Mountain Biking - Small bugs and flys

I ride about 14-18 miles a day normally along canals but do I have a problem with small bugs. I must swallow about 8-10 on an average ride so I am thinking in investing in a pollution mask was just wondering how they affect your breathing or if anyone knows any other solutions to this problem

Breath through your nose ?

Unfortuanly I have very bad Sinuses so this is not an option :( just can’t get the air I need that way.

Get a mask then...I have seen one girl awhile back who would ride with her head covered in black cloth, only the eyes would be visible...

Dress like a ninja when you ride. Added benefit is pedestrians will get of your way fast!

Don't buy a catana though - it's overkill.

I duno could be useful if i run into a pole fishing competition

I've had to wear those basic masks (the white fiber ones) for quite a bit of work around sawdust and they get sweaty and hot really fast. You can breathe OK, not like it's unrestricted, but OK. I ride along a river sometimes and have the same problem, but I just figure the little guys are like snacks that kind of itch.

I ride about 14-18 miles a day normally along canals but do I have a problem with small bugs. I must swallow about 8-10 on an average ride so I am thinking in investing in a pollution mask was just wondering how they affect your breathing or if anyone knows any other solutions to this problem

What you are riding through are probably midges (especially near water) most likely chironomids (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chironomidae). They hatch almost all year long but spring is usually a time for heavier hatches. They aren't poisonous or anything but they are annoying to swallow. They do form rather dense swarms (look here (http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef632.asp)) which you can see if you watch for them. The swarms are actually mating dances and the movement of the cloud is rather complex. The clouds usually form downwind of an obstruction like a tree or bush and are rather compact. The best way to deal with them is to watch carefully and close your mouth when you hit a cloud. You'll be through the cloud in less than a second...usually. The other thing to watch for is impact on your arms. If you see, or feel, them hitting your arms, close your mouth. I also find that when I hit a cloud of them (watching my arms) if I lower my head, I can keep them out of my mouth. You still swallow one occasionally but at least you don't feel like a whale feeding on krill;)

I sweat a lot so after a long ride any exposed skin is peppered with those buggers. I'd rather eat those than wasps or mosquitos though.

Dress like a ninja when you ride. Added benefit is pedestrians will get of your way fast!

Go one better.

Wear one of these and shout praises to Allah on your ride.

http://lexicorient.com/e.o/ill/tuareg.jpg

People will move, and possibly shoot you.

^^^He needs eye protection.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g274/talle1000/untitled.jpg

I sweat a lot so after a long ride any exposed skin is peppered with those buggers. I'd rather eat those than wasps or mosquitos though.

Ditto, although I really take perverse joy in the sound of dense clouds reflecting off my handlebars and helmet...

Can anyone say "CICADA"?

just get a full face helmet.

I rarely swallow any but I get a lot of them in my eyes. It drives me crazy trying to wash them out.

I use "titty cups" they work fine & i usually carry a few extras.

Can anyone say "CICADA"?

Ow! Although grasshoppers are just as bad. And little frogs. Tons of little frogs. And they make a really sick crunchy sound when you roll over them. I hate running over little frogs:(

Are you talking about those little flies that fly arund in a circle with like 200 others?