Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => The Knowledge => Health & Fitness => Topic started by: CountrySickness on 01 December, 2012, 06:08:07 pm

Title: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: CountrySickness on 01 December, 2012, 06:08:07 pm
Ooh it's sensitive :'( and may not get a sensible answer, but here goes:

On a v cold 200k ride yesterday I, er, suffered quite considerable numbness in my most sensitive of parts and he was rubbed really quite sore by the time I reached the shower (I was wearing my good shorts and roubaix tights). It’s hardly my first long, cold bike ride but this is a health problem I don’t want to go through again, there must a cyclists folk cure? Liberal application of goosefat or vaseline? Hand warmers taped to the inside of my shorts? I do have some windproof tights but I just don’t get on with them.
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: Ivo on 01 December, 2012, 06:35:42 pm
A classic speedskaters' solution is pinning some windproof stuff between your shorts and the tights to prevent the whole thing from frezing. A more modern solution is using rainlegs against the cold.
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: Chris S on 01 December, 2012, 06:38:16 pm
Less sensible answer: Alternative uses for a Buff #3. It does work, but best not lend your Buff to anyone you don't know really well afterwards.

More or less sensible answer: More layers? I know the problem - what fits snugly when you're getting dressed in the warmth of your bedroom, becomes somewhat more spacious once things have... erm... retracted.

TBH - the Buff solution works!
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: Basil on 01 December, 2012, 06:38:36 pm
V small sealskinz sock?  ;D

In fact, in this weather, v. v. v. small.
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: Chris S on 01 December, 2012, 06:40:20 pm
Actually, if you get to Chode Mode - then things are actually better as there's less chance of chafeage. The problem is the middle ground. As it were.
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: Hot Flatus on 01 December, 2012, 06:42:18 pm
I have had this problem but it only really affects the very tip.

My solution is to wrap a thermal band around my left leg just above the knee.
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: eck on 01 December, 2012, 06:42:42 pm
Make sure your cosy base layer is long enough to pull down over your athletic bits.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: Kim on 01 December, 2012, 06:43:07 pm
Wait, shrinkage *and* rubbage?  I'm fairly sure that's not how they're supposed to work...
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: jogler on 01 December, 2012, 08:19:20 pm
http://www.shopinprivate.com/tuggie-cock-sock.html

hth
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: clarion on 01 December, 2012, 08:50:57 pm
That, I believe, is Hummers' club kit.
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: Jaded on 02 December, 2012, 01:01:45 am
You have obviously seen Hummer's club?
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: Butterfly on 02 December, 2012, 08:24:52 am
You have obviously seen Hummer's club?
Hasn't everyone?
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: hellymedic on 02 December, 2012, 01:30:41 pm
An empty winebox bladder could give effective windproofing to sensitive areas...
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: Jaded on 02 December, 2012, 02:13:25 pm
Plus act as a handy container.
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: Pingu on 02 December, 2012, 02:20:12 pm
http://www.shopinprivate.com/tuggie-cock-sock.html

hth

Quote
Click to enlarge

 :o
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: andygates on 02 December, 2012, 03:41:57 pm
I don't dare!

Cold is bad, numbness and rubbing are bad, but man, nothing is worse than post-cold-ride foreskin pins and needles.  You need to hop about, but that just makes it worse...
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: Andrew Br on 02 December, 2012, 09:26:51 pm
My solution is to use my "winter" longs which are windproof on the front, a pair of un-padded 3/4s underneath those and then a pair of padded shorts as the base layer.
I haven't suffered too badly with this combination.
The 3/4 are good for warmth in the "crucial" area as well as helping to keep my thighs warm.
They'd also probably suit Hot Flatus given his particular "issue".
I don't have that problem, I just wrap it around my waist and all is good.

Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: Hedgebanger on 02 December, 2012, 09:45:10 pm
Carrier bag (Large, Med or Small ) tucked between shorts and leggings is cheaper than a pair of rainlegs .
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 02 December, 2012, 09:50:27 pm
I didn't realise Spirit of Flatus had such short legs.
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: Manotea on 02 December, 2012, 09:51:17 pm
I remember Andy's bon mot about it being so cold that his 'outie became an 'innie. At this time of year, chafing isn't so much a problem as finding it...

Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: Tewdric on 02 December, 2012, 09:56:21 pm
I have had this problem but it only really affects the very tip.

My solution is to wrap a thermal band around my left leg just above the knee.

Do you wrap yours twice round your middle too, then? 
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: jogler on 02 December, 2012, 09:58:45 pm
Twice round one's neck as a scarf works well
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: Andrew Br on 02 December, 2012, 10:02:37 pm
I remember Andy's bon mot about it being so cold that his 'outie became an 'innie. At this time of year, chafing isn't so much a problem as finding it...

I'm now remembering the pain (after eventually finding it) of peeing.
Warm liquid and cold "tissue".
Not good.

Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: Feanor on 02 December, 2012, 10:08:17 pm
There are possibly several issues here.

The numbness of which you speak may be caused by pressure on the perineum, and is fairly well-known.   Saddles with a gap in the middle are supposed to help, as is tilting the saddle forward slightly.

In regards to general chill, then simply layer up.

In regards to chaffing, that's simply a mechanical issue, and I find it's worse when wet.
If I ride a shorter distance wearing underpants, if they get wet, I will chafe.
I'd not wear underwear on a longer ride. (!)
So avoid your little cotton panties.
Apply lots of cream, esp. if it's wet or cold.
I just use the left-over sudocream from when our kids were babies!
It also seems to me that the chafing is related to the hairyness, and that hair acts as a grinding agent.
I've considered ( but not yet tried ) a bit of judicious shaving in the affected areas.
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: teethgrinder on 03 December, 2012, 08:00:42 am
Never suffered from Frosty Todger myself.
I just wear longs with padded shorts underneath.
I never knew it was a problem.
 ???


