what do you do?

[BikingNurse]

When I moved to the clinic from the hospital, I lost the "perk" of having a shower I could use. I commute on my bike most days 3 mi each way but I don't want my patients to smell my sweat. I've been using a washcloth with body soap in the restroom a one stall with sink that I can lock. but I was wondering what others do to de-smell yourself. Most days my shirt is soaked because I have a back pack I use for my change of clothes/scrubs.
Also, what about sunscreen I have seen posts about ones that wont run. Does anybody know of one that doesn't have any fragrance?
Thanks

[bmccasland]

Aren't there showers in the surgery changing room? Just a thought.

Second thought is that I'd pack my work clothes in a panier, and wear biking clothes for the commute. That way once you got to the hosptial and after your sponge bath you'll have fresh clean clothes to change into (all the layers). I'd use a panier instead of a backpack just to keep things off my back, to allow the sweat to dry more quickly as I'm riding.

[Zen]

+1 to Beth and maybe scented baby wipes in place of or addition to the bird bath?

[Tri Girl]

If you can get a rack on your bike, I second using a pannier. It's amazing hoe much cooler/less sweaty you'll be with the pack off your back.
How about anti-bacterial wet wipes? I have some Nuetrogena (sp?) sunscreen that is fragrance free, but it's kind of thick.
This time of year, even when I do a 10 min. errand, I still think I smell. I don't seem to lose that smell until late October.

[indigoiis]

I often ride between 15-28 miles in to work at a good clip. I leave clean clothes at work (take them in once a week on the bus.) I take a shower before I ride, put my wet hair in a ponytail. At work, I change in a stall (there's a shower but no hot water so...) and use a damp washcloth to wipe down, then air dry or dab with a big towel (that I also leave at work.) I spritz with a body spray and brush out my hair. Usually on ride days it goes back into a ponytail. Anyhow, I don't smell sweaty even after a long ride on a humid day.

My friend Martha who rides with me works in a building with no shower, and she is an investment banker and so must wear a suit. She just uses baby wipes. My problem with baby wipes is that they are disposable. She keeps her clothes in a file drawer in her office, and changes there (with the door closed.)

After doing this for two summers it is worthwhile to note that getting to work 15-20 minutes early means that you stop sweating while you are calmly changing in the bathroom. Be sure and give yourself plenty of cool-down time.

Nonbiking friends say, "I think that's great but I couldn't give up 4 hours of my day for that kind of commute." To that I say, you'd rather drive and sit in traffic for 2.5 hours a day? Then haul off to the gym after work to wait in line for the ellyptical? Then shower in the gym shower? I'd rather ride!

[sfa]

I use baby wipes, but it helps if I start out clean--that takes care of the smell better than anything. I notice that I'm stinky after my ride home, 12 hours after my morning shower, but only just sweaty after the morning commute. The one thing I haven't figured out is how to de-frizz my hair--the exertion makes my hair frizzy and if I put in de-frizzing goop at that point it just makes me look like a wet rat.

Sarah

[Biciclista]

panniers are bike bags that attach to your bike, not your back

[indigoiis]

I use baby wipes, but it helps if I start out clean--that takes care of the smell better than anything. I notice that I'm stinky after my ride home, 12 hours after my morning shower, but only just sweaty after the morning commute. The one thing I haven't figured out is how to de-frizz my hair--the exertion makes my hair frizzy and if I put in de-frizzing goop at that point it just makes me look like a wet rat.

Sarah

Same problem.
Thus the ponytail.

[BikingNurse]

Surgery is at the hospital. I work at the clinic. So, sadly, now showers.... But thanks for the tips with the wipes. Oh yea, and what's a pannier? yea total newbie huh

[getting there]

I too use baby wipes when I get to work. I carry a messenger bag with a change of clothes, shoes & lunch. I keep makeup at work. I tried panniers, but the wind blows here more often than not and the bag is more streamlined. I liked the panniers because my back is usually sweaty when I get to work and I tried to tell myself that working against the wind will make me stronger, but I usually go for easier! I just make sure that I have about 10 minutes to stop sweating.