Comments on: Miss Panniers: I feel pretty sweaty #ghcc http://blog.cascade.org/2011/05/pretty-sweaty/ Creating a better community through bicycling, throughout Seattle, King County and Washington state. Thu, 23 May 2013 22:31:32 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Bob http://blog.cascade.org/2011/05/pretty-sweaty/comment-page-1/#comment-21777 Bob Thu, 09 Jun 2011 06:43:24 +0000 http://blog.cascade.org/?p=5899#comment-21777 While this idea may be sacrilege to some, this solution works for me. Due to the lack (or hope) of a zero elevation gain route between Madison Park and UW, I am forced to climb two large and one small hill en route to my employer in my 5.3 mile commute. Historically, this has made me sweaty and smelly, which simply doesn't fly in a business environment. My only alternative has been what others have already articulately answered and I need not repeat. My solution, while radical, works rather nicely for me. I realize that others may be offended, and for that I apologize in advance. I have divorced the notion of bicycling from that of exercise for commute purposes only. I recently picked up a busted electric assist bicycle, fixed it by replacing the battery, and now simply buzz up the hills in my commute route with some assistance from my feet and get to work without being sweaty or smelly. My #1 barrier to bike commuting is now successfully vanquished. Today I wore a button down dress shirt, Clarks lace up shoes, and the usual cycling rain shell. Sure, I had a bit of helmet head in my hair when I arrived, but otherwise was quite presentable. Even now, after not only riding home, but also to the Arboretum hearing, I'm still dressed presentably, am not stinky, and kinda like this. My 5.3 mile (each way) commute now only takes an average of 20 minutes and costs about 1 cent (0.1 kwh @10cents/kwh) each direction. I simply charge my battery at work for the ride home. As I said, not for everyone. However, it's working for me. While this idea may be sacrilege to some, this solution works for me. Due to the lack (or hope) of a zero elevation gain route between Madison Park and UW, I am forced to climb two large and one small hill en route to my employer in my 5.3 mile commute. Historically, this has made me sweaty and smelly, which simply doesn’t fly in a business environment. My only alternative has been what others have already articulately answered and I need not repeat.

My solution, while radical, works rather nicely for me. I realize that others may be offended, and for that I apologize in advance. I have divorced the notion of bicycling from that of exercise for commute purposes only. I recently picked up a busted electric assist bicycle, fixed it by replacing the battery, and now simply buzz up the hills in my commute route with some assistance from my feet and get to work without being sweaty or smelly. My #1 barrier to bike commuting is now successfully vanquished.

Today I wore a button down dress shirt, Clarks lace up shoes, and the usual cycling rain shell. Sure, I had a bit of helmet head in my hair when I arrived, but otherwise was quite presentable. Even now, after not only riding home, but also to the Arboretum hearing, I’m still dressed presentably, am not stinky, and kinda like this. My 5.3 mile (each way) commute now only takes an average of 20 minutes and costs about 1 cent (0.1 kwh @10cents/kwh) each direction. I simply charge my battery at work for the ride home.

As I said, not for everyone. However, it’s working for me.

]]> By: Melanie http://blog.cascade.org/2011/05/pretty-sweaty/comment-page-1/#comment-20650 Melanie Sun, 22 May 2011 15:00:36 +0000 http://blog.cascade.org/?p=5899#comment-20650 I have about an 8.5 mile one way. I have a big decline followed by a steep incline either way - so sweating is always included - which gives me the pleasure of knowing I burned some calories. I have 2 different work sites - at each, I have a locker with toiletries, travel hairdryer, towel, etc. I always pack whatever I'm going to wear that day -alternating between professional business & business casual - depending on the meetings. I truly HATE deciding what to wear. I long for the day that I can ride to "a place" where I can shower - walk out and have someone hand me an outfit that is perfectly stylish - (like a clothes rental- complete with handbag and accessories of course!) that I can return in the afternoon before I bike home. Anyone want to start that business - and make my life complete? I have about an 8.5 mile one way. I have a big decline followed by a steep incline either way – so sweating is always included – which gives me the pleasure of knowing I burned some calories. I have 2 different work sites – at each, I have a locker with toiletries, travel hairdryer, towel, etc. I always pack whatever I’m going to wear that day -alternating between professional business & business casual – depending on the meetings. I truly HATE deciding what to wear. I long for the day that I can ride to “a place” where I can shower – walk out and have someone hand me an outfit that is perfectly stylish – (like a clothes rental- complete with handbag and accessories of course!) that I can return in the afternoon before I bike home. Anyone want to start that business – and make my life complete?

