Scott Martin

After riding your bike in tough conditions, clean up using warm, soapy water. Working from one end to the other, gently scrub everywhere, especially hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. Dry everything using a soft cloth.

Next, clean your bicycle.

Seriously, I'm starting to think some cyclists spend more time cleaning their bikes than their, um, personal effects. How else to explain the pungent aroma wafting over a recent group ride?

It wasn't the usual flattened-skunk smell or the marijuana cloud engulfing the VW bus parked at that scenic overlook. No, this scent was all too human.

Now, I know cyclists are busy: ride, eat, talk about riding, sleep, maintain bike, send "Miss ya!" text to spouse and kids...

But, people, you need to practice good hygiene. Yes, you look swell in your cycling "kit" -- that's snobby bike-talk for "clothing" -- but you need to remove it after the ride. I'm not saying strip in the driveway; just don't wait 3 hours so all your sedentary neighbors can see your bulging quads.

Once you undress -- and, yes, shower -- you need to find the laundry room. (Tip: Check the basement or garage; or ask your spouse or significant other.) Now, follow some simple guidelines:
- Wash after every ride: shorts, jersey, socks, base layer
- Wash after every couple of rides: arm/knee/leg warmers, gloves
- Never wash: cell phone you left in jersey pocket
- Wouldn't hurt to clean your helmet pads every so often, too. (Tip: Don't put helmet in washing machine, but wearing it in the shower is fine.)

Unless, of course, you want to smell bad in order to unnerve your riding partners. Which is a lowdown, dirty trick that I would never use unless my washing machine was in the cellar, and it hurt my sore legs to walk back upstairs, and I was usually out of detergent anyway.

une page mise en archives par

Consultez notre ENCYCLOPÉDIE sportive