Winter Cycling - runny nose + cold

So I've had a cold for the past 2 weeks, and cycling in this weather only exacerbates my runny nose. Problem is, I don't really want to stop mid-journey to get a tissue/handkerchief to blow my nose, particularly on a busy road.

So what do you lot usually do when this happens??

that's what the terrycloth patch is for on winter cycling gloves.

Snot rockets. :D

I saw a guy using terry cloth wristbands. I am thinking of trying it.

I also saw winter cycling gloves with a terry cloth patch on the back of the thumb.

Snot rockets. :D

+1 but you might want to double check that no one is drafting you... :eek:

+1 but you might want to double check that no one is drafting you... :eek:

Riding to work on a cold snowy morning, I don't think there is much danger of that. ;)

If the flow is light, I use the terry thumbs of my gloves (that's what they are there for!)

If the flow is a bit heavier, I use the terry thumbs of my gloves, the rest of my gloves, and my sleeve

If the flow is getting a bit out of hand, I go to snot rockets. That usually takes care of it.

Snot rockets. Just make sure your balaclava is clear first. :(

Put your finger aside your nose and blow. It's called a 'Hoosier Hankie'. I can say that, because I'm from Indiana.

If you ride long enough you eventually don't even notice the snot. I know it is time to wash my tights when it looks like they have been tie-died. :eek: Blowing snot rockets is not a great deal of fun when it is -10 wind chill. The beauty of winter clothing is that it isn't hard to find something soft and absorbant to wipe your nose on if you must.

Nobody said Winter Cycling was pretty.

is there a technique to tilt your head while launching a snot-rocket so that it doesn't end up on yourself? maybe aim forward and to the side or something...

as disgusting as it may sound, you all probably know how satisfying it feels to be able to breathe mucus-free after a good healthy snot rocket:D

is there a technique to tilt your head while launching a snot-rocket so that it doesn't end up on yourself? maybe aim forward and to the side or something...

as disgusting as it may sound, you all probably know how satisfying it feels to be able to breathe mucus-free after a good healthy snot rocket:D

I had a terrible time mastering the snot rocket until a friend gave me a few tips. Here they are:

1. Only one nostril at a time. I was trying to do a "double" and that is a much higher mastery level than I'll probably ever reach.

2. Aim under your arm. I was trying to do an "over the shoulder" and that is just messy!!

So I lean a little to the right, close my left nostril with my right hand (reaching over the nose), raise my right elbow (creating a raised wing-like effect), put my nose in a position where my nostrils are pointing right at the ground, and blow. And then lean a little to the left, close the right nostril with the right hand ... etc. for the other one.

hahahaha... so true though!

I had a terrible time mastering the snot rocket until a friend gave me a few tips. Here they are:

1. Only one nostril at a time. I was trying to do a "double" and that is a much higher mastery level than I'll probably ever reach.

2. Aim under your arm. I was trying to do an "over the shoulder" and that is just messy!!

So I lean a little to the right, close my left nostril with my right hand (reaching over the nose), raise my right elbow (creating a raised wing-like effect), put my nose in a position where my nostrils are pointing right at the ground, and blow. And then lean a little to the left, close the right nostril with the right hand ... etc. for the other one.

I go over the arm, easier to see what's behind me before I let er rip. Of course I got lots o' power in this schnoz! ;)

what I hate about snot rockets; are you always good enough to clear your gore tex sleeves. Hate it when that rocket mass freezes on impact. and one wonders why people woose out on cold weather rides.

I go over the arm, easier to see what's behind me before I let er rip. Of course I got lots o' power in this schnoz! ;)

I tried ... but my delicate little nose didn't have the power to clear my sleeve. I'd end up with snot all over my shoulder. Going under the arm gives me a clear shot at the ground. It's made a world of difference ... the shoulders of my jackets are clean!! :)

The one thing with the under-arm shot ... you've just got to make sure to lean far enough over to clear your hip.

The one thing with the under-arm shot ... you've just got to make sure to lean far enough over to clear your hip.

and in some cases, your panniers :eek:

Snot rockets. Just make sure your balaclava is clear first. :(
:roflmao:

After years of practice I can consistently not hit myself. I just recently got a balaclava - I'm very glad I read this post before I rode with it on.

Snot rockets. :D

Ditto!

This is the greatest thread ever. :D

Even a small person can get adequate power for a strong expulsion of snot. Be sure to breath deep to the waist area, you should feel as though your stomach is expanding clear around to your lower back. That will be sure to flatten your diaphragm. Once that air is deep in your body, let her rip!

Or let him rip if you're gender sensitive. :D

Learn to master the quick "Head turn Balaclava pull-down snot rocket release balaclava repeat on other side" Try to do it in one nice, smooth motion.

+1 snot rockets - -try to hit an SUV <- just kidding

make sure your face is clean when you get to work, you don't wanna look like the guys from dumb and dumber when they arrive in Aspen

+1 snot rockets - -try to hit an SUV <- just kidding



I actually did that once. Oops.

The key is to snot rocket AWAY from the arm that is still on your bars. Took me while to firgure that one out. I'm so fond of the snot rocket that I'm liable to do it anywhere. My wife, needless to say, does not approve.

I need a snot rocket tutorial ...any how to videos out there? I'm always sliming myself :(

The key to a good snot rocket (good meaning that it doesn't end up on you) is to wait until your nostril is full or almost full. Otherwise most of the air being expelled just bypasses the snot and you don't get up enough pressure to propell it away from your body.

