Cycling shorts issue - any thoughts?

[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!