Spuce up tips for commuters?

[thanita]

Anyone out there commute to work then have to make yourself "presentable" without full facilities? If so, what fast and easy tips do you have to share for making yourself dry, cool and collected after a sweaty/soggy commute to the office?

Mine:
I sweat easily and profusely, so my overall tip is: TRY to get there in time to cool down - no matter how much cold water you splash on your face, if your body is still heated up, you're gonna be red 'n sweaty.
T

[zzyxzz]

The real problem is the cool-down time. I have no real solution for that except A/C, and plenty of it.
Once you stop perspiring....
I use (don't laugh) baby wipes. You know those alchohol pre-soaked cloths that you buy in the pharmacy. Preferably the non-perfumed variety. They are gentle on the skin, evaporate quickly and are super cheap.
It lifts the odour off the body and helps you cool down. Kinda like a sponge bath, only without the water.

Now, helmet hair; there's a problem.....

[thanita]

No laughing matter. Those are also great for camping, whatever - if only they would come out with a larger size that doesn't smell like a (fresh) baby's ass, we'll be all set. Watch your shelves for "X-treme rags," hah!
T

[zzyxzz]

mmmm, baby-ass fresh... :D

[slugbath]

I bought an enormous box of baby wipes for cleaning up after field work, and they ended up being HIDEOUSLY odiforous. I have spent the past summer smelling like an overdone baby. But they do work nicely. I hadn't considered them for after-cycling clean up.

For helmet head, I am consistantly hooped. I have short hair, and some cuts and hair products recover better than others. I use bandanas/hats in my casual work environment, but I don't know what commuter cyclists who have to look suave and professional do about their hair if they don't have shower access at work.

My friend keeps a drawer of her desk at work filled with fresh clothes. That way, she carries a larger pack on Monday, and is free of hauling stuff for the rest of the week.

[thanita]

I suppose you could wear a bandanna or something underneath your helmet (hopefully, it's not too hot) and have flat hair, better than helmet hair at least. A good shake and some water should set things right, unless you're into hair products and they've re-molded themselves. I'm messy and have long hair, so helmet head doesn't plague me too much . . .
T

[free spirit]

Wish I could commute. It's just too darn far. I even have showers available and a bike rack in front of the building. :(

[Subscription Guy]

stand up for your rights!

Ask your employer for facilities... such as lockers, showers, bike racks. Sometimes companies can get Fed money to fund such projects (related to reducing single-person car trips). Also, some employers have thier own funding to promote "healthy lifestyles" for employees. Check with the boss, or your HR folks to see if there is some program you can tap into.

FYI: Twenty years ago a friend and I who commuted every day in the heat of Phoenix, AZ used the company "suggestion box" to get a shower installed in one of the mens rooms at our company. Within a few years they had full blown locker rooms with showers. We speak of pedalling in terms of revolutions. Coincidence? I don't think so.

:D

[wooglin]

Originally posted by free spirit
Wish I could commute. It's just too darn far. I even have showers available and a bike rack in front of the building. :(

Drive half way. Park in Hartland somewhere and take Rte 5 the rest of the way.

Better to bring your bike into the office if you can, though.

[free spirit]

Originally posted by wooglin
Drive half way. Park in Hartland somewhere and take Rte 5 the rest of the way.

Better to bring your bike into the office if you can, though.

Hadn't thought of that. Maybe when the offspring is a bit older. . .

Wonder if I would have to get an ID card for my bike? ;) I'm moving to the new lab in Sept and it's coded entry/exit for the entire floor. They even gave my boss an office over there, so there would be room to keep it.

Always thinkin' ain't cha?