Originally Posted by carleton

A small shop rag in your track sack is great for wiping down chainrings and cogs when you remove them. (When I remember to bring one) it's a great habit to get into while resting between efforts. It really keeps the black chain oil smudges from getting all over the place.

While recovering, I'd wipe down a chainring and cog while even getting in between each tooth and found it sort of relaxing.

I'd also wipe the surface of the chain occasionally to get the oil that had migrated out as well as surface grit.