I expect I'm not the only viewer for whom this is the first contact with your channel. Frank, concise and honest discussion about a potentially awkward topic that makes such a big difference day-to-day is much appreciated, and delivered with the confidence of someone who has learned lessons through hard experience. I've subscribed and look forward to learning more!
@@Gentleman...Driverum why because you dont have any? Need to have someone tell you how to ask wifey for them back?😂😂😂😂😂😂sorry bud you left yourself wide open on that one😂😂😂😂
Excellent video. You can have the right bike, the right, suspension and tires, and the right gear, and none of that will matter if you’re miserable in the nether regions. Everyone who rides a lot knows exactly what I’m talking about. Great info…
On my 2600 Tour on a CT125 (reknown for being uncomfortable) I had an inflatable seat. My backside was in agony for the First 2 Days, then on the Isle of Wight, a guy called Skelly said, why have you fully inflated your inflatable seat? He said I needed to take all but the last of the air from it so that my bum could find it’s level….it was Game-changing… VIVA! Dean
Pressure point is always my painful part. Just bought some seamless padded shorts so hopefully that'll help. Last year my wife and I attended the women in motorcycling exhibition, and a really interesting speaker was a lady stunt rider. For the first time in over fourty years of riding it was the only time I've heard a female rider talk about how periods effect her moods and riding ability. I know a fair number of female riders including wives and partners but it was an eye opener to hear her, maybe it's still a taboo subject. Never seen a mention in the bike press or even social media, yet something that effects thousands of riders every month..
Same for many female athletes including runners, also swimmers and team sports players. Imagine being a female floor gymnast with a final performance to do but the hormones causing near depressive distraction. A part of human life yet hushed up by stupid social morals - or really antisocial.
@@TheGirlOnABikeHave you looked into comments about this from women who have changed to exclusively carnivore diets? I've been eating only carnivore for 15 months - fatty grass fed rump steak and salt, most days a barramundi fillet, and plenty of spring water and mineral water. Strongly positive effects on body, including rapid injury recovery, and on mind, better focus, more stable mood. Do you know of Charlene Anderson? If not try searching charlene anderson carnivore. Her open approach to this topic is similar to yours. Interview with her perhaps?
A couple little tips that might serve some people: - Talcum powder, also known as baby powder. This is something that hiking and military service introduced me to. Use it anywhere you want to keep dry. Excellent used after washing up, such as when you camp for the night, as it will keep that chafed skin dry and comfortable. I often use it inside my socks as well. I guess you could use it during the ride too, though I'm not sure how it would work together with chamois creme. Note: If the skin is actually broken, then probably best to use some medicinal creme like Vanessa recommends. - Make sure your skin gets to breathe at night. If you have to use underwear, then maybe it's best to have something other than cotton as it's quite good at collecting moisture. Perhaps some airy merino wool would be good? - When using chamois creme, do not double dip. Especially if your friend is giving you some of theirs because you didn't get any. 😅
I absolutely love seeing people discussing important topics that most are uncomfortable talking about as they help so many people, when i eventually start riding i will be sure to remember these tips thank you 🙏💖
well explained Vannessa my wife and I have just completed a 3992 mls tour of France and Spain in some extreme 40 degree temps my wife now understands why I keep banging on about the correct gear.
Germoline FTW, been using that for multi-day arduous conditions for years as a biker and a fire-fighter, which is an incredibly sweaty and chafey job that no one seems to offer advice about managing 😂 Makes sense that endurance cyclists would have all the best tips and tricks though, pretty much the tip of the spear in terms of heroic levels of suffering! Really good vid with great tips for powered two wheelers of any gender, and admirable bluntness from V.R. Kudos folks!
Oh yey! It is amazing right, i swear by it for almost everything! Glad to hear you have found the magic of it too! Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it, goodluck with the fire fighting and take care, very appreciative of your service work
I used to do dirt jump and pump track riding on bicycle so I have those under garments that have hip pads. I also have the seat concepts comfort seat. I worked on a dairy farm when I was a kid and used bag balm on the cows udders that works good for chapped but cheeks. liked this one Vanessa 💯😎👍
Thank you!!! I learned that kegal excersize is also a good way to prevent a bladder prolapse- which women can get from lifting things that are too heavy (like a 500lb adventure bike) especially if you’ve had children.
