Specific to Women

[AdvRydr]

Originally Posted by KayLR

Ditto on the bladder infection...I have to wonder is staying really hydrated would help??? We usually keep a few bottles of water on board to stay hydrated..some more input on this would be helpful..

We had full platypus bags in our tankbags, and I drank enormous quantities of water throughout our last trip... it is really nice to be able to drink as you ride, rather than having to make hydration stops in between gas stops. Staying hydrated and peeing when you feel the need will definitely help stave off an infection if you're prone to them. Cranberry juice helps too, but I would not recommend adding any juice to a camelbak or platypus bag... you can get cranberry tablets to swallow, though.

I have also given up cotton undies on trips. Cotton chafes if it gets even the slightest bit damp, and any dampness can be bad if you're susceptible to UTIs. Instead, I picked up a couple of pairs of the breathable traveling undies that are sold at REI. They're really comfy, they don't chafe, and they dry quickly after a sink washing. Very nice to have with you, especially on a multi-day trip when you don't have ready access to a laundry.

Another nice thing like VR mentioned is to carry wipes. I use unscented baby wipes... makes cleanliness easier/faster on the road.

I was lucky enough that I had no infection... Irritation/urgency is unpleasant enough, of course, but an infection, left untreated, can put you out of commission for a few days (or even put you into the hospital), so any symptoms really have to be taken seriously as soon as they start.

In the interests of sharing a little TMi with the ladies here, I have used panty liners in the past to swap at every pit-stop, but for me they seemed to block airflow and hold moisture in more than just plain undies, so I no longer use them. Your own lady parts will have to be your guide in this regard

Sheesh, lady parts can be a pain in the ass... but they're worth it.

[KCDakar]

Originally Posted by AdvRydr

Sheesh, lady parts can be a pain in the ass... but they're worth it.

True oh so true!

[intothenew]

One tip you might try, my wife uses Febreze on the outer layers while we are on extended trips. Pour some out of the full size bottle and into a small spritzer to pack. Use it on the items too large to launder. She will even hose me down with it when I'm not looking.

[GSGIRL]

I have not done much Adv riding for long periods of time. But I do travel a lot to some off the beaten path places along with some beaten path places.

A few things for me that have always helped:

I take my birth control pills continuously. I rarely stop them, couple times a year at best. So I rarely worry about a period and my hormones seem to remain in check.

I always travel with Cipro. Will kill anything from a bladder infection to a bad case of montezuma's revenge.

The rest has been covered, panty liners, wet wipes etc. Not sure if I could wear panty liners while riding. Seems to me they will be a bit irritating.

Some day, I would really like to rough it on a bike trip. But as long as I have a big fat expense account, roughing it for me is staying at a Holiday Inn.

[VelvtRide]

Originally Posted by intothenew

One tip you might try, my wife uses Febreze on the outer layers while we are on extended trips. Pour some out of the full size bottle and into a small spritzer to pack. Use it on the items too large to launder. She will even hose me down with it when I'm not looking.

Good idea!

[Makalu]

Originally Posted by GSGIRL

Some day, I would really like to rough it on a bike trip. But as long as I have a big fat expense account, roughing it for me is staying at a Holiday Inn.

As a male rider just let me say that it's awesome you ladies ride and that you are willing to share insights on making your travels/adventures more enjoyable. Many of us end up riding alone because our SO's don't want to deal with the very issues you are addressing. So props to you.

I will add another option to consider, particularly if you are traveling on the cheap. Back in the day when I was a climbing bum and living out of the back of my truck, I would role into a Motel 6 or other chain motel, put on my bathing suit, and go hit the pool. I'd take my bottle of biodegradable soap, lather up, and take a bath right there in the pool. Yes I would get some funny looks now and then, but no one ever said a word and I didn't care anyway. It was quite refreshing and FREE! On the way out I would fill up the igloo with ice from the ice machine.

Now I'm not advocating theft of services or anything , but if you find yourself with a couple days of grime and stink on you and you're low on funds, you may want to keep the idea in your bag of tricks.

I won't mention the times we would go into these same hotels about 11 a.m. and slide into rooms right after the occupants checked out (often leaving the doors open). That resulted in a HOT shower with free shampoo and (sometimes) clean towels. What can I say, climbers are dirtbags.

[Moving Pictures]

Originally Posted by VelvtRide

1. That time of the month

• Using a DivaCup, instead of tampons or pads, will save space and get rid of the waste problem.

I'd strongly suggest you explore this option. For real. If you want, I can put you in touch with a user (since I ain't got the experience, as it were). Sooooo much easier, from what I saw.

[VelvtRide]

Originally Posted by Media Weasel

[/list]I'd strongly suggest you explore this option. For real. If you want, I can put you in touch with a user (since I ain't got the experience, as it were). Sooooo much easier, from what I saw.

I found this idea from Chacifer.

[LadyDraco]

Great thread !!!!
I'll put my 2 cents in later....
Hope ya have a great trip VR...
Take lots of pix.... And enjoy life !!!!

Tracy

[VelvtRide]

Bumpity

[LadyDraco]

LOL... I keep forgetting about some of the other places to look.. UGH....
For posts....

Hi Heidi !!!

[VelvtRide]

Originally Posted by LadyDraco

LOL... I keep forgetting about some of the other places to look.. UGH....
For posts....

Hi Heidi !!!

I'm hoping some new girls will see it and pop in with their info, too.

[LadyDraco]

Are you still going to do your trip???
I have been a little worried ..
We might have to postpone out AK trip...

[VelvtRide]

Originally Posted by LadyDraco

Are you still going to do your trip???
I have been a little worried ..
We might have to postpone out AK trip...

We didn't go, no. I'm sorry, I thought everyone knew. Hopefully this winter we'll be able to go!

[LadyDraco]

Bummer......
No I didn't know... I'm sorry.....
I don't get a chance to read all....
Dial-up really limits the page loads here...