The Chainlink

For longer rides, how do you deal with riding in wet shorts and avoiding chafing?

Last weekend I did a long ride in which we got caught in the rain early on. The rain soaked everything, including my riding shorts. Once the rain let up I still had 150 miles to go. After I completed the ride I noticed some severe chafing on my inner thighs and perineum. It is still painful a few days later. I've had similar experiences before with only 30-40 miles to go. I take it got caused by the wet fabric of the biking shorts rubbing against my skin?

 

How do other people deal with that ? I’ve done similar distances before in dry conditions and never had an issue. I wear some mid-range Pearl Izumi roadie shorts.

Views: 1794

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Casey Carnes on June 25, 2013 at 12:56pm

Pearl Izumi makes waterproof shorts.  If theres a lot of rain in the forecast, its a pretty light combination to carry those and rainlegs.

 

Otherwise the packtowel nano is pretty sweet.  Its seriously tiny and weighs almost nothing.  I have resorted to sticking it in my shorts after a jump in the lake, it dried out my chamois quickly, I took it out, and good to go again.

 

Also, Vaseline doesn't come off when it gets wet, but it causes me to break out so I try to avoid it.

Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on June 25, 2013 at 1:33pm

Chamois lube is a good start, there's a variety of choices. I have a tiny bottle that I'll carry with me on long rides or tours.

You can find Bag Balm at any Walgreens or CVS if you're in a similar situation in the future. Works like a charm if you're in a similar situation in the future.

I think you'd get a lot of traction on this question on the Randon Google Group: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/randon

Permalink Reply by Craig S. on June 25, 2013 at 2:04pm

You get what you pay for with regards to bike shorts.  No way would I wear any PI, especially "mid-range" shorts for that distance.  But, there are as many bike shorts as there are opinions so whatever works for you; for me personally it's Sugoi RS shorts that are my favs for any distance.

Also, mandatory liberal application of Enzo's Buttonhole chamois cream would help immensely with your issues.

Good luck.

Permalink Reply by Duppie on June 25, 2013 at 2:25pm

Thanks guys. I used to use chamois cream but somehow got out of the habit and pretty much forgot about it.

Permalink Reply by T.K. 3.5 mi on June 25, 2013 at 2:53pm

On the ride to Madison last weekend we caught some rain as well. I wore Sugio jammers and had no issues. I also brought some Body Glide with me as well. It's probably similar to the other creams people mentioned and shouldn't come off with water/sweat. I haven't had to use it while riding, but have ran hundreds of miles chafe-free with it. 

Permalink Reply by Michael A on June 25, 2013 at 3:32pm

Enzo's is the bomb. Cycling shorts are like everything else in cycling, fit is everything. The fit should be snug enough to not move when you pedal.  I do not use chamois creme on rides shorter then 60 miles but on long slow century rides I keep a pack or two with me

http://www.enzoscyclingproducts.com/chamois-cream/single-use-packet...

Permalink Reply by Duppie on June 25, 2013 at 8:49pm

The inaugural Rail North, from Moline to Chicago. 177 miles. It was well organized. Generally a great route with well stocked rest stops and included complimentary use of GPS with the route pre-programmed. Too bad about the early morning rain and the, at times strong, headwind.

http://app.strava.com/activities/62210225



Mike F said:

Forget about the chafing, I want to hear about the bike ride. Where were you and how far, etc.
Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on June 25, 2013 at 9:05pm

You rode 170 miles in one day?  Chafing would have been the least of my problems! ;-)

Permalink Reply by Duppie on June 25, 2013 at 9:36pm
I have no experience wih their ride across Illinois, but the few riders that I spoke to all were repeat customers. Also, he has been doing this since 2003, and it shows in his overall preparedness.
Keep in mind that his rides are geared to higher mileage riders, the ride across Illinois is 85 miles a day with a 100 mile option every day as well. To compare, RAGBRAI was an average of 65 miles a day when I id it a few years back.

Mike F said:
Well organized? Would you recommend them and their weeklong ride from Carbondale to Chicago?


Duppie 13.5185km said:

The inaugural Rail North, from Moline to Chicago. 177 miles. It was well organized. Generally a great route with well stocked rest stops and included complimentary use of GPS with the route pre-programmed. Too bad about the early morning rain and the, at times strong, headwind.

http://app.strava.com/activities/62210225



Mike F said:

Forget about the chafing, I want to hear about the bike ride. Where were you and how far, etc.
Permalink Reply by Matthew [cannonball] Franzen on June 28, 2013 at 3:52pm

Petroleum jelly! Petroleum jelly, Petroleum jelly, Petroleum jelly! but get Un-Petroleum jelly. They sell it at whole foods. its good for your nuts and the environment!

RSS

Groups

© 2008-2016   The Chainlink Community, L.L.C.   Powered by

Disclaimer  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service