Saddle Sore Women—Summer's Coming
Welcome (Back) to the Saddle, Sore Newsletter
Wow, times flies! It's been a really busy few months, but as summer is creeping up (it was 90 degrees in Canada this weekend, so you know it's almost here!), I wanted to send out a newsletter as a friendly reminder that as the weather heats up and riding gets sweatier, it's even more important to be taking super good care of your "lady parts" when riding.
In this newsletter, I've got a few tips for keeping everything running smoothly over the summer, and as usual, I'll be traveling all over North America to spread the word and play on bikes. If you're interested in having a "Girl Talk" at a shop, cafe, or event (or if you have any burning or itching questions—pun obviously and unapologetic-ly intended), get in touch by emailing me at mjhurford [at] gmail.com. To follow along to see where I'll be, follow me on Twitter at @mollyjhurford and if we're in the same place, say hi!
Stay rad,
Molly
Cycle for Sight and "Saddle, Sore"
The Cycle for Sight Ride in Toronto is a cause that’s really near and dear to my heart, so when our friend asked if Peter and I would be up for participating, I was psyched. I rarely ask people to help me fundraise, but in this case, I think it's worth it—and I’m throwing in some perks for those who make donations.
In June, I’m participating in Cycle for Sight 2015 – a fundraiser in support of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, which is Canada’s leading charity funding vision research.
For those of you who donate $25, I'll send an e-copy of "Saddle, Sore" to you (and you can give it to a friend if you already have it). If you donate $50 or more, I'll send you a print copy, and some swag for the high-rolling donors. Find more info on donating here.
Cold as Ice
It's summer and that's awesome. But all that sweat can lead to some rashes in some less-than-fun spots. Your quick fix?
Cool off as soon as you're off the bike! Take a cool shower and wash your lady parts carefully, and then make sure every nook and cranny is dry before you put on new clothes. Make sure you're totally cooled off, since otherwise, you'll just keep sweating into your nice dry clothes and potentially end up with heat rash, or create a cozier spot for bacteria, fungus and saddle sores to crop up.
Can't cool down after your shower? Naturopath Lia Sonnenburg suggests an ice pack near (not directly on) your lady bits until the sweating has stopped. She also suggests, especially if you're finding yourself itchy and rash-y after a hot ride, using a drop or two of witch hazel diluted with some cool water and applied as an astringent on the annoying areas.
And, between you and I, a post-ride icy margarita is good way to cool off too! (But not nutritionally advisable.)
Know a junior woman? Make sure she downloads her FREE Mini-Saddle, Sore copy here.
If you don't already have a copy of Saddle, Sore, you can buy one here.
A few of my favorite reads...
Badass Women Bike
I recently wrote about working with some seriously badass women in the cycling world, and I was just blown away by how many people were in agreement and keen to share their stories of the amazing women in the cycling industry. Do you have any mentors or friends who've helped you in cycling? Post a group shot of you or share your story on the SaddleSoreWomen.com Facebook page!
My latest project, The Bike Life: Clinics and Conversations, has been going really well. Cycling skills coach Peter Glassford and I have teamed up to produce a series of skills clinics and womens-only (and unisex) conversations across the country (lots on the East Coast and Ontario). You can check out our calendar for the full schedule, or let us know where you'd like to see our clinic!