I find I have the same problem if I try to do it every other day, it's just to soon since the last time I shaved, and the skin gets irritated. Basically, I shave once a week and that works out pretty well. The hair never gets too long to be a problem, and no red bumps.
Another thing that can help to keep it smooth in general, would be to put some lotion on right after you shave. That helps keep the bumpies away for me. I think any lotion would work, but I typically use ones from Victoria's Secret if that makes a difference.
I would say just try letting a few more days go in between, see if that helps. Also, there are lots of threads about shaving already on the board, use the search function and check some of those out.