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Monday, September 21, 2009

Social Awareness...

Experts say that humans have far fewer Olfactory receptor neurons than other primates and mammals, but let's face it, unless you're French, you can recognize the stomach-turning scent of B.O. from a mile away. Whether it's some unshaven Smith College graduate, the bum under the bridge, or that smug jackass next to you on the Eurorail, in some form, you've been assaulted.

When packing toiletries for this trip, my trusty Old Spice High Endurance in the 'Pure Sport' flavor was at the top of the list. Even if I haven't had a shower, this stuff gets slapped on in the morning. Not that I'm particularly smelly, but because even though for 9 or 10 hours I might be on the bike away from humanity, even the stoned convenience store clerk I come across for 60 seconds buying my water doesn't deserve to be violated by an entirely preventable aroma.

And if you happen to be on a cross-country cycling trip, I think you'll find that deodorant might be the primary factor in whether people are interested in, or grossed out by what you're up to. Use the late Richard Daley's advice as a guideline for use: Early, and often.

3 comments:

  1. update this thing and let us know where you are. obviously you are keeping your head down too much. raise up and smell the roses.

    Jim L.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hope your going to stop and visit in CA - your uncle Russ

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Ben, whats been happening, where are you?

    ReplyDelete