Coworker saw my pannier setup and asked why I bother when I could just shower at the office
I ride 7 miles each way to my job in Denver and a guy on my team asked me yesterday why I haul a full change of clothes and a towel instead of just showering once I get there. He said he bikes in fast, gets sweaty, rinses off, and never carries more than a phone and a lock. I tried it this morning and honestly the ride felt lighter but I showed up 15 minutes early just to wait for a shower stall and still had wet hair at my desk. Now I'm wondering if I'm overpacking out of habit or if he's onto something. Does anyone here ride without a change of clothes and actually feel fine sitting at their desk after?
Read a thread on r/bikecommuting about this and a lot of people said the shower thing sounds good until you factor in the wait. One guy said his office only has two stalls for like 200 people so he gave up and just brings a small towel and baby wipes. He said he changes his shirt and socks, wipes down, and nobody has ever said anything to him in three years. I mean 7 miles is a real ride though, so maybe it depends on how hard you push. For me the wet hair thing would bug me more than carrying the bag.