Cycling shorts issue - any thoughts?

[NMRider]

Sorry, my reply was to alpinerabbit, no other responses while I was typing.

Same thing, trying to avoid making them any tighter. They aren't uncomfortably tight, but not sure if rolling them up would do that. Interesting that someone else also has Cannondale thigh issues. I love the shorts from the hips on up, but I definitely do not have skinny legs.

Thanks for the thoughts!

[GLC1968]

Do the welts look like swollen bites...some quite large in surface area? Is it hot where you are/ride?

I also have big legs compared to the rest of me, and I also get what I am assuming are the same welts. They were red and ugly and they didn't go away for a few days. And, mine were both below and above the short line as well. For me, it didn't matter which shorts I wore...I normally wear PI Ultrasensors, but I got the welts wearing Shebeest and Terry, too. And I did try turning up the elastic, and that didn't help.

Come to find out, for me, it was related to heat. It was a weird form of heat rash that manifested itself only on the tops of my thighs. It didn't itch or burn or hurt...it was just ugly (and when it was at it's worst, the surface felt somewhat hot to the touch). I paid extra close attention one day and I could feel them starting. My whole body was begining to 'wilt' and when I looked down, sure enough...they were just appearing. I've found that the only way I can keep them at bay is by keeping my core temp down. Dumping water on my head, wearing a water soaked buff, trying to avoid riding at mid-day...etc. I haven't had them yet this year, but we haven't hit the worst of the summer heat yet either.

Oh, and they only appeared on long rides (greater than about 55 miles) I think because 1) it takes my body that long to get to the 'overheating' temps and 2) the longer our rides, the later in the day I was riding (and the hotter it was).

You may have something totally different, but it sure sounds familiar!

[NMRider]

Velobambina, I was thinking allergy to begin with, too, but it's only on the top of my legs that it happens -- not on the back of my legs. Weird.

[NMRider]

GLC, that totally sounds like what I have !!!!!! They are hot and BIG, several inches across, and only on top of my thighs, but don't itch or hurt. My thighs/legs are also big compared w/ the rest of me. And, yes, indeed, I am in southern NM and training for a century in TX (the Hotter 'n Hell) so I am doing mid-day training. Wow. I feel better knowing I am not the only one.

How did you figure out it was heat rash?

[GLC1968]

I know the feeling! It's nice to know that we aren't crazy, right?

In fact, I read your post and had to check that it wasn't one I'd posted last year getting bumped up again. I asked the exact same question last summer!!

I had to resort to wearing only capri's or longer skirts in the worst heat here (when not on the bike) to hide it...it's super ugly, isn't it? I was afraid people would think I was contagious!

[GLC1968]

Oops, I forgot to answer your question!

I don't remember exactly how I figured it out. Process of elimination, I think. I did a lot of online research, but I could never find any descriptions that matched my issue. I was going to make an appointment with a dermatologist when I had a bit of a 'breakthrough'.

I rode a century last August that I was expecting to be VERY hot (it's the reason I was training in the heat). It turned out to be the coldest day of the summer (and raining for the first 50 miles) and lo-and-behold...100 miles later in the same shorts I always wear and I got no rash. After that, I made a point of paying attention to my body as it started to heat up and I got to a point where I could almost pinpoint when it was occuring by how I felt. Then I did experiments with long hot rides but using a LOT of water for cooling and sure enough, I could keep it from happening.

[NMRider]

GLC -

Go figure. What you say makes total sense to me, as last week I rode an early 30-miler w/ some friends before any heat of the day hit, and had no issue at all. Only when it gets hot do I get welty.

This is the first time I posted, I am very glad you were reading today! So good to know I am not nuts. (Well, at least about this! ) I think I will start carrying extra water just to cool my legs and start paying attention to when it starts up.

Many thanks!