House of Bren: How I Stay Fresh While Cycling

Cooking and eating are a huge part of my daily existence. It’s what makes my heart stay in a happy place. Ask me to host an impromptu dinner party and I’m game. The thrill of throwing together a shindig for loved ones where food is the centerpiece is fodder for organic entertaining and guiltless noshery. It’s only the next day I find myself in a quasi-remorseful mood for overeating, probably in a negligent way. My food way of life is why I mindfully took up cycling again, after more than a decade of watching my bike sit idle, hitting the gym and taking up trapeze in the interim.

In the short two years I’ve been back on the saddle, I’ve learned by observation and increasing practice that the avid – that is non-pro- cycling community is– is largely driven by the mantra “ride to eat.” Works well for me. An average weekend day ride can be anywhere from 40-65 miles. There’s the requisite stop at mile marker 20 to enjoy a small enough bite to not forgo the real reward; but big enough to keep the legs fueled up for any unplanned hill climbing. By the end of the ride, no matter the challenge of fighting the ebb and flow of rolling hills, paired with non-idyllic weather, this girl and the rest of the crew—mostly men in my small circle of compadres – are left with the unapologetic aroma of fruitful perspiration. 65 miles in 80 heat, with 30% humidity is a perfect recipe for major sweating. Fortunately, our cycling kits are engineered with material and fabrics that wicks sweat well. In other words, it’s important our cycling clothes have good airflow and breathability that provide good dryness throughout the ride. Especially during and immediately after those 45 minute rest stops.

After 10,000+ hours of research with over 500 noses across multiple countries, Secret learned that 70% of women switch deodorants because they believe their bodies have a grown accustomed to their everyday product. — Secret

In my search for efficient gear and high performance techniques, I have found my pre-ride preparation is key to a successful ride. Some shave legs for aero benefits. I focus on sunblock and deodorant/antiperspirant. Protecting myself from over-the-top wetness and reducing the amount of sweating are top priorities. I recently started using clear gel deodorant from Secret’s all-new Fresh Collection, which is doing the trick! The smell-good deodorant is seriously the answer to my cycling needs. Not only have they kept me dry but also leave behind fresh smelling whiffs of lavender as I zip by my riding buddies. I’d rather them associate me with a patch of flow-y Luxe Lavender or Chill Ocean than an unpleasant case that a century ride can leave behind. That’ll certainly invite more group rides and even get me a bottomless mimosa during a long weekend ride!

I fell in love with the new collection after I realized that I stayed mostly dry and smelled relatively fresh after a long ride, something not so common in the cycling community. We all get it. We’re all walking around with a bit of good funk 😉 But the hidden trick in Secret’s new products is their use of patented Fade Resistant Scent Technology. It allows women to experience the fragrance benefits for up to 48 hours after application. I’m for sure showering within 30 minutes of a ride, if ending at home, so I’m not too concerned about it holding up for two days. But I am fully queued into the idea of staying as fresh smelling as possible for those rides that end at a winery. Next best thing to a shower is wiping down and freshening up.

Of their 11 new scents, my appeal is to the Luxe Lavender and Paris Rose. Both of my favorites invoke a similar feeling to that of my favorite perfume scents. You know how you are drawn to one perfume over another because the smell does well with your natural chemistry? Or because some perfumes last all day, now matter how active you are? Well, the same applies with the Secret Fresh Collection deodorants. After some time — about 3 weeks in my case – those two scents grew on me the most. An occasional whiff reminded me that my new deodorant was in full effect, working even when I’m taking it easy. As long as it’s putting in work while I’m peddling, we’re good! So happy I can now permanently add Secret’s Fresh Collection deodorant to my bike gear bag, always helping me to stay fresh. .

Ladies! Learn more about Secret’s Fresh Collection and find the scent that’s best for you. If I could have them all, I would! For now, the Luxe Lavender, Paris Rose, and Classic Cocoa Butter are my top faves. Here’s to a fresh smelling body, all day, every day. Because a fit {and fresh} chick is a sexy chick.

*This post is a sponsored collaboration and brand partnership with Secret Deodorant. All opinions are my own and honest.