Being a woman sucks (some days) I

Don’t take me wrong – I’m a feminist and I fight against gender inequality every day of my life. But being on a saddle for months on end, I see a serious disadvantage in being a woman, at least on the physical side and while riding a bike for a long time.

For a start, believe me – you want to ride your bike wearing seamless trousers, and no underwear or seamless underwear. Preferably both your trousers and your saddle should have some padding, and that’ll help you get to the end of a seventy-kilometre journey with less of an excruciating pain on your private parts.

You also have to decide what you want to do with your body hair ‘down there’, if you’re riding a bike. You should either keep it all for padding, or get rid of it for good via laser. I chose the second and I don’t regret it, as I find it more hygienic (although I miss the extra padding on the saddle.) Shaving or epilating that area and then going on a saddle is not an option, trust me. You’ll make your skin prone to infection or irritation and you’ll very much regret it. It’s definitely one of – leaving the whole lot for padding or laser-epilating the whole area.

For your periods I strongly recommend getting used to a menstrual cup. It uses very little space in your luggage, it’s eco-friendly and, if properly cared of, it lasts for many years. It’s a bit uncomfortable at first, particularly riding a bike, so it’s better to get used to it some months before a long trip. Make sure you follow all cleaning and storage instructions too.

As for contraception, I would suggest preservatives. Easier to find everywhere, hygienic and not so eco-friendly, but very safe against disease and pregnancy. If you’re travelling with your sex partner you may choose other options, but make sure you know very well the consequences of your decision.

This is the first of many more posts to come about this topic, ‘Being a woman sucks’. But don’t be mistaken – I love being a woman, against all odds.