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I am heading out on a three day mountain bike ride with friends this coming weekend, most of which will be off road. We will be staying indoors each night.
Normally my lower half is covered by Howies 3/4 bibs (no undies) and some Endura Hummvees.
My question is what lower half clothing set up would people advise wearing on the second and third days. Should I be wearing some new undies each day to keep fresh in addition to padded shorts (not my normal style), should I wash my padded shorts each night (or carry another lot of padded shorts - not desirable as I am trying to keep weight down).
I hope you get the idea - what are your top tips/experiences. I am male.
I'd wash the bib shorts each night, give em a good squeeze out and let them dry as best you can during the night. If you can get them dry then all's well but even if you can't I'd still rather put on slightly damp but clean shorts. If you're going to wear the humvees over the top then I'd probably leave them unwashed for a 3 day trip.
should I wash my padded shorts each night
I just do this.
top tips appreciated
Sweat, humidty and chaffing all can equal bacterial infection.
Have a good cleanup between rides.
Why not take spare bibs and not bother wearing shorts over the top of shorts?
On a 1 week Alps trip I treat my padded shorts to a wash whether they need it or not 🙂
Generally find socks need changing every day. Vasceline ad Sudocrem are my friends too.
Spare bibs/padded shorts and post the old ones home?
Top tip: after washing bibs roll them up 'swiss roll style' in a towel and then you and a mate grab an end each and twist as hard you can. They will be nearly dry and should then dry over night no problem. Works a treat for me on week long tours.
Same can be done on all items of clothing.Plus a bit of string and a few pegs is lighter and takes up less space than extra kit
Posting the bibs back reminded me of what my old man used to do. He was a bachelor until his early 50's spending much of his time on the road working for the civil service. He used to send is dirty washing back to his mum by post. An unwelcome delivery I am sure. I don't think my mrs would be any more appreciative if I tried the same.