Cycling after getting a tattoo

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2012-11-10 5:19 PM

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Subject: Cycling after getting a tattoo
I'm set to get my first ever tattoo tomorrow afternoon. It's going to be about two inches across and near my hipbone. Having never gotten a tattoo before, I don't know what to expect. I'll be up in VT and would love to go on a ride the next day. Will I be able to do this, or will having a fresh tattoo, or worse, the location, hinder me from doing this? Was hoping some previously inked BT members could let me know whether or not I should be packing up my bike gear...

2012-11-10 6:14 PM
in reply to: #4493198

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Subject: RE: Cycling after getting a tattoo
i have multiple tattoo's and have had no problems with them, i would lay off swimming until it's healed,keep it greasy with Vaseline and once it has scabs watch out that you don't tear or rub them off as you might lose color.you can always put some kind of bandage over it to protect it

Edited by Drago 2012-11-10 6:15 PM
2012-11-10 6:15 PM
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Subject: RE: Cycling after getting a tattoo
Drago - 2012-11-10 6:14 PMi have multiple tattoo's and have had no problems with them, i would lay off swimming until it's healed,keep it greasy with Vaseline and once it has scabs watch out that you don't tear or rub them off as you might lose color.
. This just makes me wince.
2012-11-10 6:35 PM
in reply to: #4493198

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Subject: RE: Cycling after getting a tattoo
Thanks for the input. Not swimming shouldn't be an issue. It's my least favorite of the three, so now that the season is over, I don't plan on hitting the pool again until after the new year!
2012-11-10 7:01 PM
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Subject: RE: Cycling after getting a tattoo
First and foremost congrats on new ink.  Talk to your artist.  They will be able to tell you what you should and should not do.  I agree with no swimming until it is healed.  However, I would never, ever, ever put vaseline on fresh ink.  In fact I would not use anything that my artist does not specifically say.  If they say only use "Aveeno", then just use "Aveeno".  This is what I have used for years, but I would not substitute forum posts over what your artist says.  It is their industry and they know what works and what does not.  I have gotten slightly different advice from the artists I have had, but some of what they said was uniform, "never use anything that says ointment on the packaging", etc.  Remember, you are paying them for their talent and their advise on your body markings.  Keep in mind that most of the things that help your body heal are aimed at getting the "foreign body out of your system"  you do not want to remove the pigment that was just put there.  Again, congrats on the new ink, no doubt it will not be your last.
2012-11-10 8:45 PM
in reply to: #4493198

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Subject: RE: Cycling after getting a tattoo

I have large tattoos on both hips and the next day after each I was just as active as I was before I got them. Congrats on the new ink! I still love my first one and 13 tattoos later I still love each and every one of them.

But back to your question. I would consult with your artist and also go by how you feel. Just because  myself and others have gone back to our daily lives does not mean that you may or may not want to. Be sure to post pics once its done!!!!

2012-11-10 9:12 PM
in reply to: #4493198

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Subject: RE: Cycling after getting a tattoo
Thanks for the advice, everyone. I will definitely be consulting with the artist as well, just wanted to get some opinions here so I knew whether I should even bother packing gear for the ride. It's sounding like it's a possibility though, so that's good!

Beth, I'll definitely snap a pic either tomorrow or definitely once it's heals up. I'll let you know when I've posted it. I'm sure it won't be nearly as impressive as any of yours. Thirteen sounds pretty serious!
2012-11-12 8:15 AM
in reply to: #4493198

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Subject: RE: Cycling after getting a tattoo

I personally would avoid tight fitting clothing over the area for the next few days/week. (For one, it will bleed ink for awhile. For two, you don't want any rubbing or friction on it.)

As the others have said, ask your artist. I've had different protocols from different folks, but they all seem to agree on: Don't soak it. Avoid hot showers. Keep it uncovered after the first 8 hours or so. No tight fitting clothing, scratching, itching, rubbing, or picking.

2012-11-12 9:11 AM
in reply to: #4493198

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Subject: RE: Cycling after getting a tattoo

x whatever on asking the artist - agree completely.

I might be just a bit cautious about getting on a bike the next day.  Two reasons, IMO. 

First one: depending on how big and your reaction, it might be quite uncomfortable (I have one on my upper thigh about 3'x2.5', and it took several days to not "notice" it as I recall - was a while ago, and I didn't ride after, but recall how it felt...). 

Second: the image is going to be there for a while, you hope(!), and I'd be concerned about anything that might monkey with it. 

If your artist says you're gtg and you don't feel it - pedal on.  Otherwise, I'd be a bit cautious. 

YMMV!

2012-11-12 9:30 AM
in reply to: #4493198

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Subject: RE: Cycling after getting a tattoo
I asked my artist and he said he thought it was fine if I wanted to go on a ride. Just easing back into a routine after taking the last couple of months off, so it will only be 20-30M. It's pretty small, probably not even 2" across so hopefully it won't feel too bad.

As a side note, I'll be the first to admit that I was a complete wuss while I was getting it. The artist and my brother said, "It can't be worse than the IM", but I thought it was much worse!
2012-11-12 11:05 AM
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Subject: RE: Cycling after getting a tattoo

So it's done?  Congrats (or some similar sentiment...). 

I remember getting mine, I broke out in a sweat.  Didn't say boo (I was younger by ~20 years than I am now, and that seemed important then...), but I did start sweating and my heart rate bumped!  I found it very unpleasant at the time, but stopped at a local brewery on the way back (Portsmouth Brewery in NH) - after, NOT before (in case any of my kids read this - I was SOBER and ~25 years old when I made the decision!) - and all was right with the world... 

Hope the ride goes well and that you enjoy your tatoo!

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