Recommendations for body care during cross country tour?

[Reesha]

I use a mild, for sensitive skin soap for all over my body, including undercarriage. I totally agree with indy, that stronger soaps upset the ph balance of your vagina and around there. Hotels don't necessarily offer great soaps.

Besides, you don't want to over-dry the whole undercarriage skin area with strong soaps.

In addition to strong sunblocks, is to generously use rich body lotion each time after shower. Even if one sweats alot during the day. My skin on my legs, etc. gets drier. (when already I have dry leg skin)

Of course, face moisturizer after shower is important since one is cycling for several hrs. daily.

I've only had the luxury of a sag wagon...3-4 group rides in all 20 years. Other trips I've had to cycle with my toiletries and clothing.

For long touring rides of severals or weeks, I make sure I have my hair cut short..so I don't have to use a hair blower!

Great tips! I am bringing 100% shea butter with me... been using it on my legs, arms face, and whatever else demands it for a few weeks now and it's amazing. It completely softened the hardcore tanlines on my arm (or should I say freckle lines)

I hadn't thought about boy shorts but will have to look into it! Any recommendations? I used to have some patagonia boy shorts but they are spendy!

[lovelygamer]

Reesha, I don't have any tips but I was just curious about your ride. Will you be with a team of riders and/or when do you hit DC? I am about 1.5 hours south.

[Reesha]

Yes, there will be 18 of us riding into the capitol together on August 4th. Team American Lung Association (unofficially )

I'm not sure what time we'll arrive... probably early afternoon because I know we stop for lunch at the post office pavilion. It's only a 40 mile day though!

[soprano]

When you're out all day, you need to re-apply your sunblock a few times. Skip the little travel-sized ones and get a big tube so you can slather it on.

I like to carry wet wipes or similar in my handlebar bag. On tour you end up doing lots of dirty things with your hands and then later eating or drinking. E. coli will end your tour real quick.

After you're done riding for the day, consider going commando so everything can air out. I usually pack a longer skirt for this reason.

Don't worry about your hair. You'll come home with awesome natural highlights.

[Sky King]

I never leave home without a bandana or 2. Our recent ride in the high desert of Idaho found several of our riding buddies ripping bandana's in half and tucking the edge under the leg of bike shorts to keep intense sun off the knees. Then the bike hermit was getting burnt on the top of his hands (he doesn't wear gloves) so day 2 found him fashioning sun covers and a hysterical "nose protector".
I just find I always have a need for my bandana's and now I have to go buy some more