Northern California - Sacramento, are you still riding in this smoke?

even after everyone told me not to ride yesterday, I suited up
because the wind and temp was so perfect.
but as soon as I went out the door .. and could SEE the air
20 feet in front of me, I didn't.

Are you still riding in the Sacramento area, or are you gonna wait it out?

I ride. I just ride earlier, literally at the crack of dawn, before the morning car smog adds to the firestorm smoke.

I rode yesterday afternoon. Up to Folsom and back. Stopped in at the bike shop too.

When I got home I realized I was having trouble with deep breaths. I think when I ride tomorrow I'll head west instead of east.

I did 25 this morning before work. Didn't push it too hard, just to get the legs turning. I think I may go to the gym and swim laps or run the treadmill if the air quality is this poor again tomorrow.

If you go west and you need an emergency espresso, there's a Bella Bru in the Five Points Center at the corner of Arden and Fair Oaks Blvd.

No riding for me in this :(

I rode to/from work yesterday and will race tomorrow at Prarie City. Today I had errands to do at lunch so I had to drive in. Otherwise I would have ridden today too. When I see the ashes in the air I will hang the bike up.

Rode last night but hit the asthma inhaler at my turnaround point. I'm not riding today for sure-it's worse than yesterday, hope to get some miles in tomorrow night.

From what the KCRA 3 weather folks said yesterday, it's better to go in the afternoon/evening as the air movement is best then. I don't see air movement helping today though-it's nasty.

Sacramento Regional Air Quality Forecast
Today and Tomorrow:
Tuesday, Jun 24: 187 AQI Unhealthy (Ozone)
Wednesday, Jun 25: 161 AQI Unhealthy (Ozone)

Yesterday's regional maximum:
Monday, Jun 23: 210 AQI Very Unhealthy (Ozone)

Extended Forecast:
Thursday, Jun 26: Unhealthy (Ozone)
Friday, Jun 27: Unhealthy (Ozone)
Saturday, Jun 28: Unhealthy (Ozone)
Sunday, Jun 29: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Ozone)

I just got this in my inbox.

I put the Vector Comp on the rear and rode about 20 miles in my living room last night. I will be doing this until further notice.

Smart. I just emailed my buddy and we're cancelling the early morning rides for the week.

I put the Vector Comp on the rear and rode about 20 miles in my living room last night. I will be doing this until further notice.

So boring :( I need another wheel for trainer use.

I put the Vector Comp on the rear and rode about 20 miles in my living room last night. I will be doing this until further notice.

yeah, that's what I did too,

didn't figure I'd be in putting in trainer time in june when its in the 80's outside.

It's not just Sacramento. It's nasty all over the place.

I'm still riding, though. It's not that big of a deal. The air smelled like a barbecue and a campfire on the ride home yesterday evening. It was more of a tire fire smell this morning.

When you can actually see the air you are breathing, I think that is never a good thing. Good excuse to go swimming. Paddle around in the pool and wait for the air to clear.

It's not just Sacramento. It's nasty all over the place.

I'm still riding, though. It's not that big of a deal. The air smelled like a barbecue and a campfire on the ride home yesterday evening. It was more of a tire fire smell this morning.

Funny. Last night my daughter came out of the house and said "Oh, yummy! Someone is cooking dinner outside!"

We had the same problem in San Diego last october. Carpool with your friends upwind of the fire, then ride

Heck, I rode in it, and we're right near the Wild Fire. Just proves I don't have a lick of sense. Or I hate riding on the trainer. Probably both.

I rode into work (about 15 miles from Five Points to downtown) this morning and while you could smell the smoke in the air, I felt OK when I arrived at the office. Air quality was quite a bit worse on the way home so I took it reeeeeal easy (unlike the pack of a dozen or so racers who passed me in a double paceline on the American River Bike Trail). My lungs still aren't stingin', so I'll probably tempt fate again tomorrow...

We had the same problem in San Diego last october. Carpool with your friends upwind of the fire, then ride

My bike doesn't work so well in the Pacific :crash:

JB

I didn't ride yesterday, not only because the air is so thick with particulate, but also because my eyes burn like crazy as well. This morning I'll go out for a while, toward the hills; hope I can manage a Winters loop without too much discomfort. I have exercise-induced asthma (haven't had an incident in 6 yrs., knock on wood) and don't want to aggravate it. However, I can't stand riding in this otherwise-fabulous weather, and simply must get outside.

I rode about 45 minutes a little while ago. I'm wearing one of my Home Depot painter's masks to keep the particulate matter out as much as I can. The air doesn't seem to be as bad as yesterday's. I'm not having any trouble breathing. I plan to go back out again.

I didn't ride yesterday, not only because the air is so thick with particulate, but also because my eyes burn like crazy as well. This morning I'll go out for a while, toward the hills; hope I can manage a Winters loop without too much discomfort. I have exercise-induced asthma (haven't had an incident in 6 yrs., knock on wood) and don't want to aggravate it. However, I can't stand riding in this otherwise-fabulous weather, and simply must get outside.