]]> By: Alex http://blog.cascade.org/2011/05/pretty-sweaty/comment-page-1/#comment-20539 Alex Fri, 20 May 2011 17:06:07 +0000 http://blog.cascade.org/?p=5899#comment-20539 I am lucky enough to work for the Y - and sweaty enough that I CANNOT bike in my work clothes - so I have a backpack, showers, and a locker to keep my sweatiness a secret. Can't go wrong! I am lucky enough to work for the Y – and sweaty enough that I CANNOT bike in my work clothes – so I have a backpack, showers, and a locker to keep my sweatiness a secret. Can’t go wrong!

]]> By: Andy http://blog.cascade.org/2011/05/pretty-sweaty/comment-page-1/#comment-20492 Andy Thu, 19 May 2011 19:27:24 +0000 http://blog.cascade.org/?p=5899#comment-20492 @Mike: hilarious!! ROFL! I have found that sweat stink is really only in the fabric of your clothes or trapped between your skin and the clothes if the layers don't breathe. (Except in really hot weather or if you do ride like racer rather than a commuter.) My solution is wool. It sounds crazy and hot and uncomfortable, but in reality just the opposite. I have a SmartWool t-shirt (one short and one long-sleeve) and wear that with other breathable layers over it while pedaling. It really wicks away the sweat like magic and, on a 6 mile commute with a mild hill, I can get away with no shower at work. Also, you can really can get away with washing it just at the end of the week, not every night. At least I haven't had any complaints yet. But then, I'm a high school teacher, so I'm not sure that my teenage students would care that much :-) @Mike: hilarious!! ROFL!

I have found that sweat stink is really only in the fabric of your clothes or trapped between your skin and the clothes if the layers don’t breathe. (Except in really hot weather or if you do ride like racer rather than a commuter.)

My solution is wool. It sounds crazy and hot and uncomfortable, but in reality just the opposite. I have a SmartWool t-shirt (one short and one long-sleeve) and wear that with other breathable layers over it while pedaling. It really wicks away the sweat like magic and, on a 6 mile commute with a mild hill, I can get away with no shower at work. Also, you can really can get away with washing it just at the end of the week, not every night.

At least I haven’t had any complaints yet. But then, I’m a high school teacher, so I’m not sure that my teenage students would care that much :-)

]]> By: David http://blog.cascade.org/2011/05/pretty-sweaty/comment-page-1/#comment-20490 David Thu, 19 May 2011 18:29:03 +0000 http://blog.cascade.org/?p=5899#comment-20490 About once every 2-3 weeks I bring in 8 shirts to leave neatly folded in an office cupboard; the pack stays in the office, slowly filling up with used shirts. Shoes and slacks stay in the office all the time--there's a dry cleaner just two blocks away. When the shirts run out, they go home in the same pack, so I have a bulky pack just once every few weeks. I arrive early before other staffers, but it's hard to sneak out early in my bike gear ; ) About once every 2-3 weeks I bring in 8 shirts to leave neatly folded in an office cupboard; the pack stays in the office, slowly filling up with used shirts. Shoes and slacks stay in the office all the time–there’s a dry cleaner just two blocks away. When the shirts run out, they go home in the same pack, so I have a bulky pack just once every few weeks. I arrive early before other staffers, but it’s hard to sneak out early in my bike gear ; )

]]> By: Jeff http://blog.cascade.org/2011/05/pretty-sweaty/comment-page-1/#comment-20482 Jeff Thu, 19 May 2011 15:29:19 +0000 http://blog.cascade.org/?p=5899#comment-20482 In the summer I'm forced in most cases to fold my clothes and commute in bike wear. To avoid wrinkles I pack some chinos and I have several non-iron cotton shirts. Out of summer I just wear my clothes and I take it easy so as not to break a sweat, especially under rain gear. For the rain, there is bullet-proof rain gear out there. It's not cheap, but I always think of my rain gear purchases in terms of the number of gas tank fill-ups it is equivalent to, and that is never more than a few, and that makes me feel great about the investment. I've found that Gore makes the best stuff, especially the "City" booties. You'll notice that Gore stuff is pricey, but it keeps you dry and it lasts longer, for a cheaper total cost of ownership. I wore my City booties almost every day this La Nina winter and they still look like new. In the summer I’m forced in most cases to fold my clothes and commute in bike wear. To avoid wrinkles I pack some chinos and I have several non-iron cotton shirts. Out of summer I just wear my clothes and I take it easy so as not to break a sweat, especially under rain gear. For the rain, there is bullet-proof rain gear out there. It’s not cheap, but I always think of my rain gear purchases in terms of the number of gas tank fill-ups it is equivalent to, and that is never more than a few, and that makes me feel great about the investment. I’ve found that Gore makes the best stuff, especially the “City” booties. You’ll notice that Gore stuff is pricey, but it keeps you dry and it lasts longer, for a cheaper total cost of ownership. I wore my City booties almost every day this La Nina winter and they still look like new.