Nothing sexier than a honest English girl on a motorbike. You sound like your from the south too, which means i dont need a translator 😂 new sub right here.
Hello this was very funny and very informative. Thank you very much but as an old man on a motorbike ther was nothing new! This is what we do on long distance ride for the last 35 years. So you are absolutely right with what you said!
Thank you Vanessa. I'm relieved now. I've been wearing very similar layers when on weekend rides of a couple of thousand kilometres. So thank you very much for your advice. It definitely works and stops Monkey Butt. 😁👍
Bravo girl........not being shy about this is perfect,and don't go thinking we guys don't have this problem,I am an atv monitor/guide and spend between 4 to 6 hrs per day EVERYDAY with my bottom on a seat on a tropical island.I DO know what you're talking about!!!!!cheers to you girl an keep riding for our pleasure.❤
Aw thank you, oh yup its a very real problem for guys and girls it just seems not many people talk about it 🤷♀️ but that sounds like an amazing job woo
Well, I'm too cheap for quality seat but, just recently rode 1200 miles between Texas and Arkansas on my Super Tenere. Last day, 507 miles in 100-109F was absolutely brutal. One thing that really changed my bum experience was switching my undies to bamboo. They vary in quality from feeling almost naked to having tiny bit too much support. But, the right ones are hard to beat. Comfy, light, drying fast. Bamboo cool is my brand of choice for long day in the saddle.
Great vid! I have a cycling background, this has been my motorcycling secret for riding longer miles for years, always wondered if anyone else used them! Assos makes very good kit.
+1 on the custom seat. I bit the bullet on a Russell Day Long seat for my road bike. I did a shake-down run and rode 3 days in a row 700-700-500 miles and had no soreness in my backside. I've never been able to ride for more than a few hours without pain in my backside until I bought that seat.
Just found your channel , you have the down-to-earth attitude to succeed in anything . I've been riding road-bikes for over 50-yrs and it takes so-much skill and determination to do what you're doing . You will inspire many I think . Dave nz
Hi Vanessa, I started riding motorbikes when I was 16 and I am now 85, so I have plenty of experience with Monkey Butt. A few years ago I discovered Moto - Skiveez padded Jock's for motorcyclists, I wear them over normal Jock's and work quite. I see from your video you wear something similar but made for push bikes. From Neil Collard in Australia.
Developed Coccyx pain recently and biking is becoming difficult for me specially since I ride a husky which isn't very comfortable. I was thinking something like a cycling shorts but thanks for introducing me to Moto-skiveez.
Very nice insight on problems with extreme riding, nice little vid’ fortunately i dont ride in extreme deserts, but wearing leathers is a bit sticky in the hot weather, but its a life saving item.. the number of motorcyclists i see running with no protection on..unbelievable.
You can still use some of these tips for your leathers, like the base layers, it might give you some relief. And totally agree, protection is of utmost importance!
Happy to see Matt at Caulfield getting a shout out. He does all my bike seats. Great bloke! Definitely gonna invest in some cream too! Never heard of that stuff so thanks Vanessa.
I would add that I did all my aerobics on a standard upright stationary bike. Still do, though I haven't raced desert for a decade or three. Discomfort on the stationary bike pays you back on race day by toughening up your bum. I also did all the stuff mentioned in the video, all good information.
Great content and comments! Stumbling through the dark makes no one a fantastic climber or runner or MC rider! Knowledge and experience will see you through. Good Rides
As a man, I think your tips are excellent. They are taken from real life and are really very helpful. congratulations on that! Best regards from Switzerland😉
From my endurance cycling days, 8 panel shorts with bib, for a better fit. Anti chafing cream or chamois creme like you say. Wash/ alternate shorts daily. If you get sores or chafing use surgical spirit to dry and clean the skin rather than a greasey cream.
Great advice! I'm a first time watcher. Real question: How do you keep your hair from getting completely knotted up? Do you have a video about that? Thanks! I'll have to check out more of your vids. Cheers!
Thanks for the tips and for being direct ad concise (no add, lenghty explanations, blabla...) I use vaseline or Mitosyl (baby cream) as well as a saddle cover (cheaper than a custom saddle)
I do not know if anyone has said this, but after finishing the Africa Eco Race, another tip I can give to you is to apply baby powder in your gloves (a lot of it) in the morning. Helps suck up moisture and thereby avoiding blisters in your hands. This tip is a life-saver.