I need a snot rocket tutorial ...any how to videos out there? I'm always sliming myself :(

I gave step by step instructions earlier in this thread. :)

I gave step by step instructions earlier in this thread. :)

ah, so you did. I'll have to print that out and practice.

Remember, the Rhinovirus only lives at sub-core temperature (approx. 30 degrees C), so you have a greater chance of getting sick if you touch your nose (mucous) or eyes (epithelial) while they are sub-core body temperature, ie, when you are out in the cold. Be sure your gloves are rhinovirus free before using them as a 'snot-rag.'

Remember, the Rhinovirus only lives at sub-core temperature (approx. 30 degrees C), so you have a greater chance of getting sick if you touch your nose (mucous) or eyes (epithelial) while they are sub-core body temperature, ie, when you are out in the cold. Be sure your gloves are rhinovirus free before using them as a 'snot-rag.'

Ummmm ... 30 degrees C is HOT! It's approx. 86 degrees F.

Sub-freezing temps usually kill viruses and bacteria.

Ummmm ... 30 degrees C is HOT! It's approx. 86 degrees F.

Sub-freezing temps usually kill viruses and bacteria.

he must mean sub body core temps ... and it is nonsense.

How not to launch a snot rocket...

http://alan.blogdns.net/sv/misc/DSCN3893.jpg

Notice the goggles. :eek: My wife took a picture of me after my ride home from spinning class last Saturday, -13F btw. Well, I took my gear off and, ewwwwww!!!

I get a runny nose and runny eyes anytime I cycle below about 20 f. The nose isn't a problem per se, but all that moisture ironically seems to lead to split skin on the inside of my nose. It's almost as if the snot is freezing in the nose and the ice crystals are tearing the sensitive skin inside. Damned painful, and I don't know a cure.

he must mean sub body core temps ... and it is nonsense. What I said I meant. Actually EGreen, if you do the research, you will find what I said is correct. This is why the Rhinovirus is most prevalent during the winter 1- because the temp. in the nasal cavity (mucous membranes) and eyeballs (epithelial cells) is typically lower than 98.6 degrees F. The Rhinovirus lives/reproduces in mucous and epithelial cells; it cannot survive at 98.6 degrees F, and thrives optimally at 86 degrees F (thus my mention of 30 degrees C). Additionally, when out in the cold, one's nose tends to run more so one touches the nose more frequently, therefore increasing the chances of 1- implanting the Rhinovirus in ones nose and 2- spreading the Rhinovirus to someone else. This is also why one cannot catch the cold (Rhinovirus) through the mucous membranes in the anus and vagina, because they are too warm and are typically not subjected to the cold outdoor temperatures the eyes and nose experience. If they were, however, they would likely cool down to the temperature where catching a cold by touching oneself there would be possible. EGreen, you are entitled to your opinion, but in this case you are wrong.

Bump for those who have questions about runny noses this year. :)

See, this whole discussion ignores the intelligent designs of the human body...your mouth is there to be the receptacle for the runniness. If God had put your nose below your mouth, it would just run down your neck, and what a mess that would be.

Wanna hear my theory about why our butt crack is vertical?

Wearing glasses or goggles helps with the snot. Since your tear ducts drain into your nasal cavity.

Now... I have to say... I can't quote all of Machka's posts. It would take a loooong time, and I haven't figured out how to do more than one quote in a reply yet... But if THIS isn't the woman to marry, then I don't know who is.........

AND... sports blow!... one nostril at a time. I do it when it gets to where I can't suck it in and spit it. Either way it's bad... I prefer to blow it and not taste it. It's the cold, hard (especially when it's freakin cold) truth.

The only thing that sucks is when you have on a balaclava AND a bird beak mask, and can't sports blow without a major undressing that you really don't want to do because it is THAT cold. :D

And sorry d3fold.. that does not help when it is cold or you have a cold when it's cold. I snot either way. Maybe I am just snotty. You would have to ask my wife :D.

Never shake hands with a winter cyclist.

;)

Never shake hands with a winter cyclist.

;)


Unless wearing your own gloves....

I am getting to the point where I don't care if I clear everything when I rocket the snot. I am usually so filthy at the end of my ride through the slush, muck, and salty snow runoff that nobody can tell whether or not there is a little snot on me. Besides, I wash my cycling clothes after every use anyway.

This has been a snowy winter here in the Salt Lake area. I want to ride more but I have this innate fear of snow plows!

I get a runny nose and runny eyes anytime I cycle below about 20 f. The nose isn't a problem per se, but all that moisture ironically seems to lead to split skin on the inside of my nose. It's almost as if the snot is freezing in the nose and the ice crystals are tearing the sensitive skin inside. Damned painful, and I don't know a cure.

lube your nostrils with vaseline or liposan before a cold ride and no problem with snotty nose+cover nose with band or balaclava for even better results (reduse snot by 90%)

Grow a thick moustache. Absorbs lots of snot and looks cool all frozen, real hard core.

See, this whole discussion ignores the intelligent designs of the human body...your mouth is there to be the receptacle for the runniness. If God had put your nose below your mouth, it would just run down your neck, and what a mess that would be.

Wanna hear my theory about why our butt crack is vertical?

Why is our BC vertical?

'Cuz if your butt crack were horizontal, when you slid down the staircase on your butt, it would make a sound like (imagine humming while you move your finger up and down real fast between your lips-you know, like one would do to convey total stupidity).

Sorry you asked?

Grow a thick moustache. Absorbs lots of snot and looks cool all frozen, real hard core.

+1.

Once it's formed a snot-cicle, I can easily break it off and throw it away.