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Chris
Chris Sendmail

No shower at work... should I still try commuting via bike?

posted over 2 years ago | Report

I'm about 15-20 miles from my job. I haven't mapped out an ideal path yet so I'm not exact, but it is far enough to work up a good sweat. The problem I have is, there is no shower at my office. So when I get there I know I'll be sweating like a pig. My question is this. Is it fair of me to put my co-workers through this?

I am considering the commute to work because I have 2 kids with one on the way, I'm trying to find ways to get my riding in without taking time away from my family anymore. During the summer it isn't so bad as the days are longer. But in the winter days are going to be short and that's going to make it tough.

What do you think?

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4 posts

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  • Randy I.
    Randy I. Sendmail

    No showers!
    Well, a washcloth, a sink, some deodorant and/or body spray. I've also heard the use of baby wipes work well too! I've not tried it. Let your body cool down a bit before you do all this. Change into some clean clothes and no one will know the difference. Even your co-works won't know unless you tell them. Oh, and I have a small quite fan at my desk job. To assist in the cool down process.

    Ahh, taking time from the family!
    This is one good reasons to commute. You can get a bike ride in 2 times a day and it doesn't take much from the family.

    posted over 2 years ago | Report

  • Robert L K.
    Robert L K. Sendmail

    I did a 14 mile ride to work for a year in the same situation. I cleaned up doing exactly what Randy suggested and it was fine. Also I worked at a place with a shower for a few years, I would drive on my first day and bring enough uniforms to get me through the week, then ride in the middle of the week, and drive the last day to pick everything up. If you are worried about keeping clothing pressed that works pretty well as long as you have a place at work to hang it.

    posted over 2 years ago | Report

  • Gehr 1.
    Gehr 1. Sendmail

    I say work smelly until they are forced to provide a shower...........of course it could end up with being fired........but then think how much more training time you'd have! LOL

    posted over 2 years ago | Report

  • Kevinakamax
    Kevinakamax Sendmail

    I have been commuting to work (20 miles round trip) year-round for about 2 years now. I work as a manager in a restaurant with obvious consequences for any hygiene issues. I also have possible issues with the use of strong deodorants or colognes.

    I realize that this thread is old(er), so you may have figured this out already. SO in the interest of good info for anyone considering lessening their addiction to petroleum-

    Here's the deal, take a shower BEFORE your ride and always wear CLEAN clothes ON your ride.(this is key) Take clean work clothes with you. Change in the restroom or other nook/cranny with a lockable door. Even while you are still sweating... The "secret is in the sweat". You don't sweat dirty unless YOU are dirty. It's the bacteria that causes the smell. That's why you need to wear clean clothes on a clean body. Worst case- you might get gamy from the ride home. Just take another shower if that's an issue.

    You won't stink at work. Unless you have some kinda crazy BO... But, if you do the above you won't offend- I guarantee it!

    Just thought of a cool trick for a hot day (yea, yea next summer i know) When you can't stop sweating and the clock is ticking... this quick cool-down this works better than any kinda shower... Soak some towels, cloth or even paper- in HOT water. Wipe yourself down. It somehow fools your skin and sweat glands into thinking that it's time to STOP sweating. Don't ask me how. It "just works".

    Productivity ensues!

    posted over 2 years ago | edited over 2 years ago | Report

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