Quick Tip: Change Out of Sweaty Shorts
After a long ride, the easiest thing is to sit in the car, stop for coffee or do a few errands before going home. But if you are still in damp cycling shorts, change that plan.
Sweat, road spray and a wet chamois hold moisture against skin that has already spent hours under pressure and friction. The longer you stay in those shorts, the more likely you are to get chafing, rash or the beginning of a saddle sore.
Make changing part of the end-of-ride routine. Keep clean underwear, loose shorts and a small towel in your car or ride bag. When the ride ends, get out of your cycling shorts as soon as you can. If you cannot shower right away, at least dry off and put on clean, breathable clothes.
This matters even more after a hot ride, a rainy ride or a long day in the saddle. It also matters on a cycling trip, when you may be tempted to wear your shorts around town after the ride.
Do not wait for skin irritation to tell you that your routine needs work. A clean, dry change of clothes is simple prevention. It also feels much better than driving home in a cold, soggy chamois.
