STN's Pool of Knowledge for Women Riders

[stefrrr]

I'm glad that there are more women's options but I have found that the sizing is usually way off.

I am a plus size woman and even though I find some women's gear in my size (18) it does not fit. I tried on a size 18 jacket once and couldn't zip it over my chest. That was a nice kick to the stomach.  

Have you tried Tourmaster stuff? Also, the Olympia jacket is sized large.  

[BarbRN]

International Female Ride Day, first Friday in May (May 2 this year)

http://www.motoress.com/femalerideday2008.asp

Cool, never heard of this until now.  I will definitely try to ride to work that day.

[Mrs.BMW-K]

I just picked up a First Gear Jacket, and I'm happy to say it actually fits... the sleeves are the right length, and the elbow armor actually fits on my elbows!  At 5'4", it's been a challenge to find sleeves that don't reach past my finger tips.  It's the TPG, and I'm pretty happy with it.

[katego]

I am on my 2nd first gear jacket. It actually does fit. It also fits to zip on to my men's-size first gear pants, though those will be too big when it is time to take the winter liner out.

-k

[Mrs.BMW-K]

Okay Ladies... I have a question for you.  Do you find that you ride worse on the day or so before your period, and on the first day or two of your period?  I didn't make the connection at first... just thought I was having a really bad day, but then it happened a couple more times, and each time it was on those days for me.  Anyone else have the same experience?  

[Stargzrgrl]

Okay Ladies... I have a question for you.  Do you find that you ride worse on the day or so before your period, and on the first day or two of your period?  I didn't make the connection at first... just thought I was having a really bad day, but then it happened a couple more times, and each time it was on those days for me.  Anyone else have the same experience?  

Oh, I'm an emotional wreck the day before my period.  I shouldn't be anywhere near anyone unless they want to have their heads ripped off.    If I'm on the bike the day before my period I find riding exhausting and can not focus.  So, I tend to know it's time to park it.  

I try not to ride the first day of my period as it's really uncomfortable for me if not distracting.  I have to make more bathroom breaks and dealing with that kind of takes away the joy I get about being on the road as I'm thinking more about what's going on down below than the ride.  

And if I'm crampy all bets are off, I'm staying in being a hermit.

[bluepoof]

OK, since someone else mentioned periods...I decided to try a Diva cup instead of lugging around a metric ton of tampons this summer.  Anyone use one?  Anything I should watch out for?  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

This ought to keep the boys out!  


Trina - I've never noticed any difference when riding for different times of the month, but then again, I rarely notice those times anyway (yes, I know how lucky I am)

And Carolyn - I don't even know what you're talking about!  

[Stargzrgrl]

Ok, I googled Diva Cup:

http://www.divacup.com/

[Stargzrgrl]

Well, I think I'm sold.  

From their website:

Will The DivaCup™ work for an active lifestyle?
   
Yes! It's fantastic for swimmers, outdoor enthusiasts, aerobic classes, cycling, travelers, campers, and so on. You will feel fresh, secure, and liberated. No feminine hygiene products to pack (or run out of). No worries about staying close to a bathroom. No restrictions on physical activity. And since you can wear The DivaCup™ longer than tampons or pads you have the convenience of not having to think about your period all day long!

Now all I need is to find a remedy for the sometimes blinding cramps I get that won't put me to sleep.  

[Stargzrgrl]

Are all the women on this forum in, ahem, synchronicity?

Egads!  I hope not otherwise STN may implode!  

[LicketySplat]

I'm at the age when I'm moving beyond this stuff...

but 1. yeah, not every month, but definitely my cycles have affected my ability to ride. That can happen directly (hormonal influence on emotions) or indirectly (worse allergies or lack of sleep making me fuzzy).

and 2. yes, I use(d) a Diva cup and would recommend it. There's a little bit of a learning curve, so I wouldn't recommend getting one right before a long trip. Also, if you have heavy periods and expect to have to empty the thing in public restrooms, evaluate your own level of squeamishness, and be aware that it's much easier with a little preparation before you go into the stall.

[Mrs.BMW-K]

Ladies... I love you guys!  If this doesn't scare the guys off... nothing will  

Yosh...  my sister... thanks for the affirmation...  the lack of focus, the discomfort, the bathroom breaks... ugh!

Poof... Diva Cup??  You'll have to tell me how it works for you.  Do you have to order those, or can you get them at the local pharmacy?  I'm completely fascinated by the concept.

Dante... ah yes... I remember the days of care free periods...  the good old days!  It was a breeze until about 4 years ago... not anymore!  But, I guess I should just be glad I still have them.

Lickety... I do have heavy periods, but I'm not squeamish... just what sort of prep are we talking... a mop and bucket???

