On the road: If you just need a shower…

My friend Steve Frey, who used to be a trucker, wrote me with this advice about finding showers on the road, which is really helpful because by the end of the riding day it's often too late (dark, cold) to want to shower, and who wants to get their hair wet in the morning and put it in a helmet? So here you go – thanks Steve!

I know you prefer campgrounds, but modern truck stops usually have better
showers with locking doors or hotel-style keyed entry. These shower rooms are
unisex, separate from the restrooms, and are cleaned after every use. They also
have a sink, toilet and mirror.

Typically, a trucker will get a free shower ticket or credit for every 100 gal.
of fuel he buys, so he ends up with more than he needs. Or he can just pay $5 +
$5 deposit for the towels and soap. Women travelers may have to pretend that
they are with a trucker, but usually a female cashier will be sympathetic. You
may want to go in the back and check it out first. You can also get on the C.B.
radio (ch17 or 19) and ask if anyone has any extra tickets or credits. You want
to do this during the day if possible; at night there will likely be a waiting
list, especially during the week when all the truckers are on the road. Most
truck stops allow non-truckers to shower or don't even ask. Just say you need to
get a shower (like you do this all the time) and play it by ear.

The older type of truck stop showers are free, but are located in the restrooms
and may not be secure, private, or even clean. Some resemble the kind we had
in the Army with an open room and several shower heads. I've also seen these in
France and England, on their major motorways.

So the next time you pass a travel center, please stop and investigate!

Other places to find showers

• The beach. (Always take a bathing suit when traveling.)
• Public swimming pools
• University locker rooms
• Military bases. Some are open to the public. Say you want to visit the museum (they all have museums).
• Factories, large repair shops.
• Heavy Truck dealers.
• YMCAs & YWCAs
• Fitness clubs
• Homeless shelters
• Add yours here!