I did a reverse Lake Loop ,62 miles this morning. The smoke was bearable, but over in Gordon Valley the smoke was just coming over the top of the hills as it warmed up. I'm glad I was rolling by 6:30AM.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c399/WillworkforWag/100_0173.jpg

I rode about 45 minutes a little while ago. I'm wearing one of my Home Depot painter's masks to keep the particulate matter out as much as I can. The air doesn't seem to be as bad as yesterday's. I'm not having any trouble breathing. I plan to go back out again.

This afternoon (5:00-ish) it looked, smelled, tasted & felt, a bit worse than yesterday. But a bike commuter's gotta do what a bike commuter's gotta do... maybe a trip to Home Depot is in my future too.

I'm going to go for a ride tomorrow, around 9 or 10 am most likely.

Looks like the air around here is clearing up. If anyone would like to join me for a ride on the AM River Trail tomorrow (Thursday), please let me know. Time is pretty flexible. Probably do between 28 and 30 miles.

Yes, but slowly. I have to breath it anyway. Why not ride slowly if you have some critical errand to do?

This afternoon (5:00-ish) it looked, smelled, tasted & felt, a bit worse than yesterday. But a bike commuter's gotta do what a bike commuter's gotta do... maybe a trip to Home Depot is in my future too.

This morning's ride was good. This evening's, not so much. The smoke rolled in, so I did 21 flat miles to try and stay out of the thicker smoke. Boy, did the air stink. Before it smelled like a campfire, now it smells awful.:notamused:

Proof I am an idiot:

Air quality in Bay Area unhealthy due to smoke from wildfires
SAN FRANCISCO – The Bay Area Air Quality Management District in consultation with
Solano County Health Officer Ron Chapman, M.D.,M.P.H., is issuing a health advisory to
residents in the Bay Area due to unhealthy air quality from Northern California wildfires.
Air quality throughout much of Solano, Contra Costa, Alameda, Sonoma and Marin
Counties is forecast to reach unhealthy levels today and tomorrow. The Air District has
recorded elevated levels of particulate matter throughout the Bay Area, but especially in the
northern and eastern parts of the region, and is advising the public to limit their exposure to
the smoky air.
“The wildfire smoke is definitely impacting local air quality,” said Air District Communications
Director Lisa Fasano. “We are recommending that the public limit their outdoor activities
and pay attention to local weather forecasts to monitor conditions.”

damn i left my trainer 60 miles away...

i need to get some intervals in sometime soon but it doesnt look good. just hope everyone else ill be racing 4th of july wont be training either...

I'm wearing one of my Home Depot painter's masks to keep the particulate matter out as much as I can.
this sounds like a good idea. is there a particular mask or would any mask do? (goes to show how familiar i am w/ painter's masks... and home depot stock.)

i've previously resorted to wearing a moist bandana over my nose and mouth (bandit! or ANSWER punk...), but went without anything today. after some phlegm-laden coughing this afternoon after riding, it would be a good idea to try to filter out some of that PM.

This morning's ride was good. This evening's, not so much. The smoke rolled in, so I did 21 flat miles to try and stay out of the thicker smoke. Boy, did the air stink. Before it smelled like a campfire, now it smells awful.:notamused:

Proof I am an idiot:

Air quality in Bay Area unhealthy due to smoke from wildfires
SAN FRANCISCO – The Bay Area Air Quality Management District in consultation with
Solano County Health Officer Ron Chapman, M.D.,M.P.H., is issuing a health advisory to
residents in the Bay Area due to unhealthy air quality from Northern California wildfires.
Air quality throughout much of Solano, Contra Costa, Alameda, Sonoma and Marin
Counties is forecast to reach unhealthy levels today and tomorrow. The Air District has
recorded elevated levels of particulate matter throughout the Bay Area, but especially in the
northern and eastern parts of the region, and is advising the public to limit their exposure to
the smoky air.
“The wildfire smoke is definitely impacting local air quality,” said Air District Communications
Director Lisa Fasano. “We are recommending that the public limit their outdoor activities
and pay attention to local weather forecasts to monitor conditions.”

This really sucks. Last week it was too hot and now we can't breathe.

Proof I am an idiot

Yeah, me too. I had an xc race last night. Told myself no commute for Thursday.... but I couldn't resist.

Anyone want to inform me of the potential consequences? I could barely see the sun through the haze this morning.... :(

I did 40 minutes of intervals on the trainer this morning in the garage. Now I remember why I hate my trainer so much.

It's not just Sacramento. It's nasty all over the place.

I had to drive to Mendocino yesterday for work. There was smoke up until the ridges just west of Willetts on Highway 20, then it was beautiful.

Ukiah & Willetts were worse than the central valley when I went through-couldn't see Mount Konocti at Clear Lake...

Just got this in my email:


Smoke-Related Health Statement


(Sacramento, CA) - The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District and Sacramento County Public Health Division are advising residents to take precautions and avoid voluntary outdoor activities as smoke from wildfires continues to remain at ground level in the Sacramento region.

