Ahem… What if I need to go to the toilet while on the ride?

Don’t worry, we’ve all been there: several hours in the saddle and a few too many gulps of coffee and you find yourself silently praying that someone will shout the words ‘toilet break!’ before things get squirmy. Here is our honest guide to toilet etiquette on the trail.

The bush wee
First things first: if you need to go, you need to go. Unless you’re galloping away from a bull elephant or three minutes away from the next designated pit stop, it’s perfectly okay to call a halt! Surprisingly often, we find the majority of the riding group are thinking the exact same thing (‘I need to pee!’) so when someone speaks up and asks to stop, everyone lets out a sigh of relief. Chances are you’re not the only one who could do with a break, whether it’s to duck behind a bush or just to get some sunscreen out of a saddlebag. We all have bladders, and we all know how it feels to be busting. Don’t tie yourself in knots about stopping for a wee, and if you feel awkward about it, try laughing! It feels so much better to have a chuckle at the absurdities of life than to beat yourself up about a small and unavoidable issue.

Of course, it’s best if you can find a place with a bit of cover, but in dire circumstances, the best way to get some privacy is simply to tell the group where you will be, e.g. ‘I’m just going to walk towards that hill,’ so that all riders can politely turn away. A big jacket can also work wonders if you need to drop your pants.

To keep reading our ‘Toilet Talk’ article, click here – we also touch on differences to be aware of around the world, managing your period on a riding holiday, hygiene and health. Practical advice so you’re well informed and well prepared to avoid any embarrassing moments!