It is not as far fetched as you might think. One question beginners frequently ask about when bicycle touring is packing and clean clothes. And yes, what is the best way to keep your clothes clean.
While bicycle touring you can expect to be sweating and also pick up some dust and dirt from along the route whether it be paved bike trails, roads or even short sections of dirt paths. Assume that your clothes will get dirty and you need to do something about it.
You can only carry so much clothing in your bicycle panniers and I typically only carry two changes of cycling clothes although I know of friends who carry clothes for a week. So how do you get your clothes clean during your journey which can last for weeks or even months?
The shower - whether you are staying in a camp ground, hotel or bed and breakfast there will be a shower. Many cyclists leave their cycling clothes on when they go in the shower to give them a quick rinse. They should be quick drying clothes and should therefore be ready to wear soon again anyway.
The sink - if staying in small hotels or bed and breakfasts I use a sink to for a quick wash when I arrive at the destination. One of the things on my packing list is environmentally safe camp soap. Your quick dry cycling clothes are ready the next day to continue your trip. As I have two changes of clothes I do the laundry every two days.
Laundromat (North America) - it is easy to head to the local Laundromat found in almost every town and for a few coins you can quickly do your laundry. However this can be expensive and time consuming if you only have 2 sets of clothing and you should save this to a once a week when you want to do a more through job.
Laundromat (elsewhere) - in other countries the system will vary. In Tuscany, Italy when you take your clothes to the Laundromat you leave them with a clerk and return later a few hours later to pick up your clean clothes. They load the washing machines for you, that is just how it is done.
The type of cycling clothing can also make a difference. Cycling clothing (jerseys, gloves, shorts, caps, socks) made of merino wool are odorless and many cyclists have been known to ride for days between washes.
You now have fresh and comfortable cycling clothing as new adventures wait along the road.
And every year Tom Oxby explores North America and Europe while bicycle touring. He has found that proper planning is essential to get the most from your cycling adventure.
While bicycle touring you can expect to be sweating and also pick up some dust and dirt from along the route whether it be paved bike trails, roads or even short sections of dirt paths. Assume that your clothes will get dirty and you need to do something about it.
You can only carry so much clothing in your bicycle panniers and I typically only carry two changes of cycling clothes although I know of friends who carry clothes for a week. So how do you get your clothes clean during your journey which can last for weeks or even months?
The shower - whether you are staying in a camp ground, hotel or bed and breakfast there will be a shower. Many cyclists leave their cycling clothes on when they go in the shower to give them a quick rinse. They should be quick drying clothes and should therefore be ready to wear soon again anyway.
The sink - if staying in small hotels or bed and breakfasts I use a sink to for a quick wash when I arrive at the destination. One of the things on my packing list is environmentally safe camp soap. Your quick dry cycling clothes are ready the next day to continue your trip. As I have two changes of clothes I do the laundry every two days.
Laundromat (North America) - it is easy to head to the local Laundromat found in almost every town and for a few coins you can quickly do your laundry. However this can be expensive and time consuming if you only have 2 sets of clothing and you should save this to a once a week when you want to do a more through job.
Laundromat (elsewhere) - in other countries the system will vary. In Tuscany, Italy when you take your clothes to the Laundromat you leave them with a clerk and return later a few hours later to pick up your clean clothes. They load the washing machines for you, that is just how it is done.
The type of cycling clothing can also make a difference. Cycling clothing (jerseys, gloves, shorts, caps, socks) made of merino wool are odorless and many cyclists have been known to ride for days between washes.
You now have fresh and comfortable cycling clothing as new adventures wait along the road.
And every year Tom Oxby explores North America and Europe while bicycle touring. He has found that proper planning is essential to get the most from your cycling adventure.
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