Sports & Fitness

Riding hundreds of miles on a steep incline seated on a hard, narrow piece of rubber in circulation-restricting shorts is not what anyone would call a joy ride. But once you reach the top, any cyclist will tell you it was worth it. Let’s take a moment to talk about a few grooming tips that will make sure you’re in pain only when you want to be. 

If you’re a serious cyclist, you shave your legs. "As a cyclist, the last thing you want to do is show up on a group ride with 'bushy' legs," says professional triathlete Jim Lubinski, head coach at Red Performance Multisport. "This not only looks messy, but nice smooth legs make you feel faster." Exfoliate The closer the shave, the better, so begin by first exfoliating your skin with our Body Rehab Scrub & Muscle Soak or our Face Buff Energizing Scrub. By removing the dirt and dead skin cells, your razor is able to get closer, with less chance for drag or razor burn. Shaving Cream Keep the nicks and cuts to a minimum by using any of our moisturizing shaving creams. If you want to be able to see where you are shaving, check out our Beard Lube Conditioning Shave and/or MP 10 Nourishing Oil. These work to hydrate your skin and provide good visibility while you're navigating. Or for a creamier lather, try our Supreme Cream Triple Cushion Shave Lather. "Two years ago I started using the Jack Black Energizing Face Buff on my legs prior to shaving and the Jack Black Beard Lube Conditioning Shave as my leg shaving cream, and I haven’t cut myself or had an ingrown hair yet!" says Lubinski. 

You’ve got even more skin exposed now that your legs are clean, so keep it protected. Sunscreen Use a healthy dose of Sun Guard Sunscreen SPF 45. It’s VERY moisture resistant, so it won’t wash away during sweaty summer rides. "The Sun Guard rubs in easily, stays on no matter how much I sweat and does not burn if some finds its way into my eyes," Lubinski says. Lip Protection Your lips take a beating from the wind and sun. Our Intense Therapy Lip Balm has shea butter and avocado oil to help soften and condition, plus SPF 25 to protect you from harmful UV rays. 

Recovering A tough ride can leave every muscle in your body sore, including those you didn’t know you had. Pain Relieving Cream Dragon Ice Relief & Recovery Balm sounds magical, and it basically is. It’s a soothing, pain-relieving cream with menthol and Dragon’s Blood that treats sore muscles, eases joint aches and strains and relieves tension (i.e., the results of cycling). Lubinski credits it with getting his muscles in tip-top shape for race day. Muscle Soak Body Rehab Scrub & Muscle Soak is like having a masseuse in your shower. Almost. Massage it on your skin and then take a dip in a warm bath. "It helps me relax my tight muscles and release my racing brain," says Lubinski. "I know when I am finished with the soak, I will be revitalized and ready to go again." Cheers to pushing yourself to your limit—and finding a new one.