How about using Ralgex? :demon:
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: Hot Flatus on 03 December, 2012, 08:23:27 am
I have had this problem but it only really affects the very tip.

My solution is to wrap a thermal band around my left leg just above the knee.

Do you wrap yours twice round your middle too, then?

Only run it down to knee in cold weather (shrinkage)
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: Biggsy on 03 December, 2012, 08:38:28 am
I tuck mine in my left sock.

Seriously, though, how about shoving a gel hand warmer down your shorts?  I suppose it wouldn't last long, but...
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: tatanab on 03 December, 2012, 08:49:18 am
Only had frozen todger once.  About 10 years ago on a very cold very exposed road.  I bought a pair of windproof fronted undershorts (still made by Gore Bike wear) but have not used them.  If you buy any, beware that they are very tight and a little unyielding so you might want a larger size.

These days I find thermal bib tights over shorts works fine, although on very cold  days (perhaps when it has been -5 for a while so everything is damned cold) I use a pair of windproof fronted bib tights.
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: CountrySickness on 03 December, 2012, 11:25:36 am
Well that's a greater number of sensible suggestions than I was expecting :thumbsup:

On my ride yesterday I tried my windproof tights over padded 3/4 fine for a flat 40 miles but it all felt too rigid for the 8-9 hours in the saddle that a winter 200 needs. I think I'll butcher something made of roubaix fabric and stick it to the front base of an old base layer to be worn under tight shorts (and avoiding seams :o), I'll also do my next 200k on a day that's warm enough to keep my water bottles full of liquid rather than slush (or add brandy to my water bottles).

I may also take a set of Hummers' club kit in my Carradice for emergencies ;D
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 03 December, 2012, 11:29:05 am
Reading this with amusement - I've suddenly remembered that I have in the past resorted to using a sock. It was during a week when nearly every ride was in temperatures below -10C

As long as you tuck everything carefully in the sock it seems to stay in place.
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: marcusjb on 03 December, 2012, 11:37:52 am
but it all felt too rigid for the 8-9 hours

Viagra is not the best (sporting) performance enhancing drug there is you know?
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: hellymedic on 03 December, 2012, 12:13:47 pm
I tuck mine in my left sock.

Seriously, though, how about shoving a gel hand warmer down your shorts?  I suppose it wouldn't last long, but...

...the plastic envelope and filling would keep the wind off your little friend anyway.
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: Basil on 03 December, 2012, 03:05:45 pm
On a tandem would be best, if the stoker could be encouraged into reach round cupping.
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: hellymedic on 03 December, 2012, 03:08:22 pm
Suspect swapping places on a tandem would afford a gentleman rider a suitable windshield for delicate areas anyway...
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: L CC on 03 December, 2012, 05:19:14 pm
On a tandem would be best, if the stoker could be encouraged into reach round cupping.
On our tandem it's a struggle to persuade the stoker to take her gloves off for long enough to distribute rations, never mind 'cupping'.
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: Phil Tomlinson on 03 December, 2012, 08:14:58 pm
There are possibly several issues here.

The numbness of which you speak may be caused by pressure on the perineum, and is fairly well-known.   Saddles with a gap in the middle are supposed to help, as is tilting the saddle forward slightly.

In regards to general chill, then simply layer up.

In regards to chaffing, that's simply a mechanical issue, and I find it's worse when wet.
If I ride a shorter distance wearing underpants, if they get wet, I will chafe.
I'd not wear underwear on a longer ride. (!)
So avoid your little cotton panties.
Apply lots of cream, esp. if it's wet or cold.
I just use the left-over sudocream from when our kids were babies!
It also seems to me that the chafing is related to the hairyness, and that hair acts as a grinding agent.
I've considered ( but not yet tried ) a bit of judicious shaving in the affected areas.

Is that Sudocream not a bit out of date? Your oldest is 14 now!
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: Jaded on 03 December, 2012, 08:17:34 pm
Reading this with amusement - I've suddenly remembered that I have in the past resorted to using a sock. It was during a week when nearly every ride was in temperatures below -10C

As long as you tuck everything carefully in the sock it seems to stay in place.


Is it possible to buy spare socks for Action Man?
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: geraldc on 03 December, 2012, 08:27:56 pm
Liberally apply deep heat to your tackle before the ride. You will then be praying for numbness.
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: rogerzilla on 03 December, 2012, 08:43:18 pm
Never had rubbage, but numbness is common, especially with certain saddles which cut off the blood flow.  Standing up to pedal occasionally during a ride will let the blood back in; this can give a curious warm pulsating feeling as if you're wetting yourself.
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: Basil on 03 December, 2012, 08:48:46 pm
Never had rubbage,
ahh.  "Roger no mates."
 
Quote
but numbness is common, especially with certain saddles which cut off the blood flow.  Standing up to pedal occasionally during a ride will let the blood back in; this can give a curious warm pulsating feeling as if you're wetting yourself.

I thought that - then I realised that I was wetting myself.
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: geraldc on 03 December, 2012, 08:56:16 pm
So Sudocrem can also help fight nappy rash then
Title: Re: A question for the male long-distance cyclist
Post by: thesloth on 15 December, 2012, 08:22:33 am
When it gets seriously cold I don my Helly Hansen "sport wind briefs" (to stop wind coming in, not wind going out)
http://www.buachaille.com/p1057-1-52/Underwear/Helly-Hansen-Sport-Wind-Brief.html
It appears they have been discontinued, but I'm sure there are similar products.