated with toothpaste, fit on your finger and have nubbies on them to get all the grit off your teeth.
• Tide makes Sink Packs. Comes in 3's for $.99 and will do a few pairs of 'roos, socks, bra or shirt/pant. I love these things and carry about a dozen.
• Deoderants. Try a 'crystal' or other natural solid. They last an extremely long time and are very small and you won't have to worry about melting.

5. Clothing

• Rayon is a great fabric for traveling. Comes out wrinkled as hell, but after splashing lightly with water, all the wrinkles just fall right out.
• Scented sachet packs are great tossed in the saddle bags. Keeps things freshly scented even if you've worn items a time or 2.
• If you don't already, try wearing thong underwear. They pack ultra small and don't take much to clean and dry.
• I bring dryer sheets(Bounce) in a plastic bag. Not only do they work good as sashets, but also repel ticks/fleas when rubbed on pant legs/socks/shoes. They also get rid of static cling problems by just rubbing them on the clothing/sheets.
• Jelled socks at night will keep your feet soft & supple and help with painful callouses.

6. Miscellaneous

• If you have to wear makeup, use Mineral Powder foundation. Good for the skin, doesn't clog pores or leave a mess in your helmet liner. It also comes with sunscreen. Lots of mineral eye shadow colors that pack small and last a very, very long time.
• Waterproof mascara and lipstick with SPF in it completes your makeup kit.
• Ziploc bags are good for many things. I always keep several handy.
• Hair ties. I used to keep these around my brush handle, but now they are on a 'hook' hanging off the tank bag. These, too, have many uses.
• I repack all my hair/face care products in plastic bottle/tubs. Up and down in elevation can sometimes cause burst contents. It also saves space.

Great thread!

VR

Shampoo

I've made an amazing discovery that works for me, and I hope it works for others. I've been experimenting with shampoo. Years ago I heard Vidal Sassoon on a talk show suggest cutting shampoo 1:1 with water, so this is what I've always done. A month ago I tried 1:5 and then 1:10. Amazingly, the lessor amounts of shampoo to water means your hair needs washing less. I've finding my hair can last four days whereas with straight shampoo I feel two days is the most. This does make sense if you read all the things about oil glands being stimulated with hot water and shampoo although the amount of shampoo being used is probably the same. But it lathers up better when diluted.
Hope this helps others,
Lorraine

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well- this is the kind of thing I wish I had been able to find just before I started off.
I have now been on the road for 4 and a half years. Through some of the most desolate areas possible - where things are tough for all riders.....but I still think worse for the female.
As this discussion shows we have a lot to contend with sometimes!
How have I coped during this time? Not always easily.....I ended up having a coil fitted in order to cope with my firstly erratic and then continuous periods.
Becoming increasingly worn-out..I had to have a solution that was not pill-based as this is not a good longterm solution. This worked for a while - but now no longer. What with fibriods, endeometrisis and age creeping up things are going horribly wrong...my insurance will not cover this as it is emergency only...and until I bleed to death...which I often think Im doing....this is not considered an emergency.
Tests are due and up and coming...at a cost of course.

the hair thing......shave it off. I have for the last 8 years had a number 2 - and love it. Best thing I ever did.

G-strings.....best for me...but we are all different shapes and sizes.

I love the person who invented wet-wipes.

make-up....? whats that?

facial cream - save space - use nivea for everything.
sun cream - mmmm...i just use nivea...yes..i know i know - wrinkles and skin cancer...but I can only carry so much and I'd rather carry my heart medication!!

still got another 4 years to go - hopefully by then I'd have been through the menopause and can forget about 'that' side of things!
Lisa

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Lisa
www.2ridetheworld.com

I can recommend Baptiste Dry Shampoo. (around £2 a can) I have thick waist length hair and a can lasts me around 6-8 "washes". It really works and your hair smells fresh and clean.

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Great thread!
(Full disclosure, I'm a boy and scanned the thread)
One thing my girlfriend does is take her pill continuously for 6 months on end, then stops for a period and continues. This has a few obvious advantages. In Canada, if you tell them this at the pharmacy, they will give you an amount of pills to cover a normal cycle plus what you need to bridge the weeks you'd normally have a period. Solves at least one challenge.

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I just want to update this thread a bit because I see it still comes up around the net. LDComfort does indeed make women's riding shorts and tights that have a gusset. The same dual layer fabric that keeps you dry can be enjoyed by either male or female travelers who insist on the best performance from their garments.

I want you to enjoy every mile.

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Mario
LDComfort.com