Use of External Catheter for Racing (or just convenience)

I use an external catheter for on-the-road urination while riding the recumbent. For upright and other bikes you might make some changes. Here is what, how and why I do it.

(Note thin white `tube’ exiting left of rider’s torso. That is the external catheter. Does not empty onto water bottle, chain or brake pads.)

Material:

• External catheter: Self-adhering male external catheter
• http://www.greatmedicalsupplies.com/supply~Rochester+Medical+(RH)~wide-band-silicone-catheter-large-36304.htm
• The medical supply company sells the catheters at different widths. Though you may be `sensitive’ about this the idea is to measure the circumference of your penis in millimeters (not feet, yards, or meters!). When you access their website order appropriately.
• Acrylic tubing. Clear. External diameter 7 mm; length 13” – 15”.
• Electrical tape or equivalent. .5” - .75” wide; 1.5” long.

How:

• Insert the tubing into the catheter extension.
• Drill a little vent hole on one side about an inch from the top of the tube (this allows the urine to flow without creating a vacuum).
• Apply tape around the connection between the tubing and the catheter so that the tube does not work itself out of the catheter while riding. Be careful not to tape over the vent hole.
• Roll the external catheter (like a condom) over the penis so that the adhering material is firmly attached. (You may need to cut your pubic hair to avoid getting it caught in the adhesive. Be careful!)
• When not riding you can discretely put the tubing in your shorts.
• When riding you can extend the tubing out of your shorts to the left side to avoid getting it fouled in the chain.
• When you are done riding you simply (and slowly) peel the catheter off the shaft of your penis. It doesn’t hurt or leave an abrasion or skin irritation.
• Remove the tape and catheter from the tubing. Wash the tubing and reuse.
• Many have said that they don’t think that they can pee on the fly. Wrong. Physics. When your bladder is full and out of room you will pee. After a while you won’t notice it.

 Why: 

• To remove any thought of trying to minimize fluid / hydration intake.
• During races some racers have to stop several times and run off to the bushes, losing valuable time.
• Simple convenience. The argument that it is unsanitary ignores the fact that cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other animals disperse many worse fluids, materials and solids on roads.
• Completely inconspicuous.
• Leaving a valuable bicycle outside a public restroom without a lock risks theft.
• Carrying a heavy chain, cable or lock to secure the bike while using a public restroom adds weight to the bike.
• Often I'd be forced to urgently run behind some barely adequate bush, some alleyway between two out-of-the-way factories, or any similar barely hidden location just to pee. And, while discreetly peeing, I would look, furtively, in all directions, fearing if I'd get arrested for public indecency /exposure.

Note:

Often persons considering the external catheter have an inhibition to the very idea. Peer comments may contribute to your own initial reluctance. For many bicycling involves peer approval and ego issues. You’ll have to make the `judgment call’ for yourself.

If you are likely to be embarrassed on a group ride (worrying that you will be seen urinating) just separate from the group for a while; pull back, to the side, etc.

For those who race bicycles this is a better option than:

• Stopping to pee;
• Slowing down to pee under or over your shorts;
• Peeing in the saddle, through your shorts;
• Underhydrating to avoid peeing.

 And What Happens When You Hold It In For Too Long?


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