"We're advising schools, recreation districts and other organizations that operate outdoor sports programs to voluntarily cancel or postpone practices, games and recreational activities anytime particle air pollution levels reach "Unhealthy" on the Air Quality Index," said Glennah Trochet M.D., Sacramento County Health Officer.

Air quality forecasts and real-time air quality levels can be viewed at www.SpareTheAir.com.


Hundreds of fires continue to burn in Northern and Central California. Weather and air quality forecasters expect continued high pressure and light winds through the weekend, which will cause the smoke to remain in many areas.


Individuals who see or smell smoke should take the following actions to protect their health:


* Avoid voluntary outdoor activities if you can see or smell smoke, even if you're healthy
* Children, the elderly and people with respiratory or heart conditions should be particularly careful to avoid exposure
* Stay indoors with doors and windows closed as much as possible
* Asthmatics should follow their asthma management plan
* Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms you believe to be caused by smoke
* Those with heart disease should especially limit their smoke exposure since PM can cause heart attacks


The very small particles in smoke can irritate the lungs of even healthy people, but are especially dangerous for seniors, children and those with lung and heart disease.

I did 40 minutes of intervals on the trainer this morning in the garage. Now I remember why I hate my trainer so much.

Yeah, 40 minutes on a trainer feels like 2+ hours. I'm with you.

Are kidding, 20 minutes feel like forever! I rode the trainer some yesterday. Remembered why I haven't ridden on it in years. Went for a 17 mile ride this morning instead.

The air looks ugly—more smoky than it smells. No question it's bad for the lungs. We shouldn't be in it. I only went 10 miles.

It's not just Sacramento. It's nasty all over the place.

I'm still riding, though. It's not that big of a deal. The air smelled like a barbecue and a campfire on the ride home yesterday evening. It was more of a tire fire smell this morning.

I've been riding in it. Its not really that big of a deal. Yes, there's a light layer of soot on my frame after a ride, but I think people are over-reacting. Its STILL not as bad as the smog in LA in the 1970s and people lived through that every day.

I haven't ridden since it all started. Hopefully next week I can get back on the bike.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihlTdprr80k

Video from the Sac. Co. Dept. of Public Health.

I strapped on my painter's mask and rode 24 miles. I think some of that smoke must be coming from Humboldt County, because I recall coasting nearly all the way in both directions.

I LOL'ed.

Maybe that's why I've been craving Doritos all day.

I wasn't planning to ride 24, but about an hour into it I had to go look for some Mallomars and I got lost.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihlTdprr80k

Video from the Sac. Co. Dept. of Public Health.

"dust masks are worthless against this particulate"

Flew back in to Sac this afternoon from Southern Cal. The smoke is incredibly thick from mid-state to all points north. We were cruising at 30K ft and the smoke was still above us. As we approached Sacramento I could barely make out any details on the ground until just before final approach. Yeccch.

The pollution forecast for Sacramento is "unhealthy", but possibly improving on Sunday.
http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.showlocal&CityID=219

Today and tomorrow, high pollutant and smoke carryover, limited vertical mixing, light winds, and smoke being transported into Sacramento from several wildfires will cause ozone and particle levels to be Unhealthy on both days. In addition, localized areas in the foothills may reach Very Unhealthy particle levels. Sunday, a low pressure system off the coast will lead to a stronger delta breeze, resulting in improved air quality in the western portion of the valley. However, smoke and pollutant carryover will be high and smoke will continue being transported into the region. In addition, winds will be lighter in the eastern portion of the valley and in the foothills. Therefore, AQI levels will remain Unhealthy.

Active children and adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma, should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. Everyone else, especially children, should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.

OK, DiabloScott, you convinced me. I'm staying out of the smoke. FYI, people can go online to the site johnny99 mentioned, www.airnow.gov (http://www.airnow.gov), and find up-to-date info on air quality around the country. There are several places in NorCal with no worse than moderate air quality today, so if you must ride you should strap your bike onto your car and go to one of these spots.

Update 1:41PM: accg to www.sparetheair.com (http://www.sparetheair.com), as of 1PM the air-quality re particulate matter (PM) in the Sac region was well within the "moderate" range. Some places were worse than others. Roseville had a PM AQI reading of 84; Sac at T St was 61.

I bailed on the River Ride this morning and did the trainer thing again. Just checked the Spare the Air website and saw that it was actually "moderate" this morning. Oh well. Better safe than sorry.

If it continues to improve, I think I'll sneak out of the house tomorrow first thing to put in some actual road miles.

I'm with you, caloso. I'll double-check the AQI online in the morning, but if we're in the "moderate" range I'll ride tomorrow.

A few of us crazies did our Mon, Wed, Fri morning club rides out of 5 Points. We took it real easy. Most stayed home, out of the smoke. It looks a lot better today. I lived a long time in LA smog & I think it builds an immunity. Although, I'm old enough to remember LA before smog. Blue skies everyday & Mt Wilson always in view.