Nice, thanks for the practical tips. I was using an AirHawk on my Tenere 700, loved it for the whole 4 hours i got to use it on the road, then I went off road and lost it somewhere within 40 minutes of being on the Italian off road passes… DOH!! Custom seat is next I think…
Cycling, when i was young, somehow i simply got used to the seat and monkey but wasn't a thing. This endurance and in the heat thing is a much different problem. No one likes fungal growth now do they! Carry some dactarin /hydrocortisone, just in case, also, and my real point for commenting, never ever wear boxers for riding anything, that goes X10 for horses. Keep going Vanessa, you're awesome.
Excellent video. Thanks. My wife mentioned discomfort on her mountain bike seat on rough riding. We're getting a different seat, but the padded shorts and cream are new to me. Thanks.
I have custom seats on all of my motorcycles. No different than custom suspension, worth every penny. Very much like a custom tailored suit vs off the rack suits; it just fits better and makes you feel better.
An additional tip that isn't relevant to racing but is very useful on long-distance touring and big dual-sport trips: Change positions often, and cycle between them. My usual rotation is between sitting on the seat, standing on the pegs, and sitting with one leg (my right/brake leg usually) tucked under your butt (really!). Obviously no good when you're doing technical riding, but when you're cruising on easy terrain for miles, rotating between these three positions can add hours of riding time in a day before your butt tells you to quit.
Nice post. I generally tend to wear Lycra shorts under mesh. I buy a really good saddle and then break myself in at the start of the season. I didn’t know about the butt cream, so thanks for the top tip 😊
Great info! When I used to ride my bicycle a lot, the Assos chamois cream was the best I ever tried! And good padded shorts a must--(Assos knickers my fav)--and makes so much sense for motorcycling too! And compression socks/tights!
Very useful info. I did 8 days on my bike through death valley and afterwards didn’t touch my bike for a while because I was so saddle sore. I got the good seat, now I just need the cycle shorts. I wear compression underwear when I ride, I find them quite comfy.
This will make your bottom really happy. Works magic. No affiliate just a tourers suggestion. Coolcovers in the UK Ledbury. I am from the Netherlands btw.
Absolutely DO NOT wear cotton underwear beneath the cycling shorts. The chamois pad in the cycling shorts is designed to interface directly with your skin with the aid of chamois cream. Purchase as many pairs of cycling shorts as needed to maintain a rotation and launder them after every ride. This advice applies for men and women riding pedal bikes and motorcycles.
Very interesting. As a mountain biker and a motorcycle rider I do share much between the disciplines but I’d not thought of the chamois cream which makes sense. And having suffered from a UTI in the past I can vouch it’s something to be avoided.
I've not had that problem, but I know people who have - even on shorter TET/ACT days on much milder enduros than your rally bike. Good information, thanks, Günter/Nürnberg
I wear the merino base layers from a mountain store ...cheaper then the motorbike shops for basically the same products ,over some mesh budgie smugglers ,game changer ..gonna try the mamal shorts next ,heard about them but never needed so far, another arrow for the quiver
The secret is out, Germaline. Apply to a rash before bedtime, it’s gone by the morning 👍😊 Magic stuff, I take it on every road tour, so I’ll now pack for off road too 🎉 Not tried on the lips, great tip 🤩
I take my hat off to you guys wearing all that protective gear during races in that heat. Just the normal road protective gear in Africa during summer makes me sweat bullets
I only happened to find out about the cycling short trick by happenstance when it was too hot for my baselayers and wanted baselayers shorts under my touring moto pants. I was pleasantly surprised on that 700km day in the saddle!
Im an older male with bad sciatica and absolutely none of the products I bought were able to alleviate the pain I endured even riding short distances. In my later life I took up motocross and learned to properly load weight to the foot pegs not the seat itself. Ive never had any issues with my butt or sciatica since. Yes it takes time and training to adjust to proper riding posture, load weight to your legs and develop the required stamina on long rides. Proper riding posture solved all my issues without any products mods or purchases. I wear whatever I want and dont care about the seat quality on any of my bikes
@@ansmerek I can 100% see how that came across badly. I’m sorry. I think I was reading it as you saying basically, “just ride with better posture/don’t use aftermarket stuff,” etc. In reading your post again, I understand better that you have chosen a style of riding that requires you to be basically standing the whole time you ride, and that this works better for you. That is totally badass, and I’m sorry I misinterpreted. Have a great day!