]]> By: Schooner http://blog.cascade.org/2011/05/pretty-sweaty/comment-page-1/#comment-20481 Schooner Thu, 19 May 2011 15:03:45 +0000 http://blog.cascade.org/?p=5899#comment-20481 I can't do the morning commute via bike. It's just too far with a significant hill that even the coolest of minds could not help but break and shatter a sweat. And my day usually starts pretty early. I also don't enjoy riding in the dark as there are too many hazards involved (debris, critters, etc.). So I make the short pedal from home to the bus stop and bring my bike to work on the bus. I'm already showered, dressed and ready for the day. At the end of the day, I change into my bike duds, roll my "day clothes" into my panniers and am free to pedal to my heart's content knowing that I've got the hot shower upon my arrival at home. I also highly recommend the Ortlieb waterproof panniers. Especially this year when we've had so many wet days. My gear, computer, etc. all stays nice an dry despite me arriving home a bit on the drippy side. I can’t do the morning commute via bike. It’s just too far with a significant hill that even the coolest of minds could not help but break and shatter a sweat. And my day usually starts pretty early. I also don’t enjoy riding in the dark as there are too many hazards involved (debris, critters, etc.). So I make the short pedal from home to the bus stop and bring my bike to work on the bus. I’m already showered, dressed and ready for the day. At the end of the day, I change into my bike duds, roll my “day clothes” into my panniers and am free to pedal to my heart’s content knowing that I’ve got the hot shower upon my arrival at home.

I also highly recommend the Ortlieb waterproof panniers. Especially this year when we’ve had so many wet days. My gear, computer, etc. all stays nice an dry despite me arriving home a bit on the drippy side.

]]> By: Gin http://blog.cascade.org/2011/05/pretty-sweaty/comment-page-1/#comment-20479 Gin Thu, 19 May 2011 14:53:51 +0000 http://blog.cascade.org/?p=5899#comment-20479 Fortunately, for me, my commute is 5 mi one-way... I start out showered, I use separate biking clothes and pack my work clothes in my back-pack along with my lunch. I usually have spare shoes at work or I pack those as well. I take a leisurely ride into work (approx 30 min) as to not sweat too much and back home, since I'm working out @ gym on my lunch hour 3 day/wk. I travel light, keeping a separate workout bag at work all the time with travel size toiletries to freshen up with, all I need is to wash my face before starting my workday since I get a shower @ lunch on the days I go to the gym. It takes some planning but it gets easier every day... Gin Fortunately, for me, my commute is 5 mi one-way… I start out showered, I use separate biking clothes and pack my work clothes in my back-pack along with my lunch. I usually have spare shoes at work or I pack those as well. I take a leisurely ride into work (approx 30 min) as to not sweat too much and back home, since I’m working out @ gym on my lunch hour 3 day/wk. I travel light, keeping a separate workout bag at work all the time with travel size toiletries to freshen up with, all I need is to wash my face before starting my workday since I get a shower @ lunch on the days I go to the gym. It takes some planning but it gets easier every day…

Gin

]]> By: Frenchman http://blog.cascade.org/2011/05/pretty-sweaty/comment-page-1/#comment-20456 Frenchman Thu, 19 May 2011 05:17:35 +0000 http://blog.cascade.org/?p=5899#comment-20456 French bath, of course. (I kid, I kid...) French bath, of course. (I kid, I kid…)

]]> By: Brad http://blog.cascade.org/2011/05/pretty-sweaty/comment-page-1/#comment-20452 Brad Thu, 19 May 2011 04:34:35 +0000 http://blog.cascade.org/?p=5899#comment-20452 I have two offices, one in Bellevue and one I Seattle. In Bellevue I can leave towel belt, shoes and towel. Seattle I have to drag belt an shoes as we have "hoteling" office space, but I stash a towel and a sport coat. I have laundry pick up in both places so clean pressed shirts are the order so I look sharp for clients. A quick check of my achedule at night and shoes/ belt or no, I pack slacks, sock t-shirts and underwear and I'm done. I carry a small refillable shampoo and deodorant and a brush. I'm presentable in 15 min and my pannier is about 20 lbs. Whoops forgot the office , with lunch and snacks, pannier-- a mobile office that goes on the bike or the overhead bin of a flight. Ouch-- about 25 lbs. Thanks to ABR for the larger spokes for all that weight! I have two offices, one in Bellevue and one I Seattle. In Bellevue I can leave towel belt, shoes and towel. Seattle I have to drag belt an shoes as we have “hoteling” office space, but I stash a towel and a sport coat. I have laundry pick up in both places so clean pressed shirts are the order so I look sharp for clients. A quick check of my achedule at night and shoes/ belt or no, I pack slacks, sock t-shirts and underwear and I’m done. I carry a small refillable shampoo and deodorant and a brush. I’m presentable in 15 min and my pannier is about 20 lbs. Whoops forgot the office , with lunch and snacks, pannier– a mobile office that goes on the bike or the overhead bin of a flight. Ouch– about 25 lbs. Thanks to ABR for the larger spokes for all that weight!

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