[bluepoof]

Poof... Diva Cup??  You'll have to tell me how it works for you.  Do you have to order those, or can you get them at the local pharmacy?  I'm completely fascinated by the concept.

I got mine at Whole Foods, in the cosmetics/bath stuff/lotions section.  They also have unbleached tampons, cloth pads, etc.

(TMI BELOW)

I'm actually giving it a shot right now, so I could test it out in my cycle before the long bike trip.  It's great so far!  WAY more comfortable than tampons, even just on my 14-mile-each-way commute.  

You only need to change it twice a day and, since it doesn't absorb anything or chafe, you can put it in ahead of time so you don't get that "is that it? what about now? ack!" thought 15 times a day on the first day.

I think it's going to work out great for long distance riding.  It would even work for backcountry camping -- no used materials to pack back out! Though you would need bottled/potable water to rinse the cup out.

I stumbled upon this LiveJournal community when I was researching it, and it's really helpful.  

[VIVID1]

I just picked up a First Gear Jacket, and I'm happy to say it actually fits... the sleeves are the right length, and the elbow armor actually fits on my elbows!  At 5'4", it's been a challenge to find sleeves that don't reach past my finger tips.  It's the TPG, and I'm pretty happy with it.

I just bought and I'm returning the pants for that jacket.  I don’t understand why so many ladies pants are so tight at the bottom, who wants tapered pants for motorcycle riding, they should make them all boot cut if the pants are intended to be worn on the outside of the boot   I can barely zip these over my boots, and they are too short and the butt area is too large. It’s like the proportions are all messed up.

These pants are great is you have a large rear end area but have an inseam of 28” or less and have super skinny boots and ankles. The quality of the pants are OK.

[VIVID1]

Now all I need is to find a remedy for the sometimes blinding cramps I get that won't put me to sleep.  

As for the cramps Aleve is the best, take 2 pills, not only does it alleviate the cramps for up to 12 hours but you’ll bleed less…. way less. But you have to take it as soon as you think you're getting your period.

[ReynoldsFH439]

You only need to change it twice a day and, since it doesn't absorb anything or chafe, you can put it in ahead of time so you don't get that "is that it? what about now? ack!" thought 15 times a day on the first day.

I got "The Keeper", another brand of menstrual cup that's also available at Whole Foods, in June or July of last year.  It definitely takes some getting used to, but I haven't had any leakage problems since I figured it out.  I can't speak for riding with it since I don't ride (I've been tacking on "yet" to that statement with more certainty recently, though) and I haven't ridden pillion with it yet either, but it seems to hold up to other activities.

In the TMI category:

+1 on the putting it in ahead of time, and it's also nice for the end when it's light enough to feel like a waste of a tampon but still going to require extra effort on laundry by going without. Personally, tampons always seemed to suck me dry at that point making removal a little like ripping off a bandaid ...not an issue with The Keeper.

[photomd]

Now all I need is to find a remedy for the sometimes blinding cramps I get that won't put me to sleep.  

I knew I shouldn't have clicked on this...stupid males.

Anyway, here's a suggestion about the cramps. They're thought to be caused by prostaglandins. You can decrease the prostaglandins with anti-inflamatory doses of NSAID's: ibuprofen. This is 600-800mg taken three to four times daily, and it must be taken every day for several days. If you buy the 200mg generic tabs, start with 3 at each meal when you feel your cycle coming on. It won't be the "magic bullet" like an antibiotic for a UTI, but it should take the edge off (said like a true male    ). You can dose up to 800mg 3 times a day at the next cycle if the above doesn't work. Don't go above 800mg four times daily...it's hard on the kidneys. I hope this helps. And I'm very glad I'm male, especially after treating women who suffer with bad cycles.

[stefrrr]

Now all I need is to find a remedy for the sometimes blinding cramps I get that won't put me to sleep.  

I'm with Vivid - Aleve (naproxen sodium) is an NSAID that helps with the cramps and the pain. Plus, it doesn't cause as much damage to the stomach lining as ibuprofen. I've known one or two people who said it made them sleepy, but I don't think it's a "normal" side effect.

Me, I'm pretty out of it. I get cramps, extremely anemic, distracted, the works. I can't and don't ride for two or three days usually. I missed some good riding right in the middle of my ten-day trip last summer.  

Eating a high-fiber, low-fat diet seems to be the best solution. It's also the hardest.  

[Mrs.BMW-K]

I really try to stay away from the carbs, and stick to high protein/high fiber - the carbs just make the fatigue worse for me.  I can still manage to ride, but let's just say it's a good idea for me to stick to nice straight roads, and not attempt anything twisty, unless I'm at golf cart speeds.