@@trumpetreneau not standing all the time just loading some force on the pegs to alleviate some pressure off the seat. I tried every product out there. Some helped but never solved my issues. For others who may have similar health issues don't give up. What works for one person may not work for someone else. Find what is right for you. Cheers and happy riding
I didn't realise you were going to be English - I thought you were going to be a yank. Having raced motocross for years, it's great to see girls getting into motocross, enduro and other extreme sports. Respect! 👌😎
@@TheGirlOnABike Me too. Looking forward to the new 1300 GS coming out at the end of October - Halloween, 'trick or GS?'..... Good to see a Brit flying the flag in extreme motorcycling! Good luck with your extreme exploits. Go, girl!👌😎👊
No underwear under cycling shorts is key. Clean shorts each day also. Chammy cream helps. I use one called BumButter, it also has male and female versions. The Assos one you have AFAIK has a minty/tea tree sort of a twang to it, I don't really like that. A good local bicycle shop will have some small sachets you can buy for pennies to try different types.
As an old-school (and long time ago) enduro rider, we used A&D Ointment, smeared all over the nether regions that contact the seat. Made a HUGE improvement and avoided monkey butt. Smelly, and not the best on underwear or riding gear, but it worked!
When I used to race (motocross, the hardest seats) - many years ago) I worked out bike shorts were the go (because of the pads), and after a little thought - I worked out they were more effective back to front - because the pad protects the more tender region that way around.
@@TheGirlOnABike Last year, after my 2nd day of my first long distance trip ( 5500 km) , I bought a pair of bicycle shorts . Even though I have them at home, but offcourse never figured to pack some because they are not "motorcycle"" . (I accidentally bought a women model, but that actually worked out in my favor, as a motorcycle saddle is wider than a bicycle saddle, and generally women have wider pelvis, so the padding is wider. ) That really increased the comfort on 10h days at 40°C, now they come on every multi day trip. And as they are synthetic, easily rinsed in the evening and dry in the morning.
Good one. I myself found the padded cycle pants irritated me at the point it is sewn in on the perimeter. I use Under Armour unlined bicycle shorts, and a handful of chamois cream. For me as a man I also found the hair on my ars is tugged and pulled in every direction while riding. So back of the bumm is shaved. And for irritation nothing works better for me than Triaminic athletes foot anti fungal cream. I would think a female with their monthly issue would certainly have issues. I still get sore way too quickly along back of the thigh where the bumm and leg join.
Great video for prolly anyone, really.. I'm kinda lo-tech atm, think i am just going to drape a cotton towel over the seat to absorb my sweat, which can then air dry once i get off the seat. This has always been my solution with the ride-on mower on hot days of extended mowing. But the products shown here could be of real value (if avail in the US) to we casual riders 👍 thx ~
For dirtbiking I stand as much as possible. It helps me keep better control, and saves me from chafing too easily. On long rides the 2x4 seats don't help much when I get too tired and start actually using the seat. Haven't done anything as long as that rally though.
Great tips! I had no idea about this until after my first week touring on a bike in the searing heat of all places the lake district ?! Also totally agree on the utter uselessness of lip salve in hot weather. I have been using sudocrem but will now try germolene 👍
Thanks as normal for your lovely honest and approachable videos. One tip for undies maybe and I swear by them in general is step one they bamboo and they do seamless also keep riding stay safe and enjoy 0:03
Since you are borrowing from cycling tips (Assos is the best shammy cream brand and they have great cycling shorts too!), you should go all the way. It's a big no-no in cycling to wear panties or any normal underwear under your cycling shorts. It is really more confortable without since cotton panties will keep some moisture on your skin. You may have to bring more cycling short with you when you travel since the may take longer to dry than boxers and you want to wear them sparking clean to further prevent rashes. Great video on a topic I know about: I will trust you with the rest of your content!
biggest thing that helped with my bum comfort was going from a single cylinder bike to a bike with 2 cylinders. Of course, that is a pretty expensive option in and of itself.
I work as a wildland fire fighter/Sawyer. I have years of experience. There is only one way to avoid monkey butt. You have to work in the maximum strength Goldbond all up into your crack. My colleagues refer to it as swamp butt but it’s the exact same thing as monkey butt. People just use different terminology.
