Wax on, Wax off?
No this is not a karate kid post, although it has been a long time since I've seen that movie - it might be a great Netflix idea! So, be forewarned this is going to be a little more graphic than my typical; ran this far, rode this much, love to swim and my dogs are the best type blog....
For as long as I can remember I've had saddle issues. I've tried every size, shape, material and cushioning under the sun, on both a road bike and tri bike and I think I've settled on about the best I can get (specialized toupe on road, serfas tri on TT). While of course they aren't perfect, the post ride chafing issues are at least less than they ever have been and I'm riding more than I ever have.
Unfortunately I still have some nagging issues that come up. Without going into TOO much detail, the issues are basically on the bikini line and can be rather painfull (especially when putting on a swimsuit after a long ride!). I use so much LUBE (aquafor) that it takes about 3 washings in the shower to get the crap off, and I'm convinced it's eating thru my shorts (not to mention the awful stains left on anything other than black). I even re-apply multiple times on long rides when I'm sweating a lot. I've pretty much decided it's just my body and I have to live with it... and then I saw something on TV.
I was watching the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Real being the ironic word because I'm not sure any square inch left on any of these women is still REAL. They are bat shit crazy, but yes I am still helping their ratings and giving them more money to spend on their plastic faces by watching it, but I just can't help it. It's like a bad accident and I can't look away. Don't judge. I watch Vampire Diaries, Gossip Girl and The Bachelor as well. I'm a teeny-bopper at heart.
Anyway, so the last episode I watched (I'm a little behind) one of the gals Kyle Richards (related to the Hilton empire) and her husband were doing The Gran Fondo in Napa to raise money for Charity. Props to the girl for 1. Sporting the ever flattering cycling kit instead of Prada 2. Finishing the entire ride (69 miles) 3. Being the 2nd highest fund raiser
So, to prepare for the ride she of course has Olympic Cyclist Mari Holden as a coach (not to mention support crew and local coach for during the ride). The two are filmed on the bike having a conversation about waxing while on a "training ride". Mari told Kyle that she MUST get waxed. Take it all off. Kyle looked stunned, and asked if she could just put on another pair of bike shorts and if EVERYONE waxed. Mari replied with something along the lines of "the smart ones do." Sure enough Kyle bit the bullet and in the next scene had a wax person (what are they called?) at her house and it was all caught on FILM (network approved, of course).
Now, I have to wonder.... Is it really all it's talked up to be. No smart ass comments BOYS, I'm pretty sure your opinion is YES, but I am guessing you can't tell me the benefits in relation to saddle sores and chafing.
Anyone? Do tell... Also, your favorite lube that doesn't stain or eat away at your shorts :-)
Muchas Gracias
For as long as I can remember I've had saddle issues. I've tried every size, shape, material and cushioning under the sun, on both a road bike and tri bike and I think I've settled on about the best I can get (specialized toupe on road, serfas tri on TT). While of course they aren't perfect, the post ride chafing issues are at least less than they ever have been and I'm riding more than I ever have.
Unfortunately I still have some nagging issues that come up. Without going into TOO much detail, the issues are basically on the bikini line and can be rather painfull (especially when putting on a swimsuit after a long ride!). I use so much LUBE (aquafor) that it takes about 3 washings in the shower to get the crap off, and I'm convinced it's eating thru my shorts (not to mention the awful stains left on anything other than black). I even re-apply multiple times on long rides when I'm sweating a lot. I've pretty much decided it's just my body and I have to live with it... and then I saw something on TV.
I was watching the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Real being the ironic word because I'm not sure any square inch left on any of these women is still REAL. They are bat shit crazy, but yes I am still helping their ratings and giving them more money to spend on their plastic faces by watching it, but I just can't help it. It's like a bad accident and I can't look away. Don't judge. I watch Vampire Diaries, Gossip Girl and The Bachelor as well. I'm a teeny-bopper at heart.
Anyway, so the last episode I watched (I'm a little behind) one of the gals Kyle Richards (related to the Hilton empire) and her husband were doing The Gran Fondo in Napa to raise money for Charity. Props to the girl for 1. Sporting the ever flattering cycling kit instead of Prada 2. Finishing the entire ride (69 miles) 3. Being the 2nd highest fund raiser
So, to prepare for the ride she of course has Olympic Cyclist Mari Holden as a coach (not to mention support crew and local coach for during the ride). The two are filmed on the bike having a conversation about waxing while on a "training ride". Mari told Kyle that she MUST get waxed. Take it all off. Kyle looked stunned, and asked if she could just put on another pair of bike shorts and if EVERYONE waxed. Mari replied with something along the lines of "the smart ones do." Sure enough Kyle bit the bullet and in the next scene had a wax person (what are they called?) at her house and it was all caught on FILM (network approved, of course).
Now, I have to wonder.... Is it really all it's talked up to be. No smart ass comments BOYS, I'm pretty sure your opinion is YES, but I am guessing you can't tell me the benefits in relation to saddle sores and chafing.
Anyone? Do tell... Also, your favorite lube that doesn't stain or eat away at your shorts :-)
Muchas Gracias
Comments
Yep. I was told the secret to saddle comfort in long distance riding was Brazilians. I've sorta alternated between that and just bikinis but this year with an IM on the schedule I'm sticking with the full 9 yards. I have friends who are very anti that sort of thing who even admitted that they had to resort to some serious trimming for comfort, but I think the waxing is easier. It will depend on your personal level of hairiness and comfort, but I go every 3 weeks. I'm not sure it can eliminate every problem (sometimes all the lube in the world won't help on a hot day), but I think it's helpful. I also finally bought several pairs of brand new bike shorts for this year - those things DO wear out and I know I shouldn't still be using the ones I used to train for my last IM!
I use diaper rash creme and it works great (the generic safeway brand), but it smells like diaper rash cream and is pretty hard to wash out. My saddle still smells like it from last fall, but I don't really care because it works and it's cheap.
It's a little intimidating the first time, but you'll get over it. I recommend taking a tylenol about a half hour before the first time you go.
I also recommend getting some great/new bike shorts every year. My favorite lube is Tri Slide... doesn't stain my shorts at all. I have also used bag balm, but find it's harder to remove and my shorts always smell like it even after they're washed.
That's my two cents!
I saw that episode too and never really gave it that much thought, but upon reflection, I can say that I personally notice a big difference between my au natural rides and my Brazilan rides. I can't say it will for sure elimiate all your saddle problems, but it does help in my case.
I personally favor the full complete job front and back(tmi?) because if your going to do it, you might as well go all the way. It hurts like hell, but since I started, I can't ever go back - anything less to me feels almost unsanitary. Plus, no worries ever when it comes to swim suits or short running shorts or anything else. And for a dark brunette like me, that's worth it's weight in gold.
And one last piece of advice - don't plan any long ride the say of or after a full job - it needs a day or so to "heal."
Sorry if that was oversharing. But I'm a big advocate of this.
I say try it... and I even have a great gal that will come to your home if you want. Just watch out for the in-growns that will eventually happen bc of the riding. There is no prefect solution for female bike riders.
I noticed someone recommended Tylenol. I'll be a better friend and recommend tequila. A LOT OF IT.
Hair holds moisture